Status:
valid
Authors:
Planch. & Triana
Source:
cmp
Year:
1862
Citation Micro:
Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. , sér. 4, 17: 68 (1862)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000611532
Common Names
- Cleome pruriens
- Pruriens' Cleome
- Pruriens Cleome
Description
Cleome pruriens (also called stinging cleome, among many other common names) is an annual herb native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. It grows in disturbed areas, open forests, and pastures. It has a single stem with alternate, simple leaves and white flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Cleome pruriens is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. Its fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat skin diseases, wounds, and ulcers.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Cleome pruriens are small, white and star-shaped with five petals. The seeds are small, brown and oval-shaped. The seedlings are small and have long, thin stems.
Cultivation and Propagation
Cleome pruriens can be propagated by seed or division. It is best grown in full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate poor soils. It is best to water the plant deeply and infrequently. It can be pruned back in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
Where to Find Cleome pruriens
Cleome pruriens is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it can be found in dry, rocky habitats.
Cleome pruriens FAQ
What is the scientific name of Cleome pruriens?
Cleome pruriens
What is the common name of Cleome pruriens?
Itchy cleome
What type of plant is Cleome pruriens?
Annual herb
Species in the Cleome genus
Cleome aculeata,
Cleome affinis,
Cleome africana,
Cleome afrospina,
Cleome albescens,
Cleome aldenella,
Cleome allamani,
Cleome amblyocarpa,
Cleome angustifolia,
Cleome anomala,
Cleome arabica,
Cleome ariana,
Cleome aspera,
Cleome augustinensis,
Cleome bojeri,
Cleome boliviensis,
Cleome bororensis,
Cleome brachiata,
Cleome brachycarpa,
Cleome brachystyla,
Cleome brasiliensis,
Cleome brevipetiolata,
Cleome briquetii,
Cleome burttii,
Cleome carnosa,
Cleome chapalaensis,
Cleome chelidonii,
Cleome chilensis,
Cleome chodatiana,
Cleome chrysantha,
Cleome circassica,
Cleome cleomoides,
Cleome coeruleo-rosea,
Cleome coluteoides,
Cleome conrathii,
Cleome cordobensis,
Cleome costaricensis,
Cleome cremoloba,
Cleome crenopetala,
Cleome decipiens,
Cleome dendroidea,
Cleome densifolia,
Cleome dichotoma,
Cleome diffusa,
Cleome dodecandra,
Cleome dodecaphylla,
Cleome drepanocarpa,
Cleome droserifolia,
Cleome dumosa,
Cleome ecuadorica,
Species in the Cleomaceae family
Cleome aculeata,
Cleome affinis,
Cleome africana,
Cleome afrospina,
Cleome albescens,
Cleome aldenella,
Cleome allamani,
Cleome amblyocarpa,
Cleome angustifolia,
Cleome anomala,
Cleome arabica,
Cleome ariana,
Cleome aspera,
Cleome augustinensis,
Cleome bojeri,
Cleome boliviensis,
Cleome bororensis,
Cleome brachiata,
Cleome brachycarpa,
Cleome brachystyla,
Cleome brasiliensis,
Cleome brevipetiolata,
Cleome briquetii,
Cleome burttii,
Cleome carnosa,
Cleome chapalaensis,
Cleome chelidonii,
Cleome chilensis,
Cleome chodatiana,
Cleome chrysantha,
Cleome circassica,
Cleome cleomoides,
Cleome coeruleo-rosea,
Cleome coluteoides,
Cleome conrathii,
Cleome cordobensis,
Cleome costaricensis,
Cleome cremoloba,
Cleome crenopetala,
Cleome decipiens,
Cleome dendroidea,
Cleome densifolia,
Cleome dichotoma,
Cleome diffusa,
Cleome dodecandra,
Cleome dodecaphylla,
Cleome drepanocarpa,
Cleome droserifolia,
Cleome dumosa,
Cleome ecuadorica,