Zornia bracteata Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Family – Fabaceae

Stems:

N/A

Leaves:

Inflorescence:

Flowers:

Developing fruit.

Flowering – May – October.

Habitat – Sandhills, flatwoods, sandy roadsides.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This neat species can be found in the southeastern corner of Alabama. The plant is found in dry, sandy soil. Z. bracteata is easy to identify becasue of its prostrate stems, palmately compound leaves, bracteate inflorescences, yellow flowers, and spiked fruits. The plant can form large mats if left untouched.
The genus name Zornia is given in honor of Johannes Zorn (1739-1799). Zorn was a German apothecary.
The species epithet bracteata derives from the Latin “bracte(a)” meaning “a thin metal plate” referring to the bracts of the inflorescence.

Alabama Distribution:

Photographs taken 7-23-05.