Quaker-ladies (Houstonia caerulea, Sp. Pl.: 105 (1753))

Family: Rubiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 105 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Houstonia

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to E. U.S.A.

Description

Quaker-ladies, scientifically known as Houstonia caerulea, is a delicate and charming perennial plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. First documented in “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this species has captured the admiration of plant enthusiasts and botanists alike due to its petite yet elegant appearance.

Native to Eastern Canada and the Eastern United States, Quaker-ladies are most often found in meadows, open woods, and along the edges of forest clearings. They thrive in well-drained soils with sufficient moisture and are typically observed in areas where the turf is short, allowing their beauty to be easily noticed.

The Quaker-ladies are most recognized for their dainty four-petaled flowers, which bloom from early spring to late summer. These petite blossoms, with their soft blue to lavender hue and white centers, often form charming clusters, creating a subtle yet striking carpet against the green backdrop of their natural habitats. The plants themselves are quite small, typically reaching a height of only 3 to 6 inches.

The appearance of Houstonia caerulea heralds the arrival of warm weather and adds a fleeting but memorable touch of color to the landscapes they inhabit. This resilience and serene beauty make the Quaker-ladies a cherished wildflower in their native regions, symbolizing both the fragility and tenacity of natural flora.

In addition to their ecological significance, Quaker-ladies also hold cultural value. They are often associated with simplicity and serenity, reflecting the modest yet enduring virtues they symbolize. Whether gracing a wild meadow or a cultivated garden, Houstonia caerulea continues to enchant observers with its unassuming elegance and quiet charm.

Common Names

Eng: azure bluet, bluets, quaker-ladies, azure bluets
Swe: porslinsstjärna
Fra: houstonie bleue, houstonie, innocence
En: Quaker-ladies, Bluets, Azure bluet, Azure bluets
Zh: 美耳草
Fi: Keijunsilmä
Fr: Houstonie bleue, Houstonie, Innocence
Sv: Porslinsstjärna

Synonyms

• Houstonia caerulea f. albiflora (Millsp.)
• Houstonia serpyllifolia (Graham)
• Hedyotis caerulea f. benkei (Fosberg)
• Houstonia linnaei var. elatior (Michx.)
• Houstonia caerulea var. elatior ((Michx.) Pursh)
• Poiretia erecta (J.F.Gmel.)
• Hedyotis caerulea f. albiflora ((Millsp.) Fosberg)
• Hedyotis caerulea var. faxonorum ((Pease & A.H.Moore) Fosberg)
• Houstonia caerulea var. faxonorum (Pease & A.H.Moore)
• Houstonia caerulea var. piersii (Barbour)
• Hedyotis gentianoides (Endl.)
• Houstonia faxonorum ((Pease & A.H.Moore) Fernald)
• Houstonia caerulea var. toxonorum (Stevens)
• Houstonia grandiflora (Raf.)
• Anotis gentianoides ((Endl.) Walp.)
• Anotis coerulea ((L.) G.Don)
• Houstonia pusilla (J.F.Gmel.)
• Houstonia linnaei (Michx.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Québec (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 14, 2022 by Angie Falls (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2018 by Pili Royo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2020 by Rachel Torcedo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2019 by Marissa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by William Coville (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.

Habit

Taken Apr 30, 2012 by EOL − Marie Studer (cc-by)

Taken May 5, 2012 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 14, 2022 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by jimseng jimseng (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 29, 2017 by ludovic riche (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2022 by Latuomramo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2022 by Justin Welch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by Cedar Bridge Botanicals (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2022 by tufty_jam_bean (cc-by-sa)

Bark

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)

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

Taken Mar 27, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5338866)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:278288-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Houstonia caerulea L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth