Hackelia

Hackelia is a genus of flowering plants in the borage family, Boraginaceae. It includes numerous species commonly known as stickseed or beggar's lice. Members are herbaceous plants found in temperate regions of North America and Eurasia. The group is characterized by rough, bristly hairs and, in many species, a basal rosette of leaves in the first year.

Most Hackelia species are annual or perennial herbs with erect or branching stems. Leaves are alternately arranged, with larger, hairy basal leaves and smaller upper leaves. The inflorescence is a coiled scorpioid cyme, typical of the Boraginaceae, bearing small tubular flowers that are usually blue, but can also be white or pink. Each flower has five petals and a slender floral tube.

After flowering, the fruit forms a schizocarp that splits into four nutlets. The nutlets are often rough or hooked, aiding in adherence. This stick-seed characteristic is a notable feature, with seeds readily attaching to fur or clothing and facilitating dispersal.

Distribution and habitat vary by species, but Hackelia generally favors temperate habitats such as meadows, woodlands, hillsides, and disturbed ground. The genus is especially diverse in western North America, though species occur across North America and Eurasia. Some species are rare or localized and may be protected.

Ecology and use: pollination is primarily by bees and other insects. Seed dispersal is largely by epizoochory, with burr-like seeds attaching to animals or humans. While not widely cultivated, some Hackelia species appear in wildflower or native plant mixes and are studied for their ecological roles in native communities. A well-known species is Hackelia virginiana, the Virginia stickseed, native to eastern North America.