ROCKY MOUNTAIN BEEPLANT,
Cleome serrulata Pursh. 1, upper part of plant; 2,
lower part of plant; 3, seed. Annual, reproducing by seeds.
Stems 2 to 8 feet (0.6 to 2.4 m) tall, pale, smooth, branched at
summit. Leaves alternate, compound, with 3 pointed leaflets per
leaf; surface and margins smooth, with strong fetid odor. Flowers
in terminal racemes, 4 white or pink petals per flower, each petal about
3/8 inch (9 mm) long and separate, some petals notched. Seeds in
pods (capsules) which are 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) long and have projections
at the base that are as long as the pedicels; each seed is 1/8 inch (3
mm) long, rough, dull, grayish-brown, grooved on each side. Found
in pastures, prairies, ranges, fields, and waste places, often on sandy
soils.