Agalinis Purpurea

Description

Agalinis Purpurea, commonly known as Purple False Foxglove, is a herbaceous plant species that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in wet meadows, fields, and open woods. The plant is an annual or biennial that grows up to 60cm tall and has a slender stem with linear leaves. The flowers are purple or pink, tubular, and bloom from August to October. Agalinis Purpurea is an important nectar source for bees and butterflies.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Agalinis Purpurea has a slender stem that is green or purplish in color. The leaves are linear, up to 7cm long, and arranged oppositely on the stem. The flowers are tubular, 1-2cm long, and bloom in clusters at the top of the stem. They are usually purple or pink but can sometimes be white. The plant produces small, round, and black seeds that are dispersed by wind or water.

Care Guide

Agalinis Purpurea is an easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in moist soil and full sun. Here are some care tips:

• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
• Soil: Plant Agalinis Purpurea in well-draining, fertile soil.
• Sunlight: Place the plant in full sun or partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: Agalinis Purpurea is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Agalinis Purpurea is generally pest and disease-free. However, it may occasionally be affected by spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. Here are some ways to prevent and treat these problems:

• Spider mites: Spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Aphids: Remove them by hand or spray the plant with a strong jet of water.
• Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation around the plant and spray it with a fungicide.

Habitat

Agalinis Purpurea is native to North America and can be found in wet meadows, fields, and open woods. It prefers moist soil and full sun but can also grow in partial shade. The plant is an important nectar source for bees and butterflies and is also used in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Agalinis Purpurea a perennial or an annual?
A: Agalinis Purpurea can be an annual or a biennial depending on the growing conditions.

Q: What is the best time to plant Agalinis Purpurea?
A: The best time to plant Agalinis Purpurea is in the spring or fall.

Q: Can Agalinis Purpurea grow in containers?
A: Yes, Agalinis Purpurea can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.

Q: How do I propagate Agalinis Purpurea?
A: Agalinis Purpurea can be propagated by seed or by division in the spring or fall.

Related Plants

• Agalinis Acuta
• Agalinis Fasciculata
• Agalinis Tenuifolia

References

• Clemson Cooperative Extension. (n.d.). Purple false foxglove. Retrieved from https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/purple-false-foxglove/
• USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Agalinis purpurea (L.) Pennell. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=AGPU
• Wildflower.org. (n.d.). Agalinis purpurea. Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=AGPU