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Ruellia caroliniensis (Carolina wild petunia)
Flaigg, Norman G.

Ruellia caroliniensis (J.F. Gmel.) Steud.

Carolina wild petunia

Acanthaceae (Acanthus Family)

USDA Symbol: ruca4

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

An unbranched, 2-3 ft. perennial with crowded, opposite, oval leaves and flowers in unstalked, axillary clusters of 2-4. Usually only one or two of the light purple flowers are open on any given day. The flowers have a slender corolla tube and five, petal-like lobes. Seeds are borne on hooked projections. Violet, trumpet-shaped flowers on short hairy stems from leaf axils.

Among the seven other members of this genus occuring in the East, this one is recognized by the long-pointed calyx lobes and bracts under the flower. The flowers of Ruellia species recall garden petunias (genus Petunia) of the nightshade family (Solanaceae).

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Purple
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MD , MS , NC , NJ , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WV
Native Distribution: FL to NJ, w. to e. AR
Native Habitat: Sandy, upland, open woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Dry, sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: A number of varieties and forms occur throughout the eastern U.S.

Propagation

Description: Seeds may be planted immediately after collection or stored and sown in spring. Germination is low. Seedlings should be given protection until the second year. Summer stem cuttings seem to root well.
Seed Collection: Capsules change from yellow to green to brown over a 2 month period following flowering. A mature capsule is smooth and 1/2 in. long. Be sure to monitor closely as capsules dehisce mature seeds. Store seeds dry in an airtight, refrigerated container.
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Ruellia caroliniensis in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Ruellia caroliniensis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Ruellia caroliniensis

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-20
Research By: TWC Staff

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