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creeping waxweed

Scientific Name: Cuphea procumbens

Family: Lythraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Creeping Waxweed (Cuphea procumbens)

Cuphea procumbens, commonly known as creeping waxweed, is a plant with interesting characteristics and a wide distribution.

Considerations for Pets

  • Creeping Waxweed is described as "sticky-hairy," which might make it attractive or bothersome to pets, especially those with long fur.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cuphea procumbens Ortega
  • Common Name: Creeping Waxweed
  • Family: Lythraceae
  • Synonyms:
    • Parsonsia procumbens (Ortega) A. Heller
    • Cuphea bilimekii Koehne (mentioned as a synonym for something else in the source text)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to southern Mexico and South America.
  • Occasionally found in North America, including Massachusetts in New England.
  • Prefers habitats such as fields, roadsides, stream banks, swampy areas, and bogs.

Morphological Characteristics

  • A sticky-hairy perennial herb, growing up to 28 inches tall.
  • Erect in the lower part with a bare stem.
  • Develops many ramifications towards the upper part of the plant.

Hybrids

  • C. x purpurea is a hybrid between bat-faced cuphea and creeping waxweed (C. procumbens).

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden is a community where people share tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
  • Go Botany: New England Wild Flower Society provides information on creeping waxweed.
  • Discover Life offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cuphea procumbens.
  • Garden Guides offers plant and identification information.