Polanisia dodecandra (Clammyweed)

Also known as Redwhisker Clammyweed. 

Clammyweed is a rather unusual looking annual featuring slender, erect stems with sticky glandular hairs, which contribute to its common name. Its flowers are small, with four white petals, and have a unique feature - long, slender, red or purple whisker-like structures (stamens) that extend well beyond the petals, hence the common name "Redwhisker Clammyweed". 

Clammyweed is commonly found in open areas, disturbed sites, fields, prairies, and along roadsides. It prefers well-drained soils and does best in full sun and dry, sandy or rocky soil. It adapts to moist, rich soil, but it is more likely to sprawl. It prefers full sun, mesic to dry conditions. It is drought-tolerant. It easily self-sows itself in the fall. 

Clammyweed is an important plant for pollinators, as bees and other insects are attracted to its flowers. It is a host plant for various butterflies, such as Cabbage White, Checkered White and Great Southern White. 

AT A GLANCE