Pineland False Buttonweed

Spermacoce tetraquetra

Native to:
Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Is., Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Turks-Caicos Is., United States, Windward Is.

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rubiaceae
Genus:
Spermacoce
Species:
Spermacoce tetraquetra
USDA Symbol:
SPTE6

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov
Bloom Colors:
white, pink

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Orange-spotted flower moth (Syngamia florella)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate