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Root-stock bloodleaf

Also known as: Juda's bush

Iresine rhizomatosa Small

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Root-stock bloodleaf inflorescence
Root-stock bloodleaf
Root-stock bloodleaf
Root-stock bloodleaf leaf
Root-stock bloodleaf

Morphology

Stem
Erect, simple or branched above, glabrous or villous.
Leaves
Cauline, opposite, petiolate; blade lanceolate to ovate or nearly round, 2.4 to 4.7 inches long, .8 to 2.8 inches wide, base attenuate, margins entire, apex acute to attenuate, without spine-like bristle at tip, surfaces sparsely pubescent.
Inflorescence
Terminal and axillary panicles, pyramidal, 2.8 to 12 inches; bracts 3, membranous, without spine-like bristle at tip.
Flower
Unisexual; tepals 5, connate basally, white, ovate, 1/25 to 1/20 inch, lanate, apex acute to acuminate; petals 0; stamens 5, connate basally; style 1; stigmas 2-3.
Fruit
Utricles, ovoid, 1/20 to 1/16 inch; seeds reddish brown, nearly round, biconvex.

Ecology

Habitat
Floodplain forests, moist depressions along rivers and streams
Distribution
Southeast quarter of Kansas

Additional Notes

Comments

Dioecious herb from rhizomes. Iresine, wreath or staff entwined with strips of wool, alluding to the hairs of the flowers and rhizomatosa, with rhizomes.

Quick Facts
Plant Type
Wildflower
Family
Amaranthaceae - Amaranth Family
Life Span
Perennial
Height
1-5 feet
Origin
Native
Last Updated
2014-04-16
Color Groups
White, Green & Greenish White Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blooms: August, September, October