Ruellia caroliniensis (J.F. Gmelin) Steudel. Section: Boreosilva. Common name: Carolina Wild-petunia, Common Wild-petunia. Phenology: (May-) Jun-Sep. Habitat: Dry to moist forests and woodlands. Distribution: NJ, s. OH, s. IN, s. IL, and OK, south to s. FL and e. TX.
Origin/Endemic status: Endemic
Synonymy ⓘ: = Ar, C, Fl6, G, NcTx, Pa, RAB, Tat, Va, WH3, Turner (1991), Ward (2007c); = Ruellia caroliniensis (J.F. Gmel.) Steud. ssp. caroliniensis — POWO; = Ruellia caroliniensis (J.F.Gmel.) Steud. ssp. caroliniensis var. caroliniensis — K4, SFla, Long (1970), Wasshausen (1998); < Ruellia caroliniensis (J.F.Gmel.) Steud. — Tn, W; > Ruellia caroliniensis (J.F. Gmel.) Steud. ssp. caroliniensis — NS; > Ruellia caroliniensis (J.F.Gmel.) Steud. var. caroliniensis — F, NS, Tx; > Ruellia caroliniensis (J.F.Gmel.) Steud. var. cheloniformis Fernald — F, Fernald (1945); > Ruellia caroliniensis (J.F.Gmel.) Steud. var. dentata (Nees) Fernald — F, Il, WV, Fernald (1945); > Ruellia caroliniensis (J.F.Gmel.) Steud. var. membranacea Fernald — F, WV, Fernald (1945); > Ruellia caroliniensis (J.F.Gmel.) Steud. var. nanella Fernald — F, Fernald (1945); > Ruellia caroliniensis (J.F.Gmel.) Steud. var. salicina Fernald — F, Tx, Fernald (1945); > Ruellia caroliniensis (J.F.Gmel.) Steud. var. semicalva Fernald — F, Tx, Fernald (1945); > Ruellia caroliniensis (J.F.Gmel.) Steud. var. serrulata Tharp & F.A.Barkley — NS, Tx; > Ruellia caroliniensis (J.F.Gmel.) Steud. var. typica Fernald — Fernald (1945); ? Ruellia parviflora (Nees) Britton — S; Pattersonia caroliniensis J.F. Gmel. Basionym: Pattersonia caroliniensis J.F. Gmel. 1791
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Wetland Indicator Status:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACU (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
- Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACU
- Great Plains: FAC (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
- Midwest: FAC (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
Heliophily ⓘ: 7
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© Grant Morrow Parkins | Original Image ⭷
© Bruce A. Sorrie | Original Image ⭷
© Richard & Teresa Ware CC-BY-NC, permission granted to NCBG | Original Image ⭷
© Richard & Teresa Ware CC-BY-NC, permission granted to NCBG | Original Image ⭷
© Bruce A. Sorrie | Original Image ⭷Feedback
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Horticultural Information
Intro: Erect, unbranched perennial of dry to moist forests and woodlands.
Stems: Stems simple (occasionally branched above), furry with light-colored hairs; leaves closer together on upper stem.
Leaves: Leaves opposite, petiolate, oval to oblong-oval, 1 1/2-4 in. long, furry.
Inforescence:
Flowers: Flowers in sessile clusters of 2-4 flowers each in upper leaf axils, 1-2 in. long, lilac to lavender-blue, trumpet-shaped with 5 broad, spreading lobes that are prominently creased; 5 calyx segments are prominently narrow and pointy.
Fruits: Fruit a narrow, somewhat flattened oval capsule.
Comments:
Height: 1-2 ft.
plant sale text: The flowers of Carolina wild-petunia are lavender in color, each about 1.5 inches across, in the shape of a funnel. Its blooms resemble those of small old-fashioned petunias, although the two species are not closely related. Established plants bloom over a period of many weeks. This native perennial looks its best from spring through late fall. Carolina wild-petunia is found growing in open woods throughout North Carolina. This perennial is attractive to a variety of butterflies, as well as being a larval food source for the buckeye butterfly.
bloom table text: Among the seven other members of this genus occurring in the East, this one is recognized by the long-pointed calyx lobes and bracts under the flower. The flowers of Ruellia species recall the garden petunias (genus Petunia) of the Nightshade family (Solanaceae). Usually only one or two of the light purple flowers are open on any given day and it blooms for weeks through the Summer. It serves as a host plant for the Brush-footed butterflies: the admirals, fritillaries, crescentspots, and checkerspots, to name a few. This plant is a cheerful and welcome addition to any garden- in full sun or shade!
description: Erect, unbranched perennial of dry to moist forests and woodlands.
stems: Stems simple (occasionally branched above), furry with light-colored hairs; leaves closer together on upper stem.
leaves: Leaves opposite, petiolate, oval to oblong-oval, 1 1/2-4 in. long, furry.
inflorescence:
flowers: Flowers in sessile clusters of 2-4 flowers each in upper leaf axils, 1-2 in. long, lilac to lavender-blue, trumpet-shaped with 5 broad, spreading lobes that are prominently creased; 5 calyx segments are prominently narrow and pointy.
fruits: Fruit a narrow, somewhat flattened oval capsule.
comments:
cultural notes:
germination code: 2
native range: eastern United States
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