Mirabilis nyctaginea is a perennial plant that can grow to be 2-4 ft. (0.61-1.2 m) tall, branching occasionally.
Foliage
Leaves are dark green, opposite, cordate, hairless, 4 in. (10.2 cm) long and 3 in. (7.6 cm) across. The upper leaves may be smaller and lanceolate.
Flowers
Flowers are magenta, trumpet shaped, 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) across, and are found in clusters of 3-5. They bloom in early summer and usually only open in the afternoon and at night, closing in the morning.
Fruit
Seeds are greyish brown to reddish brown in color, narrowly obovate, round to club-shaped, smooth, 0.4 in. (1 cm) in length, and have 5 ribs.
Ecological Threat
Mirabilis nyctaginea prefers disturbed areas like pastures, roadsides, and abandoned fields. It is thought to be native to all U.S. states except Alaska, Hawaii, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Oregon, and Arizona.