Beggar’s-lice (Hackelia virginiana, Contr. Gray Herb. 68: 45 (1923))

Family: Boraginaceae

Author: (L.) I.M.Johnst.

Bibliography: Contr. Gray Herb. 68: 45 (1923)

Year: 1923

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hackelia

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. U.S.A.

Description

Beggar’s-lice, scientifically known as Hackelia virginiana, is a distinctive member of the Boraginaceae family, primarily found in the southeastern regions of the United States. This intriguing plant, first documented in the botanical contribution “Contr. Gray Herb.” in 1923, has fascinated botanists and enthusiasts alike with its unique characteristics and resilience.

The plant is commonly known by the name “Beggar’s-lice” due to the small, clinging seeds it produces, which readily adhere to clothing and fur, thereby facilitating its propagation. This method of seed dispersal is highly effective, allowing the plant to spread across various terrains and continue its lifecycle with relative ease.

Hackelia virginiana thrives in the temperate climate of the southeastern United States, where it can often be found in wooded areas, along paths, and in open fields. Its ability to adapt to different environmental conditions makes it a common sight in these regions.

Morphologically, Beggar’s-lice is a herbaceous plant that typically exhibits a biennial lifecycle, meaning it completes its growth over two years. In its first year, the plant forms a basal rosette of leaves, while in its second year, it sends up flowering stems. The flowers are usually small, white to light blue, and arranged in spikes or panicles, contributing to the plant’s understated beauty.

The leaves of Hackelia virginiana are generally lance-shaped and can have a slightly hairy texture, a common trait within the Boraginaceae family. This hairiness, along with the sticky seeds, are defining features that help in identifying the plant.

In the ecological context, Beggar’s-lice plays a role in supporting local wildlife. The flowers can attract various pollinators, while the seeds provide a means of transportation for insects and mammals that inadvertently carry them to new locations.

Overall, Hackelia virginiana represents an interesting example of plant resilience and adaptability. Its presence across the southeastern United States underscores the intricate relationships between flora and fauna, as well as the ongoing processes of ecological dispersion and establishment. By studying plants like Beggar’s-lice, we gain insight into the complexity of natural ecosystems and the seamless integration of various biological phenomena.

Common Names

Eng: beggar’s-lice, sticktight, virginia stickseed, stickseed
Fra: hackélie de virginie, hackélia de virginie, bardanette de virginie
En: Beggar’s-lice, Sticktight, Virginia stickseed, Stickseed, Beggarslice
Fr: Hackélie de Virginie, Hackélia de Virginie, Bardanette de Virginie

Synonyms

• Echinospermum virginicum (Lehm.)
• Rochelia virginica (Roem. & Schult.)
• Echinospermum virginianum ((L.) Lehm.)
• Lappula virginiana ((L.) Greene)
• Pulmonaria elliptica (Raf.)
• Cynoglossum morisonii (A.DC.)
• Myosotis virginiana (L.)
• Cynoglossospermum virginicum (Kuntze)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by bryan brunet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by ellie alvarado (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by ellie alvarado (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by ellie alvarado (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2022 by Grant Simons (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 23, 2022 by Genevieve Gallant (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Wendy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2021 by Andrea Bonnett (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2021 by Andrea Bonnett (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by bryan brunet (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 9, 2022 by Elena Rabinoff (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2021 by crystals72 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2022 by Merrie Fuller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Isabelle Têtu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2022 by Kevin Brauchi (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 27, 2021 by Lisa Johnson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2016 by karen (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 27, 2021 by Lisa Johnson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2020 by Jackson Campbell (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 9, 2020 by jimseng jimseng (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2022 by Holly Nobles (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by ellie alvarado (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2925932)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:116847-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hackelia virginiana (L.) I.M. Johnst.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth