BLUEBELL GENTIAN, Catchfly gentian, Seaside gentian, Eustoma exaltatum -
Gentianaceae, Gentian Family
DESCRIPTION: Erect, annual, showy, herbaceous wildflower
Height: To 30 inches
Flowers: Violet, lavender, light-blue, rarely
white, nearly 1 inch tall, late winter
through summer
Fruit: Capsule 5/8 inch long
Foliage: Oval-shaped, 1 inch wide, 3 1/2
inches long
Growth rate: Fast
REQUIREMENTS:
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Sandy near the bay or inland clay
soils
Drainage: Poor
Water: Flooded to moist
Maintenance: Little needed
Propagation: Seeds
NATIVE HABITAT: Coastal prairies and marshes near
the coast and inland
WILDLIFE USE:
COMMENTS: Eustoma means "open mouth"
referring to the large throat of the
flower. It prefers damp or moist soil
conditions where it will grow in
profusion. This attractive flower is a
relative of the bluebell of central
Texas. |
 |
