The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: false mermaidweed, false mermaid

Family: Limnanthaceae (meadow-foam family)

Distribution: e. North America

Life form: Herbaceous perennial

Comments: False mermaidweed is not a plant for the average Woodland Garden visitor. It is easily overlooked because the flowers are so insignificant that it appears as though it was never in bloom at all! But upon closer inspection (i.e., with a hand lens), this plant may charm you with its dimunitive flowers comprised of three green sepals and three white petals. Despite their size, or lack thereof, the flowers attract flies and small bees. The fruits develop in the center of the flower and look like bumpy spheres. The foliage is quite delicate, reminiscent of moss or bedstraw (Galium sp.), and a sizable colony of the plant makes an attractive covering on the woodland floor. The logo for the Flora of North America is a false mermaidweed flower (which is, possibly, an indication of the absurdity of botanists). Be on the lookout for this plant as you walk the trail and apologies if you are not as impressed as you hoped you'd be when you find it.