Family: Acanthaceae
Author: Nutt.
Bibliography: Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. ser. 2, 5:182. 1837
Year: 1835
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ruellia
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Fringe-leaf ruellia, scientifically known as Ruellia humilis, is a captivating perennial flowering plant native to the central and eastern regions of the United States. This species is a cherished member of the Acanthaceae family, and it boasts a rich history, having been described in the notable work “Transactions of the American Philosophical Society,” volume 5, page 182, in the year 1837 by Nutt.
The distinguishing feature of Fringe-leaf ruellia is its diverse and graceful foliage. The leaves are finely fringed, giving the plant its common name and adding to its ornamental value in gardens and naturalized landscapes. This plant typically thrives in dry, open habitats such as prairies and glades, where it enjoys full sun and well-drained soil.
Ruellia humilis is appreciated for its delicate lavender to light blue blooms, which appear from late spring through the summer. The flowers are tubular and attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for biodiversity-focused gardening. The blossoms are particularly striking against the silvery-green leaves, creating a visually appealing contrast that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the plant.
Due to its hardiness and adaptability, Fringe-leaf ruellia is a low-maintenance plant suited to xeriscaping and naturalistic planting schemes. It is drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering and care, which makes it an ideal option for gardeners looking to create sustainable and eco-friendly landscapes. Additionally, its tendency to form clumps can provide effective ground cover, preventing soil erosion and creating a lush, green carpet.
In summary, Ruellia humilis, or Fringe-leaf ruellia, is a beautiful and resilient native plant that contributes both ecological benefits and ornamental value to gardens and natural areas. Its historical recognition, detailed in the early botanical literature, underscores its enduring appeal and significance in the American landscape.
Common Names
Eng: fringe-leaf ruellia, fringeleaf wild petunia, wild petunia
En: Fringe-leaf ruellia, Wild petunia, Carolina wild petunia, Fringeleaf wild petunia, Fringe-Leaf Wild Petunia
De: Behaarte Ruellie
Synonyms
- Ruellia caroliniensis var. parviflora ((Nees) S.F.Blake)
- Ruellia humilis f. grisea (Fernald)
- Ruellia ciliosa var. humilis ((Nutt.) Britton)
- Ruellia humilis var. depauperata (Tharp & F.A.Barkley)
- Ruellia ciliosa var. longiflora (A.Gray)
- Ruellia ciliosa var. parviflora ((Nees) Britton)
- Ruellia humilis var. calvescens (Fernald)
- Ruellia caroliniensis f. alba (Steyerm.)
- Dipteracanthus ciliosus var. parviflorus (Nees)
- Ruellia humilis var. typica (Fernald)
- Ruellia humilis var. longiflora ((A.Gray) Fernald)
- Gymnacanthus humilis ((Nutt.) Oerst.)
- Ruellia humilis f. alba ((Steyerm.) Fernald)
- Ruellia humilis var. frondosa (Fernald)
- Ruellia humilis var. expansa (Fernald)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- New York (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 12, 2020 by Zaracho Blanca (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2020 by samantha jones (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2020 by samantha jones (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 26, 2022 by L. Bush (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Sep 7, 2020 by ajkroeger (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2021 by Maia Gordon (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2020 by samantha jones (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 26, 2022 by L. Bush (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 4, 2021 by Craig Schneider (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 28, 2015 by EOL − Mike Fenoglio (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 24, 2015 by EOL − Jenny Smith (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 9, 2015 by EOL − andy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2022 by Chris Griggs (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Oct 29, 2014 by EOL − Laura Clark (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 20, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2011 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2011 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 15, 2022 by Annie Elle (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 20, 2020 by Eylisia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2020 by Rajendra Rajendra Choure (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 19, 2022 by Theresa (cc-by-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/5415395)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:54161-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ruellia humilis Nutt.)