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Herbertia lahue
Herbertia lahue (Molina) Goldblatt
Prairie Nymph, Herbertia
Iridaceae (Iris Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: HELA6
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Easy-to-grow, this shortgrass plant with exotic-looking flowers makes a miniature clump of narrow foliage to only 2 inches tall. The plants are topped from early to mid-May with dark blue-lavender flowers composed of three large oblong petals surrounding a contrasting white eye.
A member of the iris family (family Iridaceae) which consists of herbs growing from rhizomes, bulbs, or corms, with narrow basal leaves and showy clusters at the tips of long stalks. There are about 60 genera and 1,500 species, distributed in temperate and tropical regions. Among them, Iris, Freesia, Gladiolus, Bugle Lily, and Montbretia are popular ornamentals. Saffron dye is obtained from Crocus, and "essence of violets," used in perfumes, is extracted from the rhizomes of Iris.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Around 2 inches tall usually
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Blue , PurpleBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May
Bloom Notes: Blue or purple, darker and with white splotches at base of petals. Bloom is circa 2 weeks, with individual flowers lasting only a day, opening in the morning and closing in late afternoon.
Distribution
USA: FL , LA , MS , TXNative Distribution: Grasslands and savannas of southeastern North America from western Florida to Texas, inland to Central and East Texas. Separate populations in southern South America (Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Brazil).
Native Habitat: Prairie, Plains, Meadows, Pastures, Savannas
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Fruits ornamental, Forms a carpetUse Wildlife: Nectar-Bees
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Propagation
Propagation Material: SeedsFind Seed or Plants
Order seed of this species from Native American Seed and help support the Wildflower Center.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Stengl Biological Research Station - Smithville, TX
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Austin, TX
Texas Master Naturalists - Lost Pines Chapter - Bastrop, TX
Wildflower Center Seed Bank
LBJWC-1037 Collected 2007-06-08 in Liberty County by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower CenterBibliography
Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. WasowskiBibref 291 - Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife (1999) Damude, N. & K.C. Bender
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Herbertia lahue in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Herbertia lahue in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Herbertia lahue
Metadata
Record Modified: 2019-08-28Research By: TWC Staff