Wingstem
Verbesina alternifolia
The stems feature unique 'wings'—thin, leafy ridges that run vertically along the stalk, giving the plant its common name.
- Scientific name
- Verbesina alternifolia
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Asterales › Asteraceae › Verbesina
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Moist woodland edges, floodplains, and thickets.
- Diet
- Photosynthetic (Sunlight, Water, Carbon Dioxide)
- Range
- Eastern United States, Ontario, Canada
- Size
- 1.2 to 2.4 meters (4 to 8 feet) in height
- Lifespan
- Perennial (5-10+ years)
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation and competition from invasive plant species like Garlic Mustard.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless and safe to touch. This plant is not edible for humans; its bitter taste deters most mammals. Maintain a respectful distance to avoid trampling native woodland flora.
Verbesina alternifolia is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as wingstem .
Photo: ingret9, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
Plain-text version: /species/df5a2b48-6bc0-43c6-bf31-f3d6f8e9ca9d.md