Snow squarestem, a resilient and bushy wildflower, thrives naturally in a range of environments, from dry to moist flatwoods, prairies, and disturbed open habitats. Its vibrant blooms typically grace the landscape from summer through early winter, but its flowering period can extend year-round, attracting a variety of pollinators such as bees and butterflies. This wildflower goes by several aliases, including Cat’s tongue, Salt and pepper, and Nonpareil.
The distinct characteristics of Snow squarestem include flowers without ray florets, featuring tiny tubular disk florets that are white with noticeable black anthers. These florets come together in a dense, eye-catching flowerhead supported by rough, hairy bracts. The leaves are petiolate, arrow-shaped, and either toothed or with entire margins. Arranged oppositely along the densely branched stems, the leaves have a coarse texture.
As implied by its common name, the stems of Snow squarestem are densely branched and square. The inconspicuous achenes bear its seeds. This wildflower is recommended primarily for natural landscapes and habitat restorations, making it a suitable choice for wildflower and butterfly gardens along coastal areas.
In the ecological context of South Florida, Snow squarestem is predominantly found along the coast, coexisting with other Melanthera species that thrive inland. Native plant nurseries in central and northern Florida offer this species, contributing to its availability in the region.
Characterized as a small to medium-sized herbaceous wildflower, Snow squarestem reaches heights of about 1-4 feet, maintaining a similar width. It exhibits a fast growth rate and is distributed across the southeastern United States, extending northwest to southern Illinois and south to the Monroe County Keys. Additionally, it can be found in the West Indies, Mexico, Central America, and South America.