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blue waxweed

Scientific Name: Cuphea viscosissima

Family: Lythraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names: CT (blue wasweed)

       

Cuphea viscosissima: Blue Waxweed

Cuphea viscosissima, commonly known as Blue Waxweed, is a captivating plant with a range of intriguing characteristics. This page provides a comprehensive overview of its taxonomy, distribution, and other notable features.

Common Names

  • Blue Waxweed
  • Clammy Cuphea
  • Tarweed (Note: This name can be ambiguous)
  • Flux weed
  • Fluxweed

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cuphea viscosissima Jacq.
  • Family: Lythraceae (Loosestrife Family)
  • Synonyms: Cuphea petiolata (mentioned as a synonym of Cuphea viscosissima)
  • Kingdom: Classification details found with specimens listed as not being from Idaho.

Considerations for Pets

This plant has "sticky hairs throughout". Take this into consideration for pets that may ingest the plant or come into contact with the sap.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the eastern United States.
  • Also found in North America.
  • Infrequently encountered in North Carolina.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Herbaceous annual, growing up to 0.5 meters (1 ft 8 in) in height.
  • Erect stems, often purplish-red, with much-branched, ascending branches.
  • Stems covered with sticky hairs.
  • Flowers are purplish-pink with six unequal, irregular petals.
  • Flowers described as orchid-like and dark purple.

Ecological Role

  • Described as a wildflower.

Growing Conditions

  • Hardy to zone 7 (UK).
  • Flowers are hermaphrodite (possessing both male and female organs).
  • Blooms from early or midsummer into fall.

Quirky Facts

  • One source describes being able to identify the plant "by feel, too - sticky."

Further Resources

  • Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cuphea viscosissima.
  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society): Offers help and information on Cuphea viscosissima.
  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database: Contains images and information on Cuphea viscosissima.
  • ISM Herbarium: Distribution of Cuphea viscosissima specimens.
  • Dave's Garden: A community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
  • Wikimedia Commons: Features images of Cuphea viscosissima.