Modiola caroliniana Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Modiola caroliniana (L.) G. Don

Modiola caroliniana plant

FamilyMalvaceae

Stems:

Modiola caroliniana stipulesStem and stipules.

Leaves:

Modiola caroliniana leaves

Inflorescence:

N/A

Flowers:

Modiola caroliniana calyx

Modiola caroliniana flower

Modiola caroliniana fruitFruit.

Flowering – March – June, sometimes later.

Habitat – Low ground, lawns, fields, disturbed sites, roadsides.

Origin – Native to southeastern U.S. and tropical America.

Other information – This showy but weedy little species can be found scattered throughout Alabama. The plant is easy to identify becasue of its creeping stems, divided leaves, and orange-red flowers. The flowers are typical of the Malvaceae and resemble a miniature Hibiscus.
The genus name Modiola derives from the Latin “modiol(us)” meaning “a measure, a bucket on a water wheel, the nave of a wheel” for the fruits of the plant.
The species epithet means “of Carolina.”

Alabama Distribution:

Modiola caroliniana map

Photographs taken off Lee Rd 54, Lee County, AL., 4-15-05 and 5-11-05.