NPWRC :: Midwestern Wetland Flora

Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center


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Carpetweed (Mollugo verticillata)

Family: Carpetweed (Molluginaceae)
Flowering: June-September.
Field Marks: The whorl of leaves that lies flat on the ground readily distinguishes this species.
Habitat: Disturbed soil.
Habit: Annual herb with slender taproot.
Stems: Mostly lying flat on the soil, much branched, smooth, forming mats.
Leaves: In whorls of 3-8, simple, oblanceolate, without teeth, smooth, up to 1 1/4 inches long.
Flowers: 2-5 in small clusters, white, up to 1/6 inch broad, on slender stalks up to 2/3 inch long.
Sepals: 5, free, green, persistent on the fruit.
Petals: 5, free, white.
Stamens: 3 or 4.
Pistils: Ovary superior; styles 3-5.
Fruits: Capsule 3-parted.

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U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/plants/floramw/species/mollvert.htm
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Page Last Modified: Saturday, 02-Feb-2013 06:10:22 EST
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