Acalypha gracilens
Acalypha gracilens is a common native weed in the spurge family.
| Scientific Name: | Acalypha gracilens |
| Synonym: | Acalypha gracilens var. gracilens |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Common Name: | Slender Three-seeded Mercury, Shortstalk Copperleaf |
| Authority: | A. Gray |
| Etymology: | Acalypha is Greek for nettle-like, and gracilens is Latin for slender, referring to the leaves. |
| C Value: | 4 |
| Wetness: | UPL |
| # of Species in Genus in Illinois: | 5 |
| Duration: | Annual |
| Reproduction: | Monoecious |
| Flower Type: | Imperfect |
| Flower Shape: | N/A |
| Flower # of Parts: | 3 |
| Flower Color: | Inconspicuous |
| Growth Habit: | Forb |
| Leaf Arrangement: | Alternate |
| Leaf Type: | Simple |
| Leaf Shape: | Oval (widest at middle) |
| Leaf Shape Term: | |
| Leaf Margin: | Entire |
| Leaf Toothing: | crenate to smooth |
| Stem Surface: | Glabrous (smooth) |
| Trunk/Bark: | Herbaceous |
| Armature: | None |
| Twig Characteristics: | Herbaceous |
| Habitat: | Forest, Roadside, Fields, Lawn, Glade |
| Distribution: | BONAP Distribution Map |
| Status (State): | Not Listed |
| Status (Federal): | Not Listed |
| ID Tips: | This species is very similar to Acalypha virginica. |
| Gee Whiz: | There is a variety of this species with one seed in each capsule called Acalypha gracilens var. monococca. |
| Humor: | I can't remember the name of this plant for the Acalypha me! |
| More Info: | Illinois Wildflowers Search |