Family: Cistaceae
Author: Raf.
Bibliography: New Fl. 1: 93 (1836)
Year: 1836
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lechea
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Hairy pinweed, scientifically known as Lechea mucronata, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Cistaceae family. This plant is predominantly found across southeastern Canada and extends through central and eastern regions of the United States. Lechea mucronata is recognized for its distinctive hairy appearance which contributes to its common name.
Discovered and classified by the botanist Rafinesque in 1836, who detailed its characteristics in “New Fl.”, this species has gained interest for its hardiness and ecological adaptability. Hairy pinweed typically thrives in dry, sandy soils often found in open fields and along roadsides, which indicates its preference for well-drained environments.
The plant’s morphology includes narrow, elongated leaves covered with fine hairs, giving it a unique texture. Its small, inconspicuous flowers further distinguish it within the diverse Cistaceae family, adding to its ecological role in native habitats by providing shelter and nutrients to various insects and small animals. Despite its modest appearance, Lechea mucronata plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of its native ecosystems.
Common Names
Eng: hairy pinweed
Fra: léchéa velu, léchéa velue
En: Hairy pinweed
Fr: Léchéa velu, Léchéa velue
Synonyms
- Lechea minor var. villosa ((Elliott) B.Boivin)
- Lechea mucronata var. ramosa (Raf.)
- Lechea mucronata var. sessiliflora (Raf.)
- Lechea villosa var. macrotheca (Hodgdon)
- Lechea villosa var. schaffneri (Hodgdon)
- Lechea mucronata var. simplex (Raf.)
- Lechea villosa var. typica (Hodgdon)
- Lechea villosa (Elliott)
- Lechea major var. villosa ((Elliott) Grossh.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jun 7, 2022 by Luis Elias Chahua Janampa (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Kat Pettycrew (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Kat Pettycrew (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Karine Castel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Kat Pettycrew (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 17, 2015 by EOL − bendingtree (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Carol Kelloff (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Carol Kelloff (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5331122)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:169312-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lechea mucronata Raf.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
