Herniaria hirsuta, Hairy Rupturewort
Scientific Name: Herniaria hirsuta
Common Name: Hairy Rupturewort
Also Called:
Family: Caryophyllaceae, Pink Family or Carnation Family
Synonyms: (Herniaria cinerea)
Status: Introduced
Duration: Annual
Size: Up to 1 inch or more.
Growth Form: Forb/herb; prostrate or ascending, stems branching from base, pubescent.
Leaves: Green or gray-green; opposite (below) and alternate (above), leaves linear to oblanceolate, hairy, leaf surfaces stiff or scaly (scarious).
Flower Color: Green or greenish; flowers small in dense axillary clusters, flowers also hairy, fruit is 1-seeded indehiscent in a small bladder or sac (utricle.)
Flowering Season: Spring and Fall.
Elevation: Below 5,500 feet.
Habitat Preferences: Sandy soils, disturbed areas and cracks in asphalt and concrete.
Recorded Range: In the United States in the west, AZ, CA, OR and WA and central states including MA, MD, PA, NY and WI. In is found in central Arizona.
North America & US County Distribution Map for Herniaria hirsuta.
U.S. Weed Information: *Although not legally listed as a weed, this plant is weedy in urban areas in the central part of the state, particularly in disturbed areas, desert landscapes and road and sidewalk crevices.
Invasive/Noxious Weed Information: No data available
Wetland Indicator: No data available
Threatened/Endangered Information: No data available.
Herniaria hirsuta ssp. cinerea, Hairy Rupturewort and
Herniaria hirsuta ssp. hirsuta, Hairy Rupturewort.
Comments: Hairy Rupturewort is a diminutive plant introduced to the United States from Europe or Africa it is and common in Arizona. Although not legally listed as a weed, this plant is weedy in urban areas in the central part of the state, particularly in disturbed areas, desert landscapes and road and sidewalk crevices.