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Cressler, Alan
Houstonia procumbens
Houstonia procumbens (Walter ex J.F. Gmel.) Standl.
Roundleaf Bluet, Round-leaf Bluets, Innocence
Rubiaceae (Madder Family)
Synonym(s): Hedyotis procumbens, Hedyotis procumbens var. hirsuta, Houstonia rotundifolia
USDA Symbol: HOPR
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
The elliptic to round leaves of this low, creeping, white-flowered relative of the more northern bluets are quite small, as are the petal lobes of the tubular, white flowers.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Stems procumbent, up to about 8 inches long.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Jan , Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov , Dec
Distribution
USA: AL , FL , GA , LA , MS , SCNative Distribution: Coastal areas of SC to LA
Native Habitat: Moist, open, sandy areas; pinelands; disturbed sites
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Description: Sandy soils
Propagation
Description: Plant seeds outside as soon as ripe or store, stratify and sow in the spring. Seeds should be sown at a shallow depth. These seedlings will germinate the first year and flower the second. Propagation by division is accomplished by digging the plants inSeed Treatment: Moist stratification.
Commercially Avail: yes
Web Reference
Webref 57 - Atlas of Florida Plants (2020) Institute for Systematic BotanyWebref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Houstonia procumbens in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Houstonia procumbens in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Houstonia procumbens
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-14Research By: TWC Staff