Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect, stout, branched, pubescent.
- Leaves
- Opposite, nearly sessile, ovate to lanceolate, 1 to 3 inches long, .5 to 1.5 inch wide, variously hairy; margins entire, fringed with hairs; tips mostly pointed.
- Inflorescence
- Solitary or clustered flowers in leaf axils.
- Flower
- 5-parted; calyx lobes linear, long hairy, tips slender; corollas petunia-like, funnel-shaped, lavender to purplish, often with reddish lines inside, 1 to 3 inches long; stamens 4, in 2 groups; stigmas hook-shaped.
- Fruit
- Capsules, glabrous, brown; seeds flattened, reddish brown.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Dry soils of prairies, open woodlands and slopes of rocky hills.
- Distribution
- East half of Kansas.
Additional Notes
Comments
The flowers open at night and usually last only one day. They will also fall if the plant is shaken. Fringe-leaf ruellia is very drought resistant and is readily consumed by livestock.
Special Notes: See limestone ruellia
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Acanthaceae - Acanthus Family
- Life Span
- Perennial
- Height
- 4-20 inches
- Last Updated
- 2018-02-22
Color Groups
Blue, Purple, Lavender & Violet Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: June, July, August, September