Though, again, the distinction between R. mariana, R. alifanus, and R. virginica is less than clear from the photographs available to me. I decided on R. mariana chiefly because of where I found this specimen: off of Old Brandon Road bridge (Flowood side) in a ditch, the habitat preferred by R. mariana. The second cue is the shape of the pistil, it hang down and has a nub on the end unlike R. alifanus, which has a curl and flare at the end of the pistil. However, I can discern little difference between R. virginica and R. mariana. If anyone happens upon this post and can shed some light I'd be grateful.
As to the specimen at hand, it is an example of a solitary flower arrangement and the plant is regardless of exact species, classified as a herb. This genus is native to the US and all can be found throughout the Southeast and excepting R. alifanus, into the northern reaches of the Midwest and even southern Canada. I found this on July 14, 2008 on a rather sweltering day.
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