Polanisia dodecandra, commonly known as redwhisker clammyweed, is an annual or occasionally perennial herb native to prairies, open woodlands, and along railroads and roadsides in North America. It thrives in full sun and mesic to dry conditions, favoring barren, sandy, or gravelly soils. This plant typically grows from 12 to 36 inches tall and is characterized by its sticky stems and foliage. The leaves are trifoliate, with three palmate leaflets. From late spring to early fall, it produces clusters of showy flowers with white or cream petals and distinctive long reddish-purple stamens that resemble whiskers, hence the common name. The seedpods are slender capsules that contain multiple small reddish-brown seeds.

Redwhisker clammyweed is valued for its unique flowers and is used in wildflower gardens and naturalized areas. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soils, making it a low-maintenance choice for challenging sites. It has a history of culinary use, as some Native American tribes have used the seeds as a spice similar to capers. Additionally, it has been used in ceremonial practices. Gardeners should be aware that it can self-seed and spread if conditions are favorable, potentially becoming weedy.CC BY-SA 4.0