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Clammy-weed

Polanisia dodecandra (L.) DC. subsp. trachysperma (T. & G.) Iltis

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Clammy-weed
Clammy-weed fruit
Clammy-weed leaves
Clammy-weed flowers
Clammy-weed
Clammy-weed
Clammy-weed flowers
Clammy-weed fruit
Clammy-weed fruit
Clammy-weed
Clammy-weed
Clammy-weed habit

Morphology

Stem
Erect, usually single, much-branched, sticky-hairy.
Leaves
Alternate, stalked, palmately 3-foliolate; leaflets oblanceolate, .75 to 1.75 inch long, .25 to .75 wide, sticky-hairy; margins entire; upper leaves reduced.
Inflorescence
Racemes, short, terminal.
Flower
To .5 inch long, long-stalked; sepals 4, lanceolate, purplish; petals 4, obovate to spatulate, 1/3 to 2/3 inch long, white or sometimes purple-tinged; tips usually notched; stamens 10-20, filaments thread-like, .5 to 1.25 inch long, pink to purplish, projecting well past petals.
Fruit
Capsules, cylindric, 1 to 3 inches long; seeds many, reddish brown.

Ecology

Habitat
Bluffs, disturbed sites, waste areas, stream banks, and roadsides, on sandy or rocky soils.
Distribution
Throughout Kansas.

Additional Notes

Comments

The name clammy-weed alludes to the glandular, sticky hairs that cover the plant. Touching the foliage gives the fingers a "clammy" feeling. Clammy-weed has a strong unpleasant odor.

Quick Facts
Plant Type
Wildflower
Family
Capparaceae - Caper Family
Life Span
Annual
Height
8-32 inches
Last Updated
2018-02-24
Color Groups
White, Green & Greenish White Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blooms: June, July, August, September