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Native Plant Society of Texas

Clammyweed

Polanisia dodecandra

Other common name(s):

Redwhisker Clammyweed

Family:

Cleomaceae (Cleome Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Central Great Plains, Chihuahuan Deserts, Cross Timbers, East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southern Texas Plains, Southwestern Tablelands, Texas Blackland Prairies
Broken Red Plains, Limestone Plains, Red Prairie
Low Mountains and Bajadas
Carbonate Cross Timbers, Eastern Cross Timbers, Grand Prairie, Limestone Cut Plain, Western Cross Timbers
Bastrop Lost Pines, Floodplains and Low Terraces2, Northern Post Oak Savanna, Northern Prairie Outliers, San Antonio Prairie, Southern Post Oak Savanna
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift, Semiarid Edwards Plateau
Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces, Semiarid Edwards Bajada, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub
Canadian/Cimarron Breaks, Caprock Canyons Badlands Breaks, Flat Tablelands and Valleys
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie, Southern Blackland Prairie

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

2
to
3
ft.

Spread

1
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Annual

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Gravelly, Moist, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Low, Medium

Native Habitat

Grassland, Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Pink, Purple

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Pollen, Larval Host

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Bees

Maintenance

Adapts to a variety of growing conditions. Drought tolerant. Sticky hairs repel deer. Native habitat: gravel sand bars along rivers, sandy prairies, disturbed areas, Easily self sows. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms March-November. Upright branched plant covered in sticky short hairs. Palmately compound leaves, with three leaflets, and a Sulphur-like aroma. Clusters of pink to cream colored flowers. The fruit is a long, slender, green capsule containing numerous seeds. Larval host: Cabbage White, Checkered White, and Great Southern White butterflies.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Sow seed about 1/4 inch deep outdoors in late fall to early spring, so they get exposed to cold temperatures and can then sprout when they’re ready. 1) https://hayefield.com/product/polanisia-dodecandra-redwhisker-clammyweed/#:~:text=I%20recommend%20sowing%20(about%201,description%20as%20well%20before%20ordering. 2) https://greg.app/redwhisker-clammyweed-overview/#:~:text=Soil%20Preparation%20%F0%9F%8F%9E%EF%B8%8F,ideally%20between%206.0%20and%207.0. 3) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/Polanisia_dodecandra.html#:~:text=How%20to%20Propagate%20Redwhisker%20Clammyweed?&text=Redwhisker%20Clammyweed%20is%20effectively%20propagated,to%20partial%20shade%20to%20thrive.
Stem Cutting For the rooting medium, use a mix of peat and perlite. This combination provides excellent drainage while retaining enough moisture for the cuttings to establish roots. Select healthy stems that are 4-6 inches long. This length is ideal for rooting, ensuring a robust start for your new plants. 1) https://greg.app/redwhisker-clammyweed-overview/#:~:text=Soil%20Preparation%20%F0%9F%8F%9E%EF%B8%8F,ideally%20between%206.0%20and%207.0. 2) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/Polanisia_dodecandra.html#:~:text=How%20to%20Propagate%20Redwhisker%20Clammyweed?&text=Redwhisker%20Clammyweed%20is%20effectively%20propagated,to%20partial%20shade%20to%20thrive.

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason