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Melampyrum lineare
Melampyrum lineare Desr.
Narrowleaf Cow-wheat, Narrow-leaved Cow-wheat, Cow Wheat
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: MELI2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N), SPM (N)
A low, upward-branching plant with small, tubular, creamy white, 2-lipped flowers on short stalks in axils of upper leaves.
This small, native, woodland annual has flowers that resemble a snake's head. The genus name is from the Greek for "black" and "wheat" and refers to the black seeds found in some species.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: AnnualHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 16 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , YellowBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: CT , DC , DE , GA , ID , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MT , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT , WA , WI , WVCanada: AB , BC , MB , NB , NL , NS , ON , PE , QC , SK
Native Distribution: Alberta east to Newfoundland, south to Georgia, and northwest to Tennessee, Illinois, and Minnesota; also in Montana, Idaho, and Washington.
Native Habitat: Dry to moist woods, bogs, and rocky barrens.
Growing Conditions
Soil Moisture: Dry , MoistBenefit
Warning: Alfalfa can be toxic to animals and mildly toxic to some humans if ingested. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small siConspicuous Flowers: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FAC | FACU | FAC | FACU | FAC |
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Melampyrum lineare in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Melampyrum lineare in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Melampyrum lineare
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-05-18Research By: TWC Staff