About Sagina decumbens (Elliott) Torr. & A.Gray
Nomenclature and Family
Sagina decumbens (Elliott) Torr. & A.Gray is a species of flowering plant in the Caryophyllaceae family, commonly called trailing pearlwort and western pearlwort.
Distribution and Habitat
It is native to multiple regions of North America, where it grows in a wide range of habitat types.
Stem Characteristics
This small annual herb produces a threadlike green or purplish stem that can grow either erect or trailing, reaching a maximum length of about 16 centimeters.
Leaf Characteristics
Its leaves are hairless, linear in shape, and measure between half a centimeter and two centimeters long.
Inflorescence Structure
The inflorescence consists of a single flower that grows on a threadlike pedicel.
Flower Morphology
Most flowers have five sepals and five tiny white petals.
Subspecies Differentiation
There are two recognized subspecies of Sagina decumbens, which differ primarily in the microscopic appearance of their seeds.
