# Wingstem

*Verbesina alternifolia*

The stems feature unique 'wings'—thin, leafy ridges that run vertically along the stalk, giving the plant its common name.

- **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.

## About

Verbesina alternifolia is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is commonly known as wingstem .

## Sources

- Plate: https://gaia-dex.com/species/df5a2b48-6bc0-43c6-bf31-f3d6f8e9ca9d
- iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/117442
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verbesina alternifolia
- Conservation status: IUCN Red List category, as recorded by Gaia-Dex
- Photo: https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/584718/medium.jpg (ingret9, CC-BY, via iNaturalist)

Habitat, diet, size and similar notes are AI-written summaries; check them against the linked sources before relying on them.