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About
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Key Facts
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All Species
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More Genus
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Stickseeds
Stickseeds
Stickseeds
Stickseeds
Stickseeds (Hackelia)
Stickseeds are in the borage family and are native to southeast Asia and North America. They were named after a Czech botanist Josef Hackel. They have finely-haired stems and leaves and produce small flowers. There are about 40 different species, of which 10 are native to California.
Lifespan
Lifespan
Annual, Biennial, Perennial
info

Key Facts About Stickseeds

Attributes of Stickseeds

Leaf type
Semi-evergreen

Scientific Classification of Stickseeds

species

Exploring the Stickseeds Plants

8 most common species:
Hackelia virginiana
Beggar's lice
Virginia stickseed has tiny white flowers that bloom in mid-summer. The beggar's lice comes from the seeds of this plant, which are burrs and are very sticky. These burrs are very small and are very difficult to remove from clothing and pet fur. This method of seed dispersal is very effective for this plant, and if caught on clothing often times the entire seed stem, or even the whole plant will come out of the ground.
Hackelia floribunda
Manyflower stickseed
Hackelia floribunda is commonly called manyflower stickseed because of its appearance. It is native to most places in western North America and grows in wet areas during springtime.
Hackelia deflexa
Nodding stickseed
Nodding stickseed is a flowering perennial with clusters of small, blue to purple tubular blooms that grace its upright stems. Its leaves are lance-shaped and arranged alternately, creating a somewhat bushy appearance. Thriving in sunny rock crevices and dry, mountainous regions, nodding stickseed's root system is adapted to secure nutrients from sparse soils, making it a hardy survivor in challenging conditions.
Hackelia micrantha
Jessica sticktight
Hackelia micrantha is a lush perennial herb growing to heights of 30 cm to over 1 metre. Its erect stems are surrounded at the base by many oval-shaped to lance-shaped leaves, the longest over 20 cm long. The upper stems are generally leafless and hold cyme inflorescences of bright blue flowers.
Hackelia nervosa
Sierra stickseed
Sierra stickseed is a perennial herb with a robust, erect stem and clusters of small, blue flowers. The foliage is distinguished by elongated, lance-shaped leaves that bear prominent veins, giving sierra stickseed a textured appearance. Typically found in forested, mountainous regions, this plant adapts to shaded understories and is skilled at capturing sparse sunlight for survival.
Hackelia patens
Spotted stickseed
Spotted stickseed is a perennial herb with a spread of hairy borage family foliage. Its most notable features are the clusters of small, blue, tubular flowers that bloom from spring to summer. These blossoms emerge amidst the rough-textured leaves, which often show resilience in rocky alpine environments. The characteristic nutlets—small fruit structures—aid in spotted stickseed's survival by facilitating seed dispersal.
Hackelia velutina
Velvet stickseed
Velvet stickseed is a perennial herb with velvety leaves that give it a soft texture. This plant often sports clusters of small, blue flowers on upright stems, which contribute to its distinctive charm. Typically found in well-drained soils, velvet stickseed thrives in temperate regions and benefits from partial to full sunlight. Its resilient nature allows it to adapt well to various mountainous habitats, hinting at its tenacity and role within its ecosystem.
Hackelia californica
California stickseed
California stickseed is a native perennial herb distinguished by its clustered purple or blue flowers and bristly foliage. This plant thrives in the diverse climates of California, from coastal regions to mountainous areas, indicating robust adaptability. Its stems are erect and can reach up to three feet, while leaves are lance-shaped with a rough texture. The distinctive burr-like fruit aids in seed dispersal, hitching rides on passing animals.

