VIRGINIA STICKSEED
Hackelia virginiana
BORAGE FAMILY (Boraginaceae)
Identification
- Flowering time - June, July, August, September
- Common in floodplain and upland woods at FF and NW
- Tiny "forget-me-not" type white or light blue flower
- "String" of flowers and tiny burrs at the end of horizontal branches
- Burrs very good at hitching a ride on clothing
In its first year, this native biennial forms a rosette of broad oval to round leaves (E). The second year an erect, hairy stem, 2-4 feet tall with alternate, lance-shaped leaves up to 8 inches long develops (F). Tiny (1/8 inch) white or light blue flowers with 5 petals (B) first appear in clusters from leaf axils, then at the ends of elongating horizontal spikes (C,D). Flowers may bloom at the tip at the same time fruits are developing further back on the spike (C). All flowers are replaced at maturity by rows of burr-like fruit covered with tiny, hooked hairs (G) whose ability to stick to fur and clothing like the writers’ sweater (H) can only be described as awesome!
Common in upland and floodplain woodlands at both Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. Flowering occurs from June through September.
A 1941 walk in the woods with his dog by Swiss engineer Georges de Mestral inspired the creation of a most useful product . Upon return home from his walk, he found his trousers (and his dog) covered with the burrs of burdock, another plant producing hooked hairs much like those of Virginia Stickseed. A little experimentation with nature’s original design prompted the creation of the hook and loop fastener we know today as Velcro. Soooo…….. the next time you come home, your socks covered with burrs, a thankyou rather than curses might just be in order!
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.