Houstonia purpurea Linnaeus. Summer Bluet, Mountain Bluet. Phen: May-Jul; Jul-Aug. Hab: Moist and dry woodlands and forests, thinner soils around rock outcrops, and in a variety of disturbed sites, such as paths, old roads, and roadbanks. Dist: DE, MD, and s. PA west to s. OH, s. IL, and sw. MO south to SC, sw. GA, Panhandle FL, MS, s. LA, e. TX, and e. OK.
ID notes: Plants growing in high elevation and exposed sites are sometimes somewhat dwarfed, and in that respect only, superficially resemble H. montana.
Origin/Endemic status: Native
Syn: = F, Mi, S; = Houstonia purpurea var. purpurea – Ar, G, K1, K3, K4, NY, Pa, Tn, Va, WV, Terrell (1959), Terrell (1991), Terrell (1996); < Hedyotis purpurea – C, Rogers (1987); < Houstonia purpurea – Fl5, Il, Mo3, RAB, Tx, W, WH3
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© Gary P. Fleming