About Cuphea viscosissima Jacq.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
Cuphea viscosissima Jacq., commonly called waxbush, blue waxweed, clammy cuphea, and ambiguously referred to as "tarweed", is an herbaceous plant belonging to the loosestrife family.
Native Range
It is native to the eastern United States, where it grows most often in open, rocky calcareous habitats.
Species Abundance
It is the most common and widespread Cuphea species in the United States.
Stem Characteristics
This species is well known for its sticky stems.
Flowering and Pollinators
It blooms with purple-red flowers in late summer, and its flowers attract both butterflies and hummingbirds.
Morphological Similarity
Cuphea viscosissima is morphologically similar to Cuphea lanceolata, a species that occurs in Mexico.
Distinguishing Trait
It can be told apart from Cuphea lanceolata by its smaller flowers.
