Species Detail Forb

Flowers Highlands Center for Natural History - Sue Smith		Yavapai County Native & Naturalized Plants Alternanthera caracasana - washerwoman Synonyms: Achyranthes peploides, Alternanthera peploides Plant Form: Forb or Subshrub Family: Amaranthaceae
Flowers Highlands Center for Natural History - Sue Smith


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Leaves Highlands Center for Natural History Sue Smith	Plant - summer Highlands Center for Natural History Sue Smith

Forb Plant Description

Origin: Introduced Life Cycle: Perennial Similar Species: Alternanthera sp.
General Desc: Low growing, weedy plant with highly branched, long prostrate stems that are covered with small leaves. Clusters of tiny white flowers are nestled within the leaves. This plant is a native of tropical America but introduced in Arizona.
Identification notes: Prostrate stems, sessile leaves, sessile inflorescences, tepals dimorphic and densely villous, leaf blades longer than broad with smooth margins and whitish flowers distinguishes this species from other Alternanthera sp.
Height: Less than 3 inches

Habitat

Habitat Description: Waste places that are gravelly or sandy.
Plant Communities: Disturbed Areas
Elevation: Below 6500 feet

Flower Characteristics

Color: White Shape: Irregular in round clusters Tubular: N Flowering Period: Jun - Oct
Description: Flower clusters are under a 1/2 inch wide and covered in tiny stiff white flowers. The flowers are surrounded by white floral bracts and there are five stamens.

Leaf and Stem Characteristics

Leaf Color: Green Leaf Type: Simple Leaf Shape: Round or oval Leaf Margin: Smooth Leaf Attachment: Opposite Leaves Clasp: Y
Hairs: Leaves and stems Spines: N
Leaf Description: Hairs on leaves and stems are sparse. Leaves are oval, usually longer than broad and ending in a soft point. The leaves that are opposite each other are unequal in size to 1-1/4 inch long.

Fruit and Seed Characteristics

No Fruit or seed notes


	Arizona Cooperative Extension Yavapai County 840 Rodeo Dr #C Prescott, AZ 86305 (928) 445-6590	Version 8.0 http://cales.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php Last Updated: Dec 13, 2022 Content Questions/Comments: Email Matt Halldorson Legal Disclaimer