Similar Species: As you can see from the list in the "More info" section below there are many other species in this genus found in our area. They all have flowers that emerge from the nodes of the paired, heart shaped leaves. Some have dark purple or red-brown flowers and some have yellowish or green flowers. Most species tend to have a fairly limited range. They all have hairs on the stem and leaf stalk that are visible with the unaided eye mixed with smaller glands visible only with a magnifier. Vines in the genus Cynanchum are also similar and sometimes confused. Our species of Cynanchum have very narrow leaves. Technically the distinction between Matelea and Cynanchum is that in the first the pollen masses extend horizontally and in the latter they hang down.^(Rickett)

See the links below this image for other images. (1) © Darel Hess   E-mail      Image use policy OTHER IMAGES These images open in a new window. You may need to resize the window to view the entire image. Matelea carolinensis - Yellow  © Daniel Reed Extreamly rare yellow flowered Matelea carolinensis. Ads on this page help pay for this site but if you see one that seems inappropriate here such as one that is counter to the pro environmental theme please let me know which Ad and I will block it. Report a Bad Ad

One of the best general guides to wildflowers of the North Eastern and North Central United States. Newcomb's key is an excellent, simple method for identifying plants. Newcomb has drawings for almost every plant mentioned that are excellent aids to identifying the species. Though only the more common plants are covered this is often the first book I pick up when trying to identify a wildflower.

Wildflo wers of Tennessee the Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians

This is perhaps the best of many field guides covering this region. Featuring 446 excellent color photographs (located with the text) and mentioning as similar to those illustrated are another 800 or so species for a total coverage of over 1,200 species. The start of each family section includes line drawings of some of the species showing important features. The text includes the usual description, bloom season, range, habitat and additionally includes information such as medical uses and lore and how the species was named. This is the official field guide of the Tennessee Native Plant Society.