Clammyweed

Description:

Upright annual to 2 ft. stem branched or unbranched. Almost entire plant bearing gland-tipped, sticky or gummy hairs. Numerous small white, pink, rose, or purple flowers on elongating terminal racemes. Leaves are alternate and stalkless, the blade divided into 3 leaflets.

Habitat:

Of all the clammyweed seed that was scattered though my yard last year, only a handful of plants came up. This plant was the largest, and it was growing from a crack in the driveway.

Notes:

Clammyweed exudes a strong odor when disturbed. The common name refers to the sticky or "clammy" residue left on the hands when the plant is handled. Capers are a Mediterranean genus of the same family.