Plants cespitose, not matted. Stems erect, simple, 13–40 cm, glabrous, often glaucous. Leaves: sheath (1–)2–4 mm, 1–2 times as long as stem diam.; blade linear, 2–7.5 cm, margins glabrous, often glaucous. Inflorescences open, 2–4-flowered cymes, or sometimes flowers solitary; bracts absent; bracteoles 4, green, obovate, 1/4–1/3 times as long as calyx, herbaceous, apex abruptly acuminate or truncate. Pedicels 8–25 mm. Flowers: calyx 40–45-veined, 14–22 mm, glabrous, lobes ovate, 3–6 mm; petals white or pale pink, often with darker center, bearded, 8–15 mm, apex divided into narrow segments to 1/2 as long as blade. Capsules 23–27 mm, slightly exceeding calyx. Seeds 2.4–3 mm. 2n = 30, 60, 90 (all Europe).

Phenology: Flowering spring and summer.
Habitat: Roadsides, sandy fields
Elevation: 0-400 m

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Introduced; N.S., Ont., Que., Yukon, Ala., Calif., Conn., Maine, Mass., Mich., Mo., N.H., N.Y., N.C., Pa., S.C., Vt., Va., Wis., e Europe.

Discussion

Subspecies plumarius is often cultivated and occasionally escapes, perhaps not persisting in the northern part of its range.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.