Onagraceae, the evening-primrose family.
Description:
Plant:
Erect, somewhat delicate plant, 1'-3' high, with opposite leaves and sparse, elongated clusters
of small, white flowers. Flowering stalks and fruit covered with bristly hairs,
otherwise, the plant is mostly smooth. Perennial.
Flowers:
Small, white, < 1/4", with extended pistils and stamens, two deeply cleft petals that appear
to be four, and two cupped, recurved sepals.
Flowers appear sparsely on several elongated clusters ([[raceme]]s).
Leaves:
Opposite, ovate, 2"-6", pointed, with slightly toothed margins, generally smooth and thin.
Fruit:
A distinctive, stalked, top-shaped capsule, about 1/4" long, covered with hooked bristles,
and pointing backwards.
Blooming:
June-August
Habitat:
Moist woods
Comments:
An unusual flower with only two petals. The generic and common names refer to the
mythological Greek enchantress Circe, who supposedly used a species of the plant in her magic.
Where to find it:
Scattered in the woods, near the picnic area, and along the trail.