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.

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Wild Four-O Clock

Mirablis nyctaginea