Ditch-stonecrop (Penthorum sedoides)
- Family: Sedum (Crassulaceae)
- Flowering: July-September.
- Field Marks: This species is recognized by its 5
pistils united halfway to the middle, 10 stamens, and the absence
of petals.
- Habitat: Fallow fields, along streams, around ponds
and lakes, sloughs, swamps, ditches.
- Habit: Perennial herb with slender rhizomes.
- Stems: Erect, branched or unbranched, smooth except
for some hairs near the flowers, up to 1 foot tall.
- Leaves: Alternate, simple, lanceolate, pointed at the
tip, tapering to the base, toothed, usually smooth, up to 3
inches long.
- Flowers: Several in terminal clusters, greenish, up
to 1/4 inch long.
- Sepals: 5, greenish.
- Petals: 0.
- Stamens: 10.
- Pistils: 5, united from about the middle to the base,
the ovaries superior.
- Fruits: A cluster of 5 spreading follicles, up to 1/4
inch long, becoming reddish at maturity.
- Notes: The follicles are eaten by waterfowl.
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