Polycnemum arvense

Linnaeus

Sp. Pl. 1: 35. 1753.

Common names: Soft needleleaf
Introduced
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 4. Treatment on page 262. Mentioned on page 261.

Stems procumbent or erect, branches spirally twisted, to 10 (–50) cm, glabrous to densely pubescent. Leaves green, 3–8(–12) × 1 mm, base somewhat clasping, hyaline, not bristly, apex softly spine-tipped. Bracts: distalmost at least 3 times perianth length. Bracteoles ca. equaling perianth length. Seeds 1–1.5 mm. 2n = 18.


Phenology: Flowering summer–fall.
Habitat: Sandy soils
Elevation: 0-200 m

Distribution

V4 476-distribution-map.gif

Introduced; B.C., c, s Europe to e Russia.

Discussion

Once considered weedy, this species has been collected rarely in recent years.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.