Plant Identification

Andropogon glomeratus (Walt.) Britton – Broomsedge, Bushy Bluestem Family – Poaceae Stems: Node. Leaves: Base of plant… …front view showing bulbous nature. Ligule. Inflorescence: Infructescence. Flowers: Fruit, close-up. Flowering – August – November. Habitat – Roadsides, fields, open woods, bogs, savannahs. Origin – Native to North America. Other information – This species can be found … Read more

Solidago curtisii T. & G. – Curtis’ Goldenrod Family – Asteraceae Stems: Lower stem. Upper stem. Leaves: Inflorescence: Involucre: N/A Ray flowers: Disk flowers: N/A Flowering – August – October. Habitat – Rich woodlands, road banks. Origin – Native to North America. Other information – This attractive species can be found in just a handful … Read more

Gratiola virginiana L. – Roundfruit Hedgehyssop Family – Scrophulariaceae Stems: Leaves: Inflorescence: N/A Flowers: Calyx. Fruit. Flowering – March – June. Habitat – Ponds, sloughs, ditches. Origin – Native to North America. Other information – This aquatic species can be found scattered throughout Alabama. The plant is easy to identify becasue of its habitat, opposite … Read more

Castilleja kraliana J. Allison – Kral’s Indian Paintbrush Family – Scrophulariaceae Stems: Leaves: N/A Inflorescence: N/A Flowers: Flowering – February – June. Habitat – Dolomite glades. Origin – Native to North America. Other information – This striking little species can be found in just one county in Alabama. The plant was only recently discovered in … Read more

Fatoua villosa (Thunb.) Nakai – Hairy Crabweed Family – Moraceae Stems: Leaves: Inflorescence: Flowers: Flowering – July – November. Habitat – Disturbed sites, lawns. Origin – Native to tropical Asia. Other information – This weedy species can be found scattered throughout much of Alabama and is probably more common than reported. The plant can be … Read more

Lilium michauxii Poir. – Carolina Lily Family – Liliaceae Stems: N/A Leaves: Inflorescence: N/A Flowers: Flowering – July – September. Habitat – Hammocks, upland woods, thickets, bogs. Origin – Native to North America. Other information – This attractive species can be found scattered throughout most of Alabama. The plant can be identified by its striking … Read more

Spermolepis echinata (Nutt. ex DC.) A. Heller – Bristly Scaleseed Family – Apiaceae Stems: N/A Leaves: Inflorescence: N/A Flowers: Fruits. Flowering – April – June. Habitat – Disturbed sites, waste places. Origin – Native to North America. Other information – This little weedy species can be found in southern Alabama. The plant can be identified … Read more

Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don – Madagascar Periwinkle Family – Apocynaceae Stems: Leaves: Inflorescence: N/A Flowers: Calyx. Fruits. Flowering – May – September. Habitat – Frequently cultivated and rarely escaped to old homesites and disturbed sites. Origin – Native to Madagascar. Other information – This attractive species species can be found cultivated throughout much of … Read more

Ipomoea coccinea L. – Red Morning Glory Family – Convolvulaceae Stems: Leaves: Inflorescence: N/A Flowers: Note the reflexed pedicels. Flowering – July – November. Habitat – Cultivated fields, roadsides, railroads, old fields, waste places, disturbed sites. Origin – Native to North America. Other information – This weedy but attractive species can be found scattered throughout … Read more