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yellow screwstem

Scientific Name: Bartonia virginica

Family: Gentianaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names: KY (yellow screwstem), MN (Virginia bartonia)

       

Yellow Screwstem (Bartonia virginica)

Yellow screwstem, scientifically known as Bartonia virginica, is a fascinating plant found in wetland environments. This page provides information on its taxonomy, distribution, and other interesting facts.

Common Names

  • Yellow screwstem
  • Yellow bartonia
  • Virginia Bartonia
  • Yellow Screw-stem

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Bartonia virginica (L.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.
  • Family: Gentianaceae (Gentian family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms: References suggest consulting the Flora of Virginia for potential synonyms.
  • Related Species: Bartonia paniculata (branched bartonia, twining screwstem, panicled screwstem), Bartonia texana (Texas screwstem), Bartonia verna
  • Subspecies: Bartonia paniculata subsp. paniculata

Distribution and Habitat

  • Primarily found in terrestrial wetlands.
  • Specifically mentioned as occurring in New England states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
  • Also noted in Maryland and Illinois.
  • Endemic to Texas (Bartonia texana).
  • Prefers damp soils in woodland.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Described as a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
  • Flowers are greenish-white and approximately 1/8 inch in size.
  • The stem is described as being "smo cm".

Ecological Role

  • Listed as a rare plant in some wetland environments.
  • Cited as being hemi-parasitic or parasitic.

Historical Context

  • First collected in 1979 west of Palm City in Martin County.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The plant is associated with the Yellow-necked Bee Hunter (Laphria flavicollis) and the Black-and-Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia).

Further Information

  • Discover Life: Provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Bartonia virginica.
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Focuses on protecting and preserving North America's native plants.
  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database: Offers information and illustrations of the plant.
  • Brooklyn Botanic Garden New York Metropolitan Flora Project (NYMF): Provides photo documentation.