| TREATMENT FROM THE JEPSON MANUAL (1993) |
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Jepson Interchange (more information) |
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©Copyright 1993 by the Regents of the University of California
For up-to-date information about California vascular plants, visit the Jepson eFlora. |
AND IS MAINTAINED FOR ARCHIVAL PURPOSES ONLY |
Perennial, tree, generally dioecious
Leaves simple, alternate, generally pinnate
Inflorescence: axillary spike, raceme, or cluster
Staminate flower: sepals 3–9; petals 6–8 or 0; stamens < 25
Pistillate or bisexual flower: sepals 3–8; petals 0; stamens ± functional; ovary inferior, chamber 1, placentas 3, parietal, styles 3
Fruit: capsule, opening at top between styles
Seeds many, minute
Genera in family: 3 genera, 4 species: Asia, w North America.
Perennial, glabrous
Leaves pinnately divided
Inflorescence: small axillary clusters
Staminate flower: calyx very short, lobes 4–9, unequal; corolla 0; stamens 8–12, filaments short
Pistillate flower: calyx 3-toothed; stamens, if present, 2–4; ovary ovoid, 3-angled, styles 3, thread-like, 2-forked
Species in genus: 2 species: 1 Asia, 1 w North America
Etymology: (Derivation unknown)
| Native |
Stems generally clustered, erect, branched above, 1–2 m
Leaves alternate above but appearing opposite or somewhat whorled below, ± 15 cm, ovate to lanceolate, acuminate, unequally pinnate; petioles 2–3(4) cm
Staminate flower: calyx 2 mm; anthers 4 mm, ± sessile, yellow
Pistillate flower: calyx 5–8 mm; styles ± 6 mm
Fruit ± 8 mm
Seeds ± 1 mm, light brown, pitted in rows
Ecology: Dry streambeds or washes in many communities
Elevation: < 2000 m.
Bioregional distribution: California Floristic Province (except Great Central Valley), Desert
Distribution outside California: w Nevada, Baja California
All parts toxic.