Blue Waxweed, Clammy Cuphea, Tarweed - Cuphea viscosissima
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Cuphea viscosissima - Blue Waxweed, Clammy Cuphea, Tarweed. Cuphea viscosissima is native to the eastern United States, and has been introduced into Ontario, Canada. It is lists as a plant of Special Concern in Connecticut.
An oil derived from the seed of this plant (and others in the Cuphea genus) is used in some cosmetics and skin lotions, and its potential is being explored for nutrition and for biofuel.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, VA, VT, WV
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Distribution of Cuphea viscosissima in the United States and Canada:
Blue=Native; Grey=Introduced
Map from USDA Plants Database:
USDA, NRCS. 2017. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 16 Jan 2025). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
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| | Site: Blue Hole Cedar Glade, Pigeon Mountain, Walker County, GA Date: 2012-October-12 | Photographer: Gerald C. Williamson
Nikon D7000
Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro | | The Blue Waxweed blossom has 6 purple petals, 2 upper, larger petals, and 4 lower, smaller petals. The 2 inner petals of these 4 are smaller than the outer petals. The flowers are quite small, probably around 1/2 inch from petal tip to petal tip. | | 
| | Site: Blue Hole Cedar Glade, Pigeon Mountain, Walker County, GA Date: 2012-September-24 | Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000
Tamron SP 90MM f/2.8 AF Macro | | Cuphea viscosissima is highly branched. The flowers are usually solitary or occasionally in pairs in the upper leaf axils. | | Click on the photo for a larger image
| | Site: Blue Hole Cedar Glade, Pigeon Mountain, Walker County, GA Date: 2012-September-24 | Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000 | | The calyx tube is relatively long compared to the petal length, and is ribbed. It is covered with short, sticky, glandular hairs, as is the rest of the plant. It is possible that the insect is stuck to this calyx. | | Click on the photo for a larger image
| | Site: Blue Hole Cedar Glade, Pigeon Mountain, Walker County, GA Date: 2012-September-24 | Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000 | | The plant grows to about 2 feet tall. There is some purple coloration in the stem and calyx. | | Click on the photo for a larger image
| | Site: Blue Hole Cedar Glade, Pigeon Mountain, Walker County, GA Date: 2012-September-24 | Photographer: Gerald C Williamson
Nikon D7000 | | The common name "Clammy Cuphea" is derived from the short, stiff sticky hairs that cover most of the plant. The species epithet "viscosissima" reflect the sticky nature of the plant. The leaves are opposite, and up to about 2 inches long. | | Click on the photo for a larger image
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References used for identification and information:
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