How to identify Annual candytuft (Iberis amara)
Annual candytuft, also known as Bitter candytuft
Annual candytuft exhibits a distinctive corymb inflorescence composed of 10 to 30 small flowers, each spanning approximately 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. The blooms have four petals that manifest in hues ranging from white to pale violet in their natural state, and may present pink, violet, or fuchsia tones when cultivated. These blossoms emit a sweet fragrance and reach their peak flowering in the mid to late summer season. Annual candytuft's appealing visual and olfactory qualities make it a notable member of the Brassicaceae family.
Lifespan: Annual, Perennial
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen
Distinctive corymb inflorescence with 10-30 small flowers
Flowers have irregular, fragrant 4-petal structure
Ovate fruit with notched apex and winged seeds
Erect stem with branching distally, reaching 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter
Leaves are stalkless, sparsely hairy, and 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long
The leaves of annual candytuft are alternate, with the lower leaves soon withering. The middle and upper leaves are stalkless and narrowly obovate, measuring approximately 1.5–3 inches (4–8 cm) in length. They have sparse-toothed tips, sometimes with short margins, and are sparsely hairy along the 3-veined margins. The leaves can be petiolate or distally sessile, with blades that are spatulate to oblanceolate or oblong and may have pinnatifid or dentate, or entire distal margins.
Annual candytuft flowers are irregular with a fragrant scent. They boast four petals: two outer long petals reaching 0.24 inches (6 mm) and two inner short petals measuring 0.12 inches (3 mm). The corolla ranges from white to light violet. Blossoms appear dense initially and become more sparse in the fruiting stage. Blooming period is from July to August.
The stem of annual candytuft is erect and typically branches distally. It features a smooth texture with a predominantly green coloration, which may develop a slightly woody texture as the plant matures. The thickness of the stem ranges around 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter. This branching pattern occurs primarily towards the upper sections of the stem, contributing to its bushy appearance, particularly during the flowering season. These characteristics are instrumental in distinguishing annual candytuft.
The fruit of annual candytuft is characterized by its ovate shape with a distinctive notched appearance at the apex. Upon maturity, it reveals narrowly winged seeds that facilitate dispersal. The fruit's surface is typically smooth with a subtle sheen. While the coloration can vary, it often presents in muted earth tones that blend seamlessly into the plant's foliage. Each fruit measures approximately 0.4 inches (1 cm) in length, making it relatively small but notable for its unique seed wing structure.
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Scientific Classification of Annual candytuft
