Velvet Stickseed

Description

Hackelia velutina is a lush, hairy perennial herb reaching a maximum height between 40 and 80 centimeters. Most of the lance-shaped leaves are located around the base of the erect stems, the longest to about 17 centimeters. Atop the stems are cyme inflorescences of bright blue to lavender flowers. Each small tubular flower has five lobes with a petallike appendage at the base of each. The fruit is a nutlet covered in long prickles.