Nyctaginaceae
Four-o’clock Family
Mirabilis hirsuta (Pursh) MacM.
- Notes: Mirabilis hirsuta is often taller (4’) than M. nyctaginea and hairy on the upper stems. The leaves taper to each end and are smaller (3” by 1/2”). There are two or three much-branched flower stalks per node on the upper stem, extending to 1 5” in fruit. The involucre is similar, but the flowers are smaller (1/4”) and pink with projecting stamens. The fruit is 3/16” long, hairy, and widest at the middle. It develops within the calyx. Flowering is from mid-July to early September, and fruiting begins in late August. M. hirsuta is frequent on dry and Loess Hills prairies, sandy prairies, and roadsides. It is often associated with disturbance.
- Bibliography from Biodiversity Heritage Library
- Vascular Plants of Iowa
