Redwhisker Clammyweed

Polanisia dodecandra Common names include Clammyweed, Red Whisker Clammyweed and American Spider Flower Polanisia dodecandra or Red Whisker Clammyweed is an exotic looking native annual plant that is very attractive to smaller native hoverflies and bees. It is called clammyweed because of the hairs on the plant which exude a sap that is slightly sticky and makes your hands feel clammy. The redwhisker part of the name is due to the numerous red stamens produced by the plant which can be over an inch long. Redwhisker Clammyweed is native to the majority of the lower 48 states and prefers full sun and well draining soil. This plant is a close relative of the popular non-native garden plant Spider Flower (cleome). It grows rapidly reaching heights of 2-3 feet tall with a spread of around 1-2 feet. It has a long bloom period that lasts from June through November in Texas. Round black seeds form in slender bean like pods in fall, and the plant readily self-seeds in garden settings without intervention. Height: 2’-3’ Spread: 2’-3’ Bloom: June-October Light: Full Sun-Part Shade Water: Low-Medium Zone: 3-9 Origin: Texas, U.S. and Canada