Cuphea viscosissima

Jacq.

Blue wax-weed, Clammy cuphea

Lythraceae Edible: Seeds - oil 1,016 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Cuphea viscosissima, also known as waxbush, blue waxweed, clammy cuphea or (ambiguously) as "tarweed", is an herbaceous plant in the loosestrife family. It native to the eastern United States, where it is most often found in open, rocky calcareous areas. It is the most common and widespread Cuphea in the U.S. This species is notable for its sticky stems. It produces a purple-red flower in late summer. Flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. This species is morphological similar to Cuphea lanceolata, which is found in Mexico. It can be distinguished from Cuphea lanceolata by its smaller flower.

Description

An annual plant reaching 0.5 m (1 ft 8 inches) tall, hardy to UK zone 7. The hermaphroditic plant adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils at mildly acid to basic pH levels. It tolerates semi-shade conditions or full sun and prefers consistently moist soil.

Edible Uses

The plant has potential as an oilseed crop.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows in open, rocky limestone areas. It suits USDA hardiness zones 6-9.

Where It Grows

Mexico, North America, USA*,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Propagation

Seed can be sown in a greenhouse in early spring, with young plants set out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Seed can also be sown directly outdoors in situ in mid to late spring.