Polytaenia nuttallii

Similar to P. texana which becomes the common species in the Texas's coastal prairies, while Polytaenia nuttallii is most common in prairie remnants of Louisiana. They can be distinguishes by their fruits which are 5-11 mm long by 4-7 mm broad in P. nuttallii, with lateral wings narrower and thicker than the fruit body, also with several indistinct oil tubes between the wings. Polytaenia texana has fruit that are 9-11 mm long by 6-7 mm broad with lateral wings that are broader and thinner than the body, and solitary, distinct oil tubes between the wings. Polytaenia texana flowers a little later than P. nuttallii, although there is some overlap.

Seeds may be collected by hand from May to July. Plants can be transplanted if enough of the root system is included when dug. Seeds average approximately 177,000/lb.

A rare plant in Louisiana. In Texas it is restricted to the timber belt and the blackland prairies.

Sandy soil, dry prairies, open woodlands, and plains.