Elliptic-leaf rushfoil, Willdenow’s croton Elliptic-leaf rushfoil, Willdenow’s croton

Crotonopsis elliptica Willdenow, Sp. Pl. 4: 380. 1805; Croton willdenowii G. L. Webster; Leptemon ellipticum (Wildenow) Rafinesque

Leaf blades lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, 1.5–4 × 0.1–0.4(–1.5) cm; abaxial surface (midstem leaves) hairs with radii separate less than 1/2 length, adaxial surface hairs often slightly raised, overlapping near midvein, radii usually 1–3. Inflorescences usually less than 1 cm, achenes 1–2, crowded at base (appearing sessile in axil of subtending leaf). Staminate flowers usually less than 1 mm diam. Achenes sparsely stellate-lepidote, hairs appressed, radii joined most or all of length, umbos usually blunt, rarely sharp.

Flowering Jun–Oct. Sandstone and granitic outcrops (glades), disturbed sandy soils, forest openings, eroded slopes; 0–300 m; Ala., Ark., Conn., Del., Fla., Ga., Ill., Ind., Iowa, Kans., Ky., La., Md., Miss., Mo., N.J., N.C., Okla., Pa., S.C., Tenn., Tex., Va.