Johnny-jump-up

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Johnny-jump-up leaves

Johnny-jump-up sepals

Johnny-jump-up

Johnny-jump-up flower

Johnny-jump-up

Morphology

Stem

Erect or often branched from bases and above, slender, glabrous or sometimes short hairy.

Leaves

Alternate, simple, stalked, egg-shaped or circular to spatulate, 1/4 to 1 inch long, 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide; margins shallowly toothed to nearly entire; tips rounded; stipules large, palmately lobed, leaf-like.

Inflorescence

Solitary flowers in leaf axils, stalks 1/2 to 1 inch long.

Flower

Small; sepals 5, oblong-lanceolate, margins fringed with hairs, tips pointed; petals 5, bluish white or blue, darkly veined, 2 lateral petals bearded, lowest petal yellow toward base, short-spurred; stamens 5.

Fruit

Capsules, oblong, yellowish; seeds tiny, numerous, smooth, yellowish.

Ecology

Habitat

Prairies, pastures, open woodlands, roadsides, and waste areas, most abundant on sandy soils.

Distribution

East 4/5 of Kansas.

Practical Information

Uses

Native Americans used Johnny-jump-up to treat colds, coughs, and headaches.

Additional Notes

Synonyms

Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.