Cuphea viscosissima | |
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Scientific classification
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Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Myrtales |
Family: | Lythraceae |
Genus: | Cuphea |
Species: | C. viscosissima
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Binomial name | |
Cuphea viscosissima | |
Synonyms [1] [2] | |
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Cuphea viscosissima, also known as blue waxweed, [3] [4] clammy cuphea or (ambiguously) as " tarweed", [1] [5] is an herbaceous plant in the loosestrife family. It native to the eastern United States, [6] where it is most often found in open, rocky calcareous areas. [7] [8] It is the most common and widespread Cuphea in the U.S. [9]
This species is notable for its sticky stems. It produces a purple-red flower in late summer. [10] Flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. [8]
This species is morphological similar to Cuphea lanceolata, which is found in Mexico. It can be distinguished from Cuphea lanceolata by its smaller flower. [9]