SafePlants

Baptisia lanceolata (Gopherweed)

Baptisia lanceolata, commonly known as gopherweed, is a small, long-lived, woody plant belonging to the pea family (Fabaceae).

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions Euphorbia lathyris as "gopherweed" and states it produces latex, but is distinct from Baptisia lanceolata. Latex production can cause irritation.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions Euphorbia lathyris as "gopherweed" and states it produces latex, but is distinct from Baptisia lanceolata. Latex production can cause irritation.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Baptisia lanceolata (Walter) Elliott
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Rank: Species
• Synonyms/Varieties:
  • Baptisia lanceolata var. elliptica (Small) B.L. Turner – Tomentose Gopherweed
  • Baptisia lanceolata (Walter) Elliot var. lanceolata
  • Baptisia lanceolata (Walter) Elliott var. tomentosa (Larisey) Isley - Tomentose Gopherweed

Common Names

• Gopherweed
• Tomentose Gopherweed (for Baptisia lanceolata var. elliptica)

Distribution and Habitat

• The plant is found in North America.
• Specific locations mentioned include Clear Creek Nature Trail, Santa Rosa County, FL.
• It is listed in Plantilla:Plantae Mundi/Lugares/Alabama and Plantilla:Plantae Mundi/Lugares/Florida.

Morphological Characteristics

• Gopherweed is a small, long-lived, woody plant.
• It is a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).

Ecological Role

• Mammalian herbivores nearly never attack gopherweed, Euphorbia lathyris.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Other sources mention Euphorbia lathyris planted to defense against moles, voles, and gophers.

Quirky Facts

• The text mentions discussions about gopherweed seeds being harvested and shared.

Further Information

• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
• Flickr Hive Mind (a data mining tool for the Flickr photography database): http://flickrhivemind.net/Tags/gopherweed
• United States Department of Agriculture