(Photos: 6/14/09 by Marvin)
Pencilflower (Stylosanthes biflora)
Other common name: Sidebeak Pencilflower
Status: Native perennial herb.
Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Range: Most of the eastern United States.
Habitat: Rocky open woods, glades, prairies, usually on acid substrates.
Flowering: May - September.
Comments: The "pencil" and "stylos" (stylus) in the vernacular and scientific names both refer to the hollow receptacle that surrounds the pistil.
Although this wildflower is fairly common in the easter U. S., it is often overlooked because the plant is low-growing and the flowers are tiny.
Status: Native perennial herb.
Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Range: Most of the eastern United States.
Habitat: Rocky open woods, glades, prairies, usually on acid substrates.
Flowering: May - September.
Comments: The "pencil" and "stylos" (stylus) in the vernacular and scientific names both refer to the hollow receptacle that surrounds the pistil.Although this wildflower is fairly common in the easter U. S., it is often overlooked because the plant is low-growing and the flowers are tiny.
Sources and additional information/images:
Kansas Wildflowers & Grasses
Missouri Plants
USDA Plant Profile and Distribution Map
2bn Thye Wild
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
.
