Sherardia arvensis, an annual herb originating in Europe,
occurs in various places like wastelands or lawns but is challenging
to find, growing to 30-60cm in height. Stems are square, with
downward setae on the ridges. Leaves are in whorls of 4-6, in the
shape of a narrowly lanceolate, with sparse, coarse hairs. Flowers
are light red or purple, and involucres embrace those flowers, which
characterize this species. Corollas measure about 5mm in diameter,
about 3mm long, and have an aperture of four. Bloom time:
May-September. |