Polanisia dodecandra

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Polanisia dodecandra

Family: (Capparaceae)

(A) to 2′.  Red-whisker Clammyweed.  Central and eastern North America.  Resembling in flower its cousin, the familiar cottage garden favourite Cleome, this easy annual makes a great filler plant in areas with lean soil and full sun.  Sticky, moist glands cover the leaves and stems and explain its common name, Clammyweed.   The pinnately compound leaves are made up of three, one-inch leaflets. The flowers are borne in a cluster of about 20 atop the stem. The individual flowers are one inch long with four, white, heart-shaped petals.  The calyx is divided into four triangular sepals that are reddish purple.  The 8 to 12 strongly exerted stamens are reddish purple and rather unequal in length, like red whiskers.  At the base of each flower is a gland that secretes a conspicuous spot of bright red nectar.  Blooms in late June and early July, followed by slender, three-inch, upright, fuzzy, bean-like capsules filled with many small, dark seeds.  Self-sows.  4 & T3