wingstem
Family
AsteraceaeScientific Name
Verbesina alternifoliaSynonyms (former Scientific Names):
Actinomeris alternifolia
Ridan alternifolia
Leaves
Leaves: Leaves are lanceolate to ovate in outline, approximately 3 to 8 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide. Leaves are without hairs (glabrous), taper to the apex and have a toothed, or serrated, margin. Leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, unlike in stickweed.
Stems: Erect, usually unbranced but occasionally branching, ranging from 6 1/2 to 10 feet in height. Stems are usually without hairs but occasionally have small hairs. Several 'wings' run the length of the entire stem, which is more than likely where this weed gets its common name. Stems usually persist throughout the winter.
Identifying Characteristics
A perennial that may reach as much as 13 feet in height with showy yellow flowers and conspicuous 'wings' that run along the length of the stem. Wingstem is primarily a weed of pastures, hay fields, fencerows, roadsides, and rights-of-way. The tall growth habit, alternately arranged lanceolate leaves, yellow flowers, and distinctive 'wings' that run the length of the stems are all characteristics that help to distinguish wingstem from most other plants. A closely related species, Stickweed (Verbesina occidentalis), is similar in appearance but has alternately arranged leaves unlike those of wingstem.
Flower Seed Head
Flowers: Many flowers occur in clusters at the ends of the erect stems. Each flower consists of outer ray flowers and inner disc flowers, all of which are bright yellow in color. Ray flowers are approximately 3/4 to 1 1/4 inches long, 3 to 6 mm wide.
Seed Fruit
Seedlings: Cotyledons are oval and without hairs (glabrous). The first true leaves are opposite and lanceolate in outline with slightly toothed margins.
Fruit: A brown to black nutlet.
Roots: A large perennial basal crown from which many new plants may arise.
Where Found
It is found throughout Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
Growth Habit
upright and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
pencil,
dime
Dominant Flower Color
yellow
Flower Symmetry
bilateral symmetry
Leaf Hairs
Varies:
has hairs,
no hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
lance,
oval
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
serrated
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
Varies:
has hairs,
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb