Checklist » Cleomaceae » Peritoma serrulata
Last updated 9/7/2023 by David Giblin.
Peritoma serrulata (Pursh) DC.[FNA7, HC2]
guaco Rocky Mountain bee-plant, Rocky Mountain beeplant, guaco, stinkweed

Publication: Prodr. 1: 237. (as serrulatum). 1824.

Origin: Native

selected vouchers: WTU

Notes: FNA7: " Most collections of Peritoma serrulata from the northeastern and midwestern United States apparently represent non-persistent waifs or garden escapes. The species has been cultivated as a source of nectar for honeybees since ca. 1880 (L. H. Bailey 1900-1902). It shows considerable variation in fruit size, even within populations. The variation may reflect environmental influences, especially water availability, rather than genetics (H. H. Iltis 1952). The seeds and leaves of Peritoma serrulata are consumed by the Navajo as food and provide a source of black dye. The leaves have been used as a remedy for insect bites, inflammation, and intestinal upsets (L. S. M. Curtin 1947)."

References: (none)

Synonyms & Misapplied Names:
Cleome serrulata Pursh[HC]