Family: Plantaginaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 17 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Gratiola
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Roundfruit hedgehyssop, scientifically known as Gratiola virginiana, is a captivating plant native to the central and eastern regions of the United States. This member of the Plantaginaceae family was first classified by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, chronicled in his seminal work with the bibliographical reference “Sp. Pl.: 17”.
Gratiola virginiana is distinguished by its rounded fruit, a feature that contributes to its common name. It thrives in moist, marshy environments and is commonly found along stream banks, in wetlands, and other areas with ample water supply. The plant exhibits delicate, petite flowers that are usually white or light pink, adding a subtle charm to its natural habitat.
The foliage of the Roundfruit hedgehyssop is another notable characteristic. Its leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem, showcasing a linear to lanceolate shape. This specific leaf formation allows the plant to maximize sunlight absorption in its often-shady, water-adjacent locales.
Historically, and across various cultures, Gratiola virginiana has had medicinal applications, though modern use is less common. Care should always be taken when handling or utilizing wild plants, as their chemical compositions can vary.
In botanical gardens and natural reserves, the Roundfruit hedgehyssop serves not just as a plant of interest for its beauty but also as an important ecological component, supporting diverse insect populations, including pollinators. Conservation efforts aim to preserve its natural habitats to sustain the biodiversity it supports.
Common Names
Fra: gratiole de virginie
Eng: roundfruit hedgehyssop, virginia hedgehyssop
Deu: virginisches gnadenkraut
En: Roundfruit hedgehyssop, Round-Fruit Hedge-Hyssop, VIRGINIA HEDGEHYSSOP
Fr: Gratiole de Virginie
De: Virginisches Gnadenkraut
Synonyms
- Gratiola missouriana (Beck)
- Gratiola virginiana var. aestuariorum (Pennell)
- Gratiola caroliniensis (Leconte)
- Gratiola virginiana f. acutidens (Fernald)
- Nibora aquatica (Raf.)
- Gratiola sphaerocarpa (Elliott)
- Gratiola mesochora (Peattie)
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)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Mexico Gulf (introduced)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Mar 17, 2016 by EOL − Laura Clark (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 17, 2016 by EOL − Laura Clark (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 17, 2016 by EOL − Laura Clark (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Kristen Van Neste (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Kristen Van Neste (cc-by-nc-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3171917)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:803565-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gratiola virginiana L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb