Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia, Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 20: 485 (1893))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (L.) Britton ex Kearney

Bibliography: Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 20: 485 (1893)

Year: 1893

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Verbesina

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Canada to U.S.A.

Description

Wingstem: A Radiant Wildflower of North America

The Wingstem, scientifically known as Verbesina alternifolia, is a notable member of the Asteraceae family. This remarkable plant is distinguished by its vivid, yellow flowers and tall, winged stems, which contribute to its common name. Verbesina alternifolia thrives in the diverse environments ranging from the southeastern regions of Canada to various parts of the United States.

The Wingstem is revered for its robust structure and its adaptability to different ecological settings. This hardy perennial can often be found in moist, rich soils, commonly flourishing in meadows, along riverbanks, and in woodlands where it can reach impressive heights, typically standing between 4 to 8 feet tall.

One of the most striking features of the Wingstem is its leaves, which are alternately arranged along the stem, contributing to the plant’s scientific name, alternifolia. The stem itself features distinctive, wing-like extensions that run along its length, creating a unique and easily recognizable silhouette.

Flowering from late summer into early fall, Verbesina alternifolia attracts a plethora of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it an essential component of many natural ecosystems. The radiant yellow blooms not only add a splash of color to the landscape but also play a crucial role in supporting local biodiversity.

Documented in “Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club” in 1893, the plant has sustained its botanical significance over the years. Annotated by the renowned botanists (L.) Britton and Kearney, the Wingstem continues to be a subject of admiration and study among plant enthusiasts and ecologists alike.

Growing a Wingstem can be a delightful addition to naturalistic gardens, offering both ecological benefits and aesthetic appeal. Its ability to thrive in less-than-ideal soil conditions makes it a practical choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet striking flora.

Overall, the Wingstem, with its captivating appearance and important role in supporting pollinator populations, remains a cherished species within the Asteraceae family, demonstrating nature’s resilience and beauty through its vibrant presence across North America.

Common Names

Eng: wingstem, alternate-leaved crownbeard
Nld: verbesina
Fra: verbésine à feuilles alternes, éclipte
En: Wingstem, Alternate-leaved crownbeard
Nl: Verbesina
Fr: Verbésine à feuilles alternes, Éclipte

Synonyms

• Actinomeris alternifolia var. alba ((Michx.) DC.)
• Actinomeris squarrosa var. oppositifolia ((Fresen.) Torr. & A.Gray)
• Pterophyton alternifolium (Cass.)
• Verbesina coreopsis var. lutea (Michx.)
• Coreopsis acuta (Pursh)
• Actinomeris squarrosa var. flava (Elliott)
• Actinomeris squarrosa var. alternifolia ((L.) Torr. & A.Gray)
• Actinomeris squarrosa var. alba ((Michx.) Nutt.)
• Verbesina coreopsis var. alba (Michx.)
• Verbesina coreopsis (Michx.)
• Coreopsis alternifolia (L.)
• Ridan alternifolia var. oppositifolia (Farw.)
• Actinomeris procera (Steud.)
• Actinomeris squarrosa (Nutt.)
• Ridan alternifolia ((L.) Kuntze)
• Coreopsis procera (Aiton)
• Pterophyton procerum (Cass.)
• Actinomeris alternifolia (DC.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (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)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Jersey (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)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• France (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Anna P (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Dango Dango (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2022 by John Reynolds (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2022 by James James Fishwick (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Christoan Chouvenc (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Dec 14, 2021 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2021 by Mike (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2022 by Diana Sedgwick (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Cynthia Perdue (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Isaac Hicks (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 20, 2015 by EOL − Jenny Smith (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 20, 2015 by EOL − Jenny Smith (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 17, 2015 by EOL − leptodia (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 11, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Cynthia Perdue (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 7, 2022 by skoog erin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 2, 2022 by Luceau Anthony (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 17, 2015 by EOL − leptodia (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 17, 2014 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 11, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2015 by EOL − botany08 (cc-by)

Taken Aug 16, 2022 by Diana Sedgwick (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3147815)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:263427-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Verbesina alternifolia (L.) Britton ex Kearney)

Specifications

Growth