Family: Acanthaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 634 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ruellia
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Limestone wild petunia, scientifically known as Ruellia strepens, is a charming perennial herb native to the central and eastern regions of the United States. First described in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the famous botanist Carl Linnaeus, this species belongs to the Acanthaceae family, which is renowned for its diverse and often vibrant flowering plants.
Limestone wild petunia is well-regarded for its delicate and attractive blossoms that typically bear a soft lilac to light purple hue, enhancing the visual appeal of wildflower gardens and natural landscapes alike. The flowers, which bloom primarily in the late spring through summer, are tube-shaped with five lobes, closely resembling the petals of other members within the petunia family, although they are not true petunias.
The plant thrives in limestone-rich soils, hence its common name, and it often prefers environments that mimic its natural habitats, such as woodlands and rocky outcrops. Ruellia strepens is relatively easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance once established, and it can be an excellent addition to native plant gardens due to its resilience and the role it plays in supporting local biodiversity. Its preference for limestone substrates also makes it an important species for the ecological study of limestone ecosystems and their native flora.
In the broader context of the Acanthaceae family, Ruellia strepens stands out not just for its aesthetics but also for its contribution to the ecological tapestry where it is indigenous. This species, like its relatives, serves as a nectar source for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thereby playing a critical role in supporting the pollinator populations that are essential to healthy ecosystems.
In summary, the Limestone wild petunia, with its delicate blooms and ecological significance, is a valuable species both in the wild and in cultivated gardens. Its historic documentation by Linnaeus and its stable presence across its native range underscore its enduring importance to botanists, gardeners, and environmentalists alike.
Common Names
Eng: limestone wild petunia
En: Limestone wild petunia, LIMESTONE WILDPETUNIA
Synonyms
- Dipteracanthus strictus (Nees)
- Hygrophila illinoiensis (A.Gray)
- Dipteracanthus oblongatus (Nees)
- Ruellia vinciflora (DC. ex Nees)
- Ruellia strepens var. cleistantha (A.Gray)
- Dipteracanthus micranthus (Engelm. & A.Gray)
- Dipteracanthus strepens (C.Presl)
- Ruellia strepens f. cleistantha ((A.Gray) S.McCoy)
- Ruellia strepens var. micrantha ((Engelm. & A.Gray) Britton)
- Ruellia strepens f. alba (Steyerm.)
- Ruellia foliosa (Schwein. ex Nees)
- Dipteracanthus strepens f. pedunculatus (Nees)
- Dipteracanthus strepens var. clandestinus (Nees)
- Dipteracanthus strepens var. dillenii (Nees)
- Dipteracanthus strepens var. calycinus (Nees)
- Dipteracanthus strepens var. strictus ((Nees) Nees)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 11, 2020 by Natures Guy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2020 by Natures Guy (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 5, 2022 by McKaila Stafford (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2020 by Natures Guy (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2021 by catherine white (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 26, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 25, 2021 by catherine white (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2020 by Natures Guy (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2021 by catherine white (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 9, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 28, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 15, 2015 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Jun 7, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 26, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 26, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5415414)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:54614-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ruellia strepens L.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Stem
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.5
Ph minimum: 6.0