Diapensias
What are they?
The diapensia family is a small family of often unusual-looking plants, or species that simply catch the eye. In our area we have just a single species which is a low, moss-like plant that can be easily overlooked when not in flower.
Where are they found?
Our single species is native to dry, sandy, pine barren habitats.
Identification
The low, spreading, moss-like appearance of the plant, coupled with the distinctive shape of the yellow stamens in the brilliant white flowers is diagnostic.
Pyxie Pyxidanthera barbatula
(Pyxie Moss) A rare and local species of sandy, pine barrens. An old record exists for Cape May County but details are few and the record may refer to a plant in Cumberland County. Flowers late April to early May. An exquisite, low, mossy-like plant that is studded with snow-white flowers in spring. Unlikely to be found in Cape May County, but worth looking for in suitable, dry and undisturbed ground.
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