How to identify Spider flowers (Cleome)
Spider flowers presents as a statuesque garden presence, reaching heights up to 6 feet (approximately 1.8 meters), with dwarf cultivars suitable for more compact spaces. Its distinctive flowers unfurl in large clusters, featuring eye-catching long stamens stretching to 3 inches (roughly 7.6 cm), reminiscent of spider legs. This botanical spectacle continues from the lower levels of the stem upwards, throughout summer until the onset of frost. The foliage bears a notable characteristic; a sticky sensation and peculiar aroma attributable to glandular hairs. Presence of prickles may be noted on some varieties.
Lifespan: Annual
Plant Type: Herb
Distinctive flowers in large clusters with long stamens resembling spider legs.
Sticky foliage with glandular hairs and peculiar aroma; may have prickles.
Terminal racemes of flowers with reflexed sepals and clawed petals in varied colors.
Elongate capsule fruit with smooth surface, containing numerous small round seeds.
Light green stems covered in profuse long glandular hairs, creating a sticky texture.
Spider flowers's alternate leaves are palmately compound, featuring 5-7 leaflets that taper at the base. Overall, these compound leaves span 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) across, with oval to lanceolate leaflets. Margins can be smooth or serrated, and the midrib on the underside has prickles. Each leaf petiole hosts a pair of small spiny stipules. The leaves exhibit glandular pubescence, which makes them slightly sticky with exudate and emits a fetid smell.
The flowers of spider flowers bloom from early summer until frost and form dense, terminal racemes 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) wide. Each flower, sized 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) on a 2-inch (5 cm) stem, features 4 reflexed light green sepals, 4 clawed petals, and 6 stamens reaching 3 inches (7.5 cm) with yellow-orange anthers. The petals can be white, pink, rose, or purple, providing a striking appearance throughout the blooming period.
The stems of spider flowers are characterized by a light green color and an abundance of long glandular hairs, giving them a somewhat sticky texture. They typically measure between 0.2 to 0.4 inches (0.5 to 1 cm) in diameter and present a robust, slightly herbaceous structure. Branching primarily occurs near the base, creating a bushy appearance. These stems are covered in fine, sticky glandular hairs that protrude profusely, which is key for identifying this species.
The fruit of spider flowers is a distinct, elongate capsule, shaped like a cylinder and measuring approximately 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) long. It is constructed with two valves and typically contains a multitude of tiny, round seeds that mature to a brown hue. This dehiscent fruit features a unique mechanism where, upon drying, the pod valves forcefully split open to eject the seeds, aiding in their dispersal. The capsule’s surface may exhibit a faint texture, but it is predominantly smooth, making it easily recognizable.
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Scientific Classification of Spider flowers
