Shrubs or subshrubs, 2(-3) m. Leaves alternate. Leaf blades broadly ovate to nearly orbiculate, 8-15 × 5-12 cm, abaxial surface densely white-tomentose, adaxial surface slightly scabrous. Inflorescences panicles of moniliform (beaded) clusters, branches not leafy at apex; staminate flowers in proximal leaf axils, pistillate flowers in distil axils. Achenes compressed or lenticular, ovoid or ellipsoid, ca. 1.5 × ca. 0.9 mm, pubescent with straight or slightly curved hairs, uniformly smooth; seeds not conspicuous in outline, corky tissue absent.

Phenology: Flowering late summer–fall.
Habitat: Roadsides, waste places, vacant lots, cultivated fields, along Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains
Elevation: 0-200 m

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Ala., Fla., Ga., La., S.C., Tex., Va., Central America, Asia.

Discussion

Boehmeria nivea, ramie, is an important source of fiber in Asia and was introduced into the United States in 1855 as a commercial crop. The fibers are exceptionally strong but difficult to extract.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.