Slender false foxglove (Agalinis tenuifolia, New Fl. 2: 64 (1837))

Family: Orobanchaceae

Author: (Vahl) Raf.

Bibliography: New Fl. 2: 64 (1837)

Year: 1837

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Agalinis

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. Canada to WC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Slender false foxglove, known scientifically as Agalinis tenuifolia, is a distinctive species belonging to the Orobanchaceae family. This delicate, herbaceous plant is notable for its uniquely slender structure and charming floral display, making it an interesting subject of study and appreciation for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Agalinis tenuifolia is predominantly distributed across Central and Eastern Canada and extends through the West Central and Eastern United States. This widespread distribution indicates its adaptability to a variety of climates and soil conditions within temperate regions of North America.

Characterized by its fine, thread-like foliage, the slender false foxglove presents an airy, almost wispy appearance which contrasts beautifully with its vibrant, tubular flowers. These blossoms typically emerge in shades ranging from pale pink to deep magenta, each petal delicately speckled, adding to the plant’s ornamental value.

Since its first detailed description in New Fl. 2: 64 (1837), the slender false foxglove has intrigued botanists. Authored by (Vahl) Raf., this initial documentation remains a cornerstone reference in understanding the species. The attention to its taxonomy and ecological preferences highlights the significance of Agalinis tenuifolia within its native habitats.

Ecologically, the slender false foxglove plays a role in supporting local biodiversity. It often thrives in open, sunny locations such as meadows and prairies, contributing to the floral diversity of these ecosystems. Its blossoms attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are essential for the continuation of numerous plant species.

In summary, Agalinis tenuifolia, or slender false foxglove, is a remarkable plant that serves as both a scientific interest and an ecological asset. Its graceful appearance and widespread occurrence underscore its importance in the regions it inhabits, making it a noteworthy subject of botanical research and conservation efforts.

Common Names

Eng: slender false foxglove, slenderleaf false foxglove, slender-leaved false foxglove, common agalinis, narrow-leaved gerardia, slender agalinis, slender-leaved agalinis, slender-leaved purple false foxglove
Fra: gérardie à feuilles ténues, gérardie à grandes feuilles, gérardie à petites feuilles, gérardie à petites fleurs
En: Slender false foxglove, Slenderleaf false foxglove, Slender-leaved false foxglove, Common agalinis, Narrow-leaved gerardia, Slender agalinis, Slender-leaved agalinis, Slender-leaved purple false foxglove
Fr: Gérardie à feuilles ténues, Gérardie à grandes feuilles, Gérardie à petites feuilles, Gérardie à petites fleurs

Synonyms

• Gerardia tenuifolia subsp. typica (Pennell)
• Gerardia tenuifolia subsp. polyphylla ((Small) Pennell)
• Gerardia tenuifolia var. polyphylla ((Small) Shinners)
• Agalinis tenuifolia var. macrophylla ((Benth.) S.F.Blake)
• Aureolaria tenuifolia ((M.Vahl) Farw.)
• Gerardia tenuifolia var. parviflora (Nutt.)
• Aureolaria tenuifolia var. albiflora ((Britton) Farw.)
• Gerardia tenuifolia subsp. leucanthera (Pennell)
• Gerardia besseyana (Britton)
• Aureolaria tenuifolia var. macrophylla ((Benth.) Farw.)
• Gerardia tenuifolia var. leucanthera ((Raf.) Shinners)
• Agalinis tenuifolia var. polyphylla ((Small) Pennell)
• Agalinis tenuifolia var. parviflora ((Nutt.) Pennell)
• Gerardia macrophylla (Benth.)
• Chytra anomala (C.F.Gaertn.)
• Gerardia chytra (Steud.)
• Gerardia tenuifolia var. leptophylla (Benth.)
• Gerardia tenuifolia var. filiformis ((Raf. ex Benth.) Benth.)
• Gerardia polyphylla (Small)
• Gerardia tenuifolia var. humilis (Benth.)
• Gerardia tenuifolia f. albiflora (Britton)
• Agalinis tenuifolia f. albiflora (House)
• Gerardia tenuifolia (Vahl)
• Agalinis tenuifolia var. leucanthera ((Raf.) Pennell)
• Gerardia leucanthera (Raf.)
• Agalinis besseyana ((Britton) Britton)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (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)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Prince Edward I. (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 3, 2021 by Peter Peter Kikic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2022 by Courtney (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2020 by Éli Thé (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2020 by nathalie sauriol (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2020 by Éli Thé (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 20, 2020 by Crystal Whisman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2020 by Éli Thé (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2022 by Taylor Shook (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2022 by Taylor Shook (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2020 by georges Fernandes (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 7, 2014 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2014 by EOL − Christopher Tracey (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2013 by EOL − dsuarez (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 18, 2013 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 5, 2014 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Sep 25, 2010 by EOL − Ron Thomas (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/3171226)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30131632-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Agalinis tenuifolia (Vahl) Raf.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth