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Common Crosswort Cruciata laevipes 

 
 
Attracts BeesBees are attracted to this plant
Attracts FliesFlies are attracted to this plant
Perennial Life CyclePerennial life cycle
Cross-Shaped FlowersCross-shaped flowers
Yellow FlowersYellow flowers
4 Petals4 petals
Apr-Jun Flowering
period
Oval LeavesOval leaves
Hairy-Edged LeavesHairy-edged leaves
Square StemSquare stem
Fibrous RootsFibrous roots
50cmMaximum height
 
 
  Main image of Common Crosswort
© 2021 Adrian Briggs
 

Common Crosswort is a native perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in grassland, scrubland and hedgerows, to a mature height of up to 50cm.

Crosswort is named after the plant's leaf arrangement, with four leaves to each whorl along its stem. The alternative name of 'Honeywort' comes from its sweet smelling flowers.

Botanic classification and naming: Common Crosswort is a member of the Madder (Rubiaceae) family. The genus name 'Cruciata' identifies the plant as a Crosswort and its species name 'laevipes' means 'smooth-stalked'.

 
Flower of Common Crosswort

© 2021 Adrian Briggs

 

Flowers:
Common Crosswort usually flowers between April and June.

Flower colour:

Flower Colour Yellow

Yellow

Flower shape:

Flower Shape  Cross

Cross

Petals:

Petal Number =  4

4

Leaf of Common Crosswort

© 2021 Adrian Briggs

 

Leaves:

Leaf Shape:

Leaf Shape is Oval

Oval

Leaf Margins:

Leaf Margin is hairy

hairy

Stem of Common Crosswort

© 2021 Adrian Briggs

 

Stem and Roots:

Stem shape:

Stem Shape is Square

Square

Root type:

Root Type is Fibrous

Fibrous