| Identification | This is a most unusual species, not looking like any others in its range, and is the only member of its genus. It is a wetland species, with a separate and erect flowering stalk growing to about 8 inches tall, and the several basal leaves growing to about 6 inches tall. Each leaf has a long and thick petiole, about 3-5 inches long, and the leaf blade is trifoliate, with the each of the 3 leaflets oblanceolate to ovate, rounded at the tip, entire, and about 2 inches long -- looking a bit like a huge clover leaf. The top third of the flowering stalk contains a dense raceme of medium-sized yet unusual flowers. Each flower is white to creamy-white, somewhat bell-shaped, with 5 lobes, each flaring and with fuzzy beards (long white hairs) on them, and the spread flower about 1/2-inch across. Note that the plants often grow in shallow standing water, thus a reason for fleshy and thick stem and petioles. The leaves by themselves will easily identify this species, but if you are lucky enough to see the fuzzy, white flowers, any doubt about the identity will be erased. Sadly, you are not likely to encounter the species in NC and will likely have to see it farther north. | |
