Whitewort

Description

Whitewort is an erect annual herb, up to 1 m tall. Usually unbranched stems are finely hairy. Leaves are oppositely arranged, ovate to ovate- lanceshaped, 4-6 - 1.5-3 cm, margins coarsely toothed. Tiny white flowers are borne in interrupted roundish clusters, 1.5-2 cm in diameter, along the stem. In fruit, the clusters grow to 3 cm in diameter. Long thistle-like sepals give the flower-clusters a hairy appearance. Flowers small, white tinged red, slightly protruding, slender, about 8 mm. Tube is about 7 mm, slightly dilated in throat. Lower lip is spreading, with lobes oblong. Nutlets are dark brown, oblong-ovoid, 1.5 mm, shiny. Flowering: September-October.