SafePlants

Blodgett's Silverbush (Argythamnia blodgettii)

Argythamnia blodgettii, commonly known as Blodgett's Silverbush or Blodgett's Wild Mercury, is a forb/herb found in specific habitats.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• This plant is an herb with small flowers.
• The plant contains hairs.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Argythamnia blodgettii (Torr.) Chapm.
• Common Names: Blodgett's Silverbush, Blodgett's Wild Mercury
• Genus: Argythamnia
• Family: Euphorbiaceae (spurge family)
• Synonyms: Ditaxis argothamnoides (though this is also used for *Argythamnia argothamnoides*)

Distribution and Habitat

• Blodgett's Silverbush is found in southern Florida, specifically in pine rocklands, rockland hammocks, and coastal berm habitats.
• It prefers sunny edges and gaps in these environments.

Ecological Role

• This plant is listed as a threatened species.
• It faces habitat loss due to urbanization.
• There are concerns about it being displaced by invasive species such as Ardisia escallanoides (marlberry).

Morphological Characteristics

• Blodgett's Silverbush is a forb/herb (non-woody plant).
• It can grow up to 60 cm tall.
• The plant has hairs shaped like a "T", with two arms.
• Leaves are alternate and up to 4 cm long.

Related Species

• Other Argythamnia species include:
  • Argythamnia aphoroides (Hill Country Silverbush)
  • Argythamnia argyraea (Silky Silverbush)
  • Argythamnia brandegeei (Sonoran Silverbush)
  • Argythamnia californica (California Silverbush)
  • Argythamnia lanceolata (Narrowleaf Silverbush)

Further Information

• BISON Web Link: http://bison.usgs.ornl.gov/api/scientificName/Argythamnia%20blodgettii
• ITIS Web Link