Rhomboid Mercury (Acalypha rhomboidea)

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Acalypha rhomboidea, Rhomboid Mercury, is a native annual herb found in woodlands, disturbed areas, fields, and roadsides throughout Illinois. It thrives in light shade to full sun and tolerates a wide range of soil types, including dry, compacted, or disturbed soils.

This modest plant typically grows 0.5 to 2 feet tall and features alternate, rhombus- to oval-shaped leaves with finely toothed margins. The greenish flowers are small and inconspicuous, appearing in the leaf axils from summer into fall. While not showy, the plant produces tiny seed capsules that split into three segments—hence the name “three-seeded mercury.”

For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Acalypha rhomboidea is not typically planted for ornamental value, but it plays a quiet ecological role in supporting native insects and contributing to early successional plant communities. It’s useful in disturbed-site restorations and low-maintenance naturalized areas, where it can help stabilize soil and provide food for small wildlife.

Size:

Acalypha rhomboidea, Rhomboid Mercury, is a native annual herb found in woodlands, disturbed areas, fields, and roadsides throughout Illinois. It thrives in light shade to full sun and tolerates a wide range of soil types, including dry, compacted, or disturbed soils.

This modest plant typically grows 0.5 to 2 feet tall and features alternate, rhombus- to oval-shaped leaves with finely toothed margins. The greenish flowers are small and inconspicuous, appearing in the leaf axils from summer into fall. While not showy, the plant produces tiny seed capsules that split into three segments—hence the name “three-seeded mercury.”

For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Acalypha rhomboidea is not typically planted for ornamental value, but it plays a quiet ecological role in supporting native insects and contributing to early successional plant communities. It’s useful in disturbed-site restorations and low-maintenance naturalized areas, where it can help stabilize soil and provide food for small wildlife.

Bloom: mid-summer to fall

Habitats: areas along railroads; disturbed areas of moist prairies; ditches; fence rows; fields; limestone glades; openings or slightly shaded areas of floodplain forests; poorly maintained lawns and gardens; roadsides; seeps; stream banks; thickets; vacant lots; waste areas

Lifespan: Annual

Moisture: moist to slightly dry

Plant type (height): forb (0.5 to 2 feet)

Requirements: full sun to light shade

Soil: fertile loamy soil (can tolerate clay or gravelly soil as well)