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. |
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