Wild Four-O Clock

Mirablis nyctaginea

Weed Description
Erect perennials with tuberous thickened roots that may reach 4 1/2 feet in height. Wild four-o clock is primarily a weed of pastures, hay fields, roadsides, and abandoned locations that is found in North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Leaves
Leaves are triangular to triangular-lanceolate in outline, from 1 1/2 to 3 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. Leaves occur on petioles that are approximately 3/4 inch or less in length. Leaves have a deep green color and have prominent white midveins.

Stems
Plants usually range from 1 1/2 to 4 1/2 feet in height. Stems are erect and branching.

Flowers
Flowers are pink to lavender in color and occur on flower stalks (peduncles) that range from 3 to 10 mm in length.

Fruit
A gray or brown achene that is 4 to 5 mm long and elliptical.

Roots
Very thick and tuber-like in some places.

Identifying Characteristics
Plants with thick rootstocks and triangular leaves that are dark green in color with prominent white midveins.

Trouble identifying a weed?

For additional assistance identifying weeds, contact Dr. Kevin Braldly, State Extension Weed Scientist (bradleyke@missouri.edu).

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Wild Four-O Clock

Mirablis nyctaginea

Trouble identifying a weed?