Clammy hedgehyssop (Gratiola neglecta, Cat. pl. New York 89. 1819)

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: Torr.

Bibliography: Cat. pl. New York 89. 1819

Year: 1819

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gratiola

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canada to U.S.A.

Description

Clammy hedgehyssop, scientifically known as Gratiola neglecta, is a fascinating plant that thrives across a wide range of environments in North America, from Canada to various regions of the United States. This species belongs to the Plantaginaceae family, a group of flowering plants known for their resilience and diversity.

First described in 1819 in the “Catalogue of Plants of New York” by prolific botanist John Torrey, Gratiola neglecta has since captured the interest of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. The common name “clammy hedgehyssop” aptly describes its slightly sticky or clammy texture, which is a distinguishing characteristic of the plant.

Clammy hedgehyssop typically grows in moist or wet habitats such as marshes, riverbanks, and the edges of ponds. This preference for damp environments makes it an integral part of the wetland ecosystems where it helps support a diverse range of wildlife. The plant’s small, yet sturdy, structure allows it to thrive in these often challenging conditions.

Moreover, Gratiola neglecta plays an essential role in maintaining the ecological balance of its habitats. It provides food and shelter for various insects and small animals. The flowers, although not particularly showy, are critical nectar sources for pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem.

Despite its understated appearance, clammy hedgehyssop is a resilient and valuable member of the Plantaginaceae family. Its widespread presence from Canada to the U.S.A. highlights its adaptability and ecological significance, making it a plant worth studying and preserving for future generations.

Common Names

Swe: (lännen)kuntio, liten jordgalla
Fin: (lännen)kuntio
Eng: clammy hedge-hyssop, clammy hedgehyssop, drug hedgehyssop, hedge hyssop, neglected hedgehyssop, american hedge-hyssop, drug hedge-hyssop, neglected hedge-hyssop, overlooked hedge-hyssop, yellowseed hedge-hyssop
Fra: gratiole, gratiole négligée
Dan: liden nådesurt
Deu: übersehenes gnadenkraut
En: Clammy hedgehyssop, Clammy Hedge-Hyssop, DRUG HEDGEHYSSOP, NEGLECTED HEDGEHYSSOP, Hedge hyssop, American hedge-hyssop, Drug hedge-hyssop, Neglected hedge-hyssop, Overlooked hedge-hyssop, Yellowseed hedge-hyssop
Ar: غراتيولا مهملة
Da: Liden nådesurt
Fi: Kuntio, Lännenkuntio, (lännen)kuntio
Fr: Gratiole, Gratiole négligée
De: Übersehenes Gnadenkraut
Sv: Liten jordgalla, (lännen)kuntio

Synonyms

• Conobea borealis (Spreng.)
• Gratiola neglecta var. glaberrima ((Fernald) Fernald)
• Gratiola lutea var. glaberrima (Fernald)
• Gratiola officinalis var. caroliniensis (Pers.)
• Gratiola heterophylla (Raf.)
• Gratiola gracilis (Benth.)
• Gratiola odorata (Raf.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• France (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 25, 2020 by Alisha Blair (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2015 by EOL − Bob O’Kennon (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Mar 21, 2016 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© 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/3171919)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:803498-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gratiola neglecta Torr.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth