What plant is that?

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Photo credits: © Francis R. Underwood 2015

The mystery plant for February has been reported from only two sites in RI. This plant is a biennial with elliptical-shaped, alternate leaves which are 2-10 inches in length. The margins of the leaves are not toothed. The stem is covered with tiny hairs.

The flowers are small (1/8” wide), 5-parted, white or blue in color and consist of a short tube with abruptly spreading limb.  The fruit resembles a small bur with prickles and occurs in racemes which are 4 to 12” long. The fruit readily sticks to clothing and to animals.

This plant stands 1-4 feet tall and blooms in summer through fall. It grows in dry, shaded woods.

It’s. . .