Family – Brassicaceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
Flowers:
Flowering – July – September.
Habitat – Sandhills, scrub.
Origin – Native to North America.
Other information – This attractive species is rare in Alabama and is only recorded from one county so far. The plant is uncommon to rare over the extent of its range but can be locally abundant when found.
W. cuneifolia is easy to identify because of its large, showy, pom-pom-like inflorescences of purple to pink flowers. When not in flower the plant is fairly non-distinct. The leaves of this species are on short but definite petioles and the leaf tips are typically blunt to emarginate.
The species epithet cuneifolia derives from the Latin “cune(i)” meaning “a wedge” and “foli(a)” meaning “a leaf” referring to the tapering leaf bases.
The genus name Warea is given in honor of Nathaniel A. Ware (178?-1854). Ware was born in Massachusetts but spent much of his time in the southeast. He studied and practiced law as well as the natural sciences. He also acquired a large fortune purchasing land.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken at Fort Benning, GA., 8-11-05.