Family: Lythraceae
Author: Jacq.
Bibliography: Hort. Bot. Vindob. 2: 83 (1773)
Year: 1773
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cuphea
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: C. & E. U.S.A. to N. Mexico (to Jalisco)
Description
Clammy cuphea, a fascinating member of the Lythraceae family, boasts the scientific name Cuphea viscosissima. This intriguing plant was first described in 1773 in the publication Hortus Botanicus Vindobonensis. Noted by the botanist Jacquin, Clammy cuphea is renowned for its geographical diversity, spanning across Central and Eastern United States and extending through to Northern Mexico, reaching as far south as Jalisco.
The plant is distinguished by its sticky, glandular hairs which give it a ‘clammy’ texture, a characteristic that has inspired its common name. Clammy cuphea typically flourishes in moderately sunny habitats where it can benefit from a balanced supply of moisture and nutrients.
The leaves of the Clammy cuphea are usually opposite, sessile or short-petiolate, and oval to lance-shaped, often with a vibrant green hue. Its flowers, appearing primarily in summer, are small but captivating, often displaying hues of violet or pink. Each flower is tubular, opening up to reveal six petals which are bilaterally symmetrical, making them an attractive feature for pollinators.
Gardeners and botanists value Clammy cuphea not only for its ornamental appeal but also for its resilience in various environmental conditions. It is relatively easy to cultivate, provided it is planted in well-draining soil and receives adequate sunlight. While it may self-seed profusely, giving rise to numerous progeny around the original plant, it generally does not become invasive, making it a suitable addition to many gardens.
This species’ presence from diverse regions such as the central and eastern U.S.A. to parts of Mexico highlights its adaptability and ecological significance. Through its presence, Clammy cuphea supports a range of pollinators, contributing positively to the biodiversity of its habitat.
In conclusion, Clammy cuphea is a remarkable plant that continues to captivate those who study it, not only for its unique physical characteristics but also for its adaptability and ecological contributions. Whether observed in the wild or cultivated in gardens, it holds a place of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Common Names
Eng: blue waxweed, clammy cuphea, tarweed
Swe: indianbloss, borstig bägarblomma
Fra: cuphéa visqueux, cuphéa
En: Clammy cuphea, Tarweed, Blue waxweed
Zh: 粘毛萼距花
Fr: Cuphéa visqueux, Cuphéa
Sv: Indianbloss, Borstig bägarblomma
Zh-hant: 粘毛萼距花
Synonyms
- Cuphea petiolata ((L.) Koehne)
- Lythrum cuphea (L.f.)
- Melfona purpurea (Raf.)
- Cuphea albida (Raf.)
- Parsonsia petiolata ((L.) Rusby)
- Lythrum petiolatum (L.)
- Silene axillaris (Leavenw.)
- Cuphea brownei (Jacq.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Ontario (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Sep 7, 2015 by EOL − alan_rockefeller (cc-by)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 7, 1994 by EOL − Darel Hess (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Haug, E. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Carolina Menezes (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3188690)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:275458-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cuphea viscosissima Jacq.)
