Polytaenia is a small genus of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae, the carrot and parsley family, and the order Apiales. The genus contains three accepted species, all native to the central and south-eastern United States, where they are collectively known as prairie parsleies.
Plants in the genus are biennial or perennial herbs, represented most prominently by Polytaenia nuttallii (Nuttall's prairie parsley), which grows up to 1 metre tall. The inflorescence consists of numerous small yellow flowers arranged in compound umbels — the characteristic flower structure of the Apiaceae. The leaves are pinnately divided into toothed lobes and reach up to 18 centimetres in length; they clasp the stem at their bases and are mostly alternate, though upper leaves may be opposite. The foliage is yellowish-green during spring and summer.
The three species partition the range of the genus across the central United States: Polytaenia nuttallii is the most widespread, occurring across the central and midwestern states in prairies, glades, open woodlands, and roadsides; Polytaenia texana (Texas prairie parsley) is restricted to Texas and Oklahoma; and Polytaenia albiflora is the rarest member of the genus. Polytaenia nuttallii has been used in native habitat restoration projects in prairie ecosystems and is occasionally grown as an ornamental.
Etymology
The genus name Polytaenia derives from Greek roots: poly- ("many") and tainia ("band" or "ribbon"), likely referring to the multi-banded or multi-ribbed fruits characteristic of the genus.
Distribution
The genus is native to the central and south-eastern United States. Polytaenia nuttallii ranges across the central and midwestern states, growing in prairies, glades, open woodlands, and roadsides. Polytaenia texana is restricted to Texas and Oklahoma. Polytaenia albiflora has a more limited distribution within the same general region.
Ecology
Polytaenia nuttallii is characteristically found in prairies, glades, open woodlands, and roadsides across the central United States. Like other members of Apiaceae, the compound umbel flowers are accessible to a wide range of pollinators.
