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twining screwstem

Scientific Name: Bartonia paniculata

Family: Gentianaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Biennial

Other Names: IL (screwstem), ME (screwstem), MI (panicled screw

       

Twining Screwstem (Bartonia paniculata)

Bartonia paniculata, commonly known as twining screwstem, is an inconspicuous annual or biennial plant.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant sometimes grows in a twining or scrambling manner.
  • It's a vine or forb/herb.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Bartonia paniculata (Michx.) Muhl.
  • Common Names: Twining screwstem, branched bartonia, panicled screwstem
  • Family: Gentianaceae
  • Rank: Species. Subspecies are also recognized.
  • Subspecies:
    • Bartonia paniculata ssp. paniculata
    • Bartonia paniculata ssp. iodandra (B.L. Rob.)
  • Synonyms/Alternative Names:
    • Branched bartonia
    • Panicled screwstem
    • Purplish bartonia (for B. paniculata subsp. iodandra)
    • Purplish screwstem (for B. paniculata subsp. iodandra)

Distribution and Habitat

  • An obligate wetland species.
  • Found in New England and other parts of the US, including Wisconsin, Maryland, Alabama, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Jackson Co., Wisconsin and Worcester County, Maryland.

Ecological Role

  • Twining screwstem is probably a saprophytic mycotroph, meaning it gets most of its nutrients from decaying organic matter with the help of fungi.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Growth habit: Vine, Forb/herb
  • Plant type: Annual or Biennial
  • Flower Color: White
  • Shoots are often twisted, even twining.

Further Information

  • Endangered Resources Program
  • Discover Life
  • ResearchGate
  • United States Department of Agriculture
  • NYNHP Conservation Guide