Downy yellow false foxglove (Aureolaria virginica, Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 40: 409 (1913))

Family: Orobanchaceae

Author: (L.) Pennell

Bibliography: Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 40: 409 (1913)

Year: 1913

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aureolaria

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: SE. Canada to E. U.S.A. and Texas

Description

The Downy Yellow False Foxglove, scientifically known as Aureolaria virginica, is a captivating plant species belonging to the Orobanchaceae family. Characterized by its vibrant yellow flowers, this plant captures interest and admiration from botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Aureolaria virginica is native to a wide range of geographic locations, stretching from the southeastern regions of Canada, across the eastern United States, and extending all the way to Texas. This broad distribution indicates the plant’s adaptability to various environmental conditions and its ability to thrive in diverse habitats.

This remarkable plant was documented in the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club in 1913, a testament to its longstanding recognition and study within the botanical community. The research and descriptions provided in these early 20th-century publications contribute significantly to our understanding of Aureolaria virginica’s unique characteristics and ecological importance.

The Downy Yellow False Foxglove stands out particularly for its flower morphology. The flowers are not only strikingly yellow but also exhibit a distinctive downy texture, which contributes to the common name of the plant. These aesthetic features make it an appealing subject for horticultural displays and natural plantings aimed at enhancing garden biodiversity.

Overall, Aureolaria virginica represents a fascinating intersection of beauty and botanical significance. Its ability to span a vast range of North American terrains highlights its ecological resilience and importance within its native habitats.

Common Names

Eng: downy yellow false foxglove, downy false foxglove
Fra: gérardie de virginie
En: Downy yellow false foxglove, Downy false foxglove
Fr: Gérardie de Virginie

Synonyms

• Aureolaria microcarpa (Pennell)
• Aureolaria dispersa ((Small) Pennell)
• Aureolaria glauca (Raf.)
• Dasistoma dispersa (Small)
• Gerardia virginica ((L.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.)
• Agalinis virginica ((L.) S.F.Blake)
• Gerardia dispersa ((Small) Cory)
• Dasistoma virginica ((L.) Britton)
• Gerardia glauca (Eddy)
• Dasistoma quercifolia var. integrifolia (Benth.)
• Dasistoma quercifolia var. intermedia (Benth.)
• Dasistoma quercifolia ((Pursh) Benth.)
• Gerardia quercifolia (Pursh)
• Agalinis glauca ((Eddy) S.F.Blake)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2019 by Todd Ivicek (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2021 by Bev Short (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 28, 2022 by TJ Mo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2020 by Anja Collette (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Krystal Veverka (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Haug, E. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3170773)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:27016-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aureolaria virginica (L.) Pennell)

Specifications

Growth