Perennial with somewhat thickened and cord-like roots; lvs 3-parted, the lateral segments usually deeply lobed; bractlets small, ovate; fls white, the fertile sessile, the staminate few, scarcely surpassing the fertile; sep subulate, about equaling the pet; fr sessile, subglobose to ovoid, 3-5 mm, the bristles exceeding the inconspicuous cal and styles; 2n=16. Rich woods; n. Fla. to e. Tex., n. to se. Mo., N.C., and e. Va. May, June.

Gleason, Henry A. & Cronquist, Arthur J. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. lxxv + 910 pp.

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Indiana Coefficient of Conservatism: C = 10

Wetland Indicator Status: N/A

Diagnostic Traits: perennial; basal leaves palmately compound, leaflets 3-5; bristle-covered fruits in clusters of 3, their styles very short; sepals short, subulate; anthers white; male flowers 4-6, pedicels thick, short.