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Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn
Hydrolea ovata Nutt. ex Choisy
Blue Water Leaf, Hairy Hydrolea, Ovate false fiddleleaf
Hydrophyllaceae (Waterleaf Family)
USDA Symbol: hyov
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
The sprawling, sturdy blue waterleaf plant, which grows to 3 feet tall, is spiny and covered with rough hairs. Several stems grow from the base and are branched in the upper portion. Leaves are 1–2 1/2 inches long and 1 inch wide, alternate, undivided, and unlobed. There is a prominent spine on the stem just below the leaf. Many flowers and buds grow in clusters at the ends of the stems. Flowers are bright blue or purplish, 1 inch across, funnel-shaped, opening into 5 broad petal-like lobes. The conspicuous purple stamens extend beyond the petals. Blue waterleaf tends to form large colonies around the edge of lakes, ponds, and streams, and may stand in water for weeks without apparent damage (248).
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: BlueBloom Time: Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , KY , LA , MO , MS , OK , TN , TXNative Habitat: Stream/river banks, Near lakes or ponds
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet
Soil Description: Sandy Sandy Loam Medium Loam Clay Loam Clay Acid-based
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Blooms ornamental, Bog or pond area, Water gardenAttracts: Birds
Deer Resistant: High
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Stengl Biological Research Station - Smithville, TX
Wildflower Center Seed Bank
LBJWC-1115 Collected 2011-10-02 in Van Zandt County by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower CenterBibliography
Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. WasowskiBibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller
Bibref 328 - Wildflowers of Texas (2003) Ajilvsgi, Geyata.
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Recommended Species Lists
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View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Hydrolea ovata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Hydrolea ovata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Hydrolea ovata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: NPC
