Eriogonum tomentosum Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Family – Polygonaceae

Stems:

Leaves:

Whorl of cauline leaves.

Abaxial leaf surface.

Inflorescence:

N/A

Flowers:

Flower, side view.

Flowering – July – September.

Habitat – Sandhills, savannahs.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This showy species can be found in the most southern Alabama counties. The plant grows on dry, sandy soil and is easy to identify becasue of its tomentose abaxial leaf surfaces and whorled cauline leaves. The basal leaves of the plant are spatulate and are typically wilted at anthesis.
The genus name Eriogonum derives from the Greek “erio” meaning “wool” and “gono” meaning “the knee” referring to the hairiness of the plant and the swollen nodes of many of the species.
The species epithet tomentosum derives from the Latin “toment(os)(um)” meaning “dense hair” referring, again, to the hairiness of the plant.

Alabama Distribution:

Photographs taken at Fort Benning, GA., 8-11-05.