Biennials or, rarely, perennials; (short-lived, with caudex); usually densely hirsute (at least basally), trichomes simple (to 1 mm), sometimes mixed with stalked, forked ones. Stems simple or several from base (rosette), erect, often branched distally, (1.8–) 2.5–4.5 (–5.5) dm, (hirsute at least basally). Basal leaves: petiole (0.7–) 2–5 cm; blade usually ovate to oblanceolate, rarely cordate, (0.8–) 1.5–3 cm × 5–17 mm, margins dentate or serrate, surfaces sparsely to densely pubescent, trichomes simple or forked. Cauline leaves (5–) 8–20 (–27), (overlapping or not); blade ovate to oblong or lanceolate, (2–) 3–7.5 (–9) cm × (10–) 13–25 (–35) mm, base amplexicaul, margins usually dentate or serrate, sometimes entire, surfaces hirsute. Racemes branched. Fruiting pedicels ascending to divaricate-ascending, (7–) 10–20 (–24) mm, (glabrous or sparsely pubescent). Flowers: sepals oblong, 2.5–4.5 × 1–1.5 mm, lateral pair slightly saccate basally; petals white, spatulate, (5–) 6–9 × 2–3.5 mm, apex obtuse; filaments 3–5 mm; anthers oblong, 0.8–1.2 mm. Fruits divaricate to erect-ascending, (not appressed to rachis), torulose, 2.2–4.6 cm × 0.8–1.2mm; valves each with prominent midvein extending to middle or full length; ovules 16–28 per ovary; style 0.5–2 mm, (slender). Seeds narrowly winged distally, oblong, 1–1.6 × 0.6–0.8 mm; wing 0.05–0.1 mm.

Phenology: Flowering Apr–May.
Habitat: Rocky wooded slopes, shady stream banks, limestone ledges and bluffs
Elevation: 0-500 m

Distribution

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D.C., Ind., Ky., Md., N.C., Ohio, Pa., Tenn., Va., W.Va.

Discussion

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.

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