Hexastylis lewisii (Fernald) Blomquist & Oosting. Common name: Lewis's Heartleaf. Phenology: Apr-May. Habitat: Upland forests (pine or oak), pocosin ecotones. Distribution: Endemic to the Piedmont of VA and the Piedmont and Coastal Plain of NC.
Origin/Endemic status: Endemic
Synonymy ⓘ: = FNA3, K1, K3, K4, RAB, Va, Blomquist (1957), Gaddy (1987a); = Asarum lewisii Fernald – F, G, Sinn (2015); > Hexastylis pilosiflora Blomq.; < Hexastylis shuttleworthii (Britten & Baker f.) Small – C
Links to other floras: = Hexastylis lewisii - FNA3
Wetland Indicator Status:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACU (name change)
- Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACU (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
- Northcentral & Northeast: FACU (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
Heliophily ⓘ: 2
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Horticultural Information
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Height: 4-12
plant sale text: Native to the lower Piedmont and upper coastal plain of North Carolina and Virginia, this species of Hexastylis is unique in that it forms long rhizomatous patches (up to 3 feet in 5 years) as opposed to the clumping form displayed by other species in this genus. The spreading nature of Hexastylis lewisii makes for a great ground cover option in a shady part of the garden. The flower, though hard to see without close inspection, is dark purple, thimble-sized and very hairy!
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native range: Virginia & North Carolina