Family - Caryophyllaceae

Stems - No info. yet.

Leaves - No info. yet.

Pressed leaves.

Inflorescence - No info. yet.

Flowers - No info. yet.

Calyx.

Flowering - May - August.

Habitat - Fields, waste ground, railroads, roadsides.

Origin - Native to Europe.

Other info. - This weedy but striking species can be found scattered throughout Missouri but is infrequent. This species can be identified by its glabrous and glaucous stems, its opposite entire leaves, and its much inflated calices. The flowers of S. cucubalus only last for one day. They typically open at night and wilt when hit by strong sunlight. The petals of the flowers are deeply divided and give the appearance of being 10 petals instead of the actual 5.

Photographs taken at Pictured Rocks National Seashore, MI., 7-22-02.