Smith, Sandy
Ruellia humilis Nutt.
Fringeleaf wild petunia, Hairy ruellia, Low wild Petunia, Low ruellia
Acanthaceae (Acanthus Family)
Fringe-leaf wild petunia’s multi-branched
stem may reach a height of 2 ft. but is usually less than a foot tall. The short internodes give the plant a compact, leafy, bushy appearance. Its showy flowers are petunia shaped and vary in color from lavender to purple.
Image Gallery:
24 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Root Type: Fibrous Leaf Retention: Deciduous Leaf Complexity: Simple Leaf Shape: Ovate Leaf Venation: Pinnate Leaf Pubescence: Hirsute
Leaf Margin: Entire Leaf Apex: Acute Leaf Base: Truncate Breeding System: Flowers
Bisexual Size Notes: Erect or rarely decumbent.
Leaf: Green
Flower: Flowers 3-7 cm long
Fruit: Capsule brownish to 15 mm
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Purple
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , MD , MI , MN , MS , MO , NE , NC , OH , OK , PA , TN , TX , VA , WV , WI
Native Distribution: PA to WI & e. KS, s. to w. NC, AL & TX
Native Habitat: Woodlands edge, Opening, Thickets
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Conditions Comments: Growth habit is upright to somewhat sprawling. Wonderful addition to a wildflower planting. Blooms in the heat of summer if given a little extra water. Reseeds readily. Larval food plant for the Buckeye and several other butterfly species.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Perennial garden, Blooms ornamental
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Buckeye
Nectar Source: yes
2012-12-09
