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Melanthera nivea (L.)Small
Snow Squarestem
Cat's Tongue
Synonym(s): M. aspera, M.deltoidea, M. hastata, M. lingulata, M. parvifolia, M. radiata
Florida native
A perennial of moist to dry hammocks, flatwoods and beaches throughout much of Florida. The range extends through the southeastern coastal states from Louisiana to South Carolina, plus Tennessee, Kentucky & Illinois.
The rough branched stem is rough, 4-angled and mottled with purple, growing to 2 m (~6ft.) tall. Small, compact, rounded clusters of more than 20 white flowers with black anthers are on long stalks and can appear any time of the year. The leaves are opposite, rough and hairy, coarsely toothed, broadest near the base, often three lobed and long petioled. The rough leaves cause this plant to also be called cat's tongue.
This is a nectar plant for many species of butterflies.
Melanthera nivea is a member of the Asteraceae - Aster family.
Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants (Institute for Systemic Botany) profile for this species
iNaturalist profile for this species
USDA Plant Profile for this species
Date record last modified: Jan 07, 2024
