''Valeriana umbilicata'' (

synonym A synonym is a word, morpheme, or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word, morpheme, or phrase in a given language. For example, in the English language, the words ''begin'', ''start'', ''commence'', and ''initiate'' are all ...

''Valerianella umbilicata''), known by the common name navel cornsalad. It is a dicot,

annual plant An annual plant is a plant that completes its life cycle, from germination to the production of seeds, within one growing season, and then dies. The length of growing seasons and period in which they take place vary according to geographical ...

in the flowering plant family Caprifoliaceae. It is native to the Eastern North America and some parts of Canada and has no known uses other than being edible.

Description

Navel cornsalad is an

herbaceous Herbaceous plants are vascular plants that have no persistent woody stems above ground. This broad category of plants includes many perennials, and nearly all annuals and biennials. Definitions of "herb" and "herbaceous" The fourth edition of t ...

succulent In botany, succulent plants, also known as succulents, are plants with parts that are thickened, fleshy, and engorged, usually to retain water in arid climates or soil conditions. The word ''succulent'' comes from the Latin word ''sucus'', meani ...

annual plant. It has dichotomously branched leaves that are attached along the stem rather than attached at the base. The leaves are spatulate, or "spoon-like" and are attached directly to the stem without a petiole. It can be anywhere between 3-6 dm tall. The petals are either white or pink to red, and range from 2-5 mm long. The pollen bearing organs project out strongly. They are rare and found in fields, roadsides, and waste places.

Distribution and habitat

''Valeriana umbilicata'' is native to CAN N and L48 N (lower 48 states) and has a known distribution that includes specimens from the central Piedmont to the southern Mountains. This species appears to be absent from the northern mountains and the Piedmont foothills. ''V. umbilicata'' is rare and lives in damp and open environments. It thrives in disturbed areas such as damp meadows, bottomland openings, roadsides, marshes, and fields. Human disturbances such as development, deforestation, and changes must be avoided by the Valerianella umbilicata species. This species has minimal comprehensive habitat information.

Uses

This species of cornsalad is not known to be used by wildlife and has no known medical uses, but it can be eaten as a vegetable.

Conservation status

The global ranking on conservation status is G4-G5. There is no US status, however individual states have included a state rank. In Michigan, ''V. umbilicata'' is threatened (T) and legally protected by the state and holds a state rank of S2 - Imperiled. North Carolina's state rank is SH - Endangered. New Jersey's state rank is SH - Endangered.

References

{{Taxonbar, from= Q89274013, from2=Q15395425 umbilicata Flora of Alabama Flora of Connecticut Flora of Washington, D.C. Flora of Illinois Flora of Indiana Flora of Kentucky Flora of Maryland Flora of Massachusetts Flora of Michigan Flora of New Jersey Flora of New York (state) Flora of North Carolina Flora of Ohio Flora of Ontario Flora of Pennsylvania Flora of South Carolina Flora of Tennessee Flora of Virginia Flora of West Virginia Plants described in 1842 Wikipedia Student Program