All Species of Stickseeds

Beggar's lice
Hackelia virginiana
Beggar's lice
Virginia stickseed has tiny white flowers that bloom in mid-summer. The beggar's lice comes from the seeds of this plant, which are burrs and are very sticky. These burrs are very small and are very difficult to remove from clothing and pet fur. This method of seed dispersal is very effective for this plant, and if caught on clothing often times the entire seed stem, or even the whole plant will come out of the ground.
Manyflower stickseed
Hackelia floribunda
Manyflower stickseed
Hackelia floribunda is commonly called manyflower stickseed because of its appearance. It is native to most places in western North America and grows in wet areas during springtime.
Nodding stickseed
Hackelia deflexa
Nodding stickseed
Nodding stickseed is a flowering perennial with clusters of small, blue to purple tubular blooms that grace its upright stems. Its leaves are lance-shaped and arranged alternately, creating a somewhat bushy appearance. Thriving in sunny rock crevices and dry, mountainous regions, nodding stickseed's root system is adapted to secure nutrients from sparse soils, making it a hardy survivor in challenging conditions.
Jessica sticktight
Hackelia micrantha
Jessica sticktight
Hackelia micrantha is a lush perennial herb growing to heights of 30 cm to over 1 metre. Its erect stems are surrounded at the base by many oval-shaped to lance-shaped leaves, the longest over 20 cm long. The upper stems are generally leafless and hold cyme inflorescences of bright blue flowers.
Sierra stickseed
Hackelia nervosa
Sierra stickseed
Sierra stickseed is a perennial herb with a robust, erect stem and clusters of small, blue flowers. The foliage is distinguished by elongated, lance-shaped leaves that bear prominent veins, giving sierra stickseed a textured appearance. Typically found in forested, mountainous regions, this plant adapts to shaded understories and is skilled at capturing sparse sunlight for survival.
Spotted stickseed
Hackelia patens
Spotted stickseed
Spotted stickseed is a perennial herb with a spread of hairy borage family foliage. Its most notable features are the clusters of small, blue, tubular flowers that bloom from spring to summer. These blossoms emerge amidst the rough-textured leaves, which often show resilience in rocky alpine environments. The characteristic nutlets—small fruit structures—aid in spotted stickseed's survival by facilitating seed dispersal.
Velvet stickseed
Hackelia velutina
Velvet stickseed
Velvet stickseed is a perennial herb with velvety leaves that give it a soft texture. This plant often sports clusters of small, blue flowers on upright stems, which contribute to its distinctive charm. Typically found in well-drained soils, velvet stickseed thrives in temperate regions and benefits from partial to full sunlight. Its resilient nature allows it to adapt well to various mountainous habitats, hinting at its tenacity and role within its ecosystem.
California stickseed
Hackelia californica
California stickseed
California stickseed is a native perennial herb distinguished by its clustered purple or blue flowers and bristly foliage. This plant thrives in the diverse climates of California, from coastal regions to mountainous areas, indicating robust adaptability. Its stems are erect and can reach up to three feet, while leaves are lance-shaped with a rough texture. The distinctive burr-like fruit aids in seed dispersal, hitching rides on passing animals.
Forest hound’s-tongue
Hackelia latifolia
Forest hound’s-tongue
Forest hound’s-tongue is distinguished by broad, ovate leaves that provide a lush backdrop for its clusters of small, blue to purplish flowers with a fine, bristly texture. Thriving in forest clearings and mountainous terrains, its robust stems often reach heights indicative of its tenacious grasp on the fertile, well-drained soils it prefers. This plant's hardy nature allows it to flourish where sunlight pierces through the canopy, inviting pollinators to its subtle blooms.
Pink stickseed
Hackelia mundula
Pink stickseed
Pink stickseed erects itself gracefully with slender stems, adorned with clusters of delicate blue flowers. The foliage, slightly bristly, works in concert with its deep root system to adapt and thrive in the sunny, dry habitats it prefers. This botanical gem's signature lies in its floral display, a key to its identity in the wild.
popular genus

More Popular Genus

Dracaena
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Ficus
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Rubus
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Acer
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Solanum
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Rosa
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Quercus
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
All Species
More Genus
Stickseeds
Stickseeds
Stickseeds
Stickseeds
Stickseeds
Stickseeds
Stickseeds
Hackelia
Stickseeds are in the borage family and are native to southeast Asia and North America. They were named after a Czech botanist Josef Hackel. They have finely-haired stems and leaves and produce small flowers. There are about 40 different species, of which 10 are native to California.
Lifespan
Lifespan
Annual, Biennial, Perennial
info

Key Facts About Stickseeds

Attributes of Stickseeds

Leaf type
Semi-evergreen

Scientific Classification of Stickseeds

species

Exploring the Stickseeds Plants

8 most common species:
Hackelia virginiana
Beggar's lice
Virginia stickseed has tiny white flowers that bloom in mid-summer. The beggar's lice comes from the seeds of this plant, which are burrs and are very sticky. These burrs are very small and are very difficult to remove from clothing and pet fur. This method of seed dispersal is very effective for this plant, and if caught on clothing often times the entire seed stem, or even the whole plant will come out of the ground.
Hackelia floribunda
Manyflower stickseed
Hackelia floribunda is commonly called manyflower stickseed because of its appearance. It is native to most places in western North America and grows in wet areas during springtime.
Hackelia deflexa
Nodding stickseed
Nodding stickseed is a flowering perennial with clusters of small, blue to purple tubular blooms that grace its upright stems. Its leaves are lance-shaped and arranged alternately, creating a somewhat bushy appearance. Thriving in sunny rock crevices and dry, mountainous regions, nodding stickseed's root system is adapted to secure nutrients from sparse soils, making it a hardy survivor in challenging conditions.
Hackelia micrantha
Jessica sticktight
Hackelia micrantha is a lush perennial herb growing to heights of 30 cm to over 1 metre. Its erect stems are surrounded at the base by many oval-shaped to lance-shaped leaves, the longest over 20 cm long. The upper stems are generally leafless and hold cyme inflorescences of bright blue flowers.
Show More Species

All Species of Stickseeds

popular genus

More Popular Genus

Dracaena
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Ficus
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Rubus
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Acer
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Solanum
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Rosa
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Quercus
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
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Continue reading in our app - it's better
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unlimited guides at your fingertips...
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