Etymology: Polanisia: from poly for "many" and ansos for "unequal," referring to how this differs from the stamens in Cleome
Plants: erect, annual, 8"-20" tall forb, with sticky hairs and unpleasant odor
Leaves: 3-parted, on stalks about the same length as the leaf blade
Flowers: white to pinkish, 4-parted, 1/4" long, irregular-shaped with long claws, the side petals longest, stamens much longer than the petals; inflorescence a terminal cluster (raceme) of many, stalked flowers; blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: long, pea-like capsule, mostly stalkless, erect, slightly hairy, sticky
Habitat: disturbed sites, stream sides; in gravelly, sandy soil
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 2, Wetland Indicator = UPL* USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"