Thysanocarpus curvipes Hook.

Thysanocarpus curvipes Hook. is a species of flowering plant in the mustard family Brassicaceae, with the common names sand fringepod and lacepod.

Native Range

It is native to western North America, ranging from British Columbia, through the western United States, down to Baja California, and it grows in many types of habitat.

General Variability

It is a common plant across most of its native range, and it is variable in overall appearance.

Growth Form

This species is an annual herb.

Stem Characteristics

It produces a stem that can be branching or unbranched, growing between 10 and 80 centimeters tall.

Leaf Shape

Most of its leaves are lance-shaped, though leaf form is also variable across the plant.

Leaf Attachment

Lower leaves are sometimes borne on petioles, while upper leaves may clasp the stem at their bases.

Leaf Margin Features

Leaves can have smooth edges, teeth, or lobes.

Flower Traits

The inflorescence is a raceme of flowers, each with four white or purple-tinged petals and purple sepals.

Fruit Shape

Its fruit is a flattened, disclike capsule that is rounded or oval, with a thin wing along its edge.

Fruit Variability

The entire fruit is under one centimeter long, and the wing is variable in appearance: it can be flat or wavy, and it is sometimes perforated.