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LIFE CYCLE:  Perennial; reproduces by seed; remains dormant during winter.

MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS*:  Roots at lower nodes but new shoots do not give rise to new plants or rhizomes; three pale green leaflets (A) are heart-shaped; leaves are sour and bitter to taste; stems sparsely covered with fine fairs; small flowers have five bright yellow petals (B); seedpod is long narrow capsule with short blunt beak (C).