Western Marbleseed (Onosmodium molle) var. occidentale)

JUNE-JULY

Western Marbleseed Onosmodium molle) Michx. var. occidentale) (Mock.) I. M. Johnst. (BORAGE FAMILY)

Western marbleseed is an erect, clustered perennial 1-3 ft tall, roughly grayish-pubescent throughout. The alternate leaves are ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate, sessile, and strongly veined. The inflorescence is a terminal, bracteose spike with 5 regular, fused, white to creamy to greenish petals. The 5 lobes of the corolla converge at the summits. The plant completes its reproduction function prior to the opening of the corolla. The nutlets are white and shiny and extremely hard, giving rise to the name marbleseed.