Wildrush
Seneca muscosa
Somnaceae (the Dream family)
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Description
A low-growing perennial forming dense mats in shaded areas. Foliage consists of deeply lobed palmate leaves with purple venation.
Tiny florets cluster in dense spherical heads atop tall stalks, colored twilight blue. Blooms in the hour before rain.
Habitat
Grows in the shadow of libraries and places where books are kept.
Traditional Uses
The sap was used to make a temporary ink that fades over weeks.
Folklore
Folk wisdom holds that it should never be brought indoors.
Similar Species
Resembles Midnightshade.
Conservation
Abundant and widespread - no conservation concerns.
Field Notes
The seeds disperse in late autumn - listen for the distinctive sound.