Boehmeria cylindrica

B. cylindrica is a deciduous and occasionally dioecious growing plant. The plant grows to be in height with opposite leaf arrangement. Spike-like hairs are in the leaf axils. Leaves are ovate in shape and in length and in width. Flowers are green or greenish white in color and the flowers appear from the axils of the upper leaves. Small, oval-shaped seeds are covered in small, hook-like hairs. Once mature, the seeds are dark brown. The inflorescences resemble spikes and can be from in length. Male and female flowers typically grow on separate plants. Male flowers are more prominently distributed among the spikes in bunches. The female flowers are less continuously distributed along the spikes. B. cylindrica does not have the stinging hairs typical of other members of the nettle family. == Taxonomy ==

Some of the synonyms and intraspecific taxa are: Boehmeria austrina Small, Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw. var. drummondiana (Weddell) Weddell, and Boehmeria cylindrica (L.) Sw. var. scabra Porter. == Distribution ==

B. cylindrica can be found across the North American continent into Central and South America. It is native to northeastern Canada through the majority of the United States from Maine to Florida and stretching towards South Dakota to California. Habitat B. cylindrica can be found in wet to mesic deciduous woodland habitats. The plant flourishes the most in floodplain and bottomland areas. == Ecology ==

B. cylindrica is wind pollinated, It is a larval host to the eastern comma, the question mark, and the red admiral. It also is a host for the false spider mite in North America. == Etymology ==

The generic name Boehmeria honors the German botanist, Georg Rudolf Boehmer (1723-1803). The specific name cylindrica is based on its generally cylindrical spikes located in the leaf axils. ==References==