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Description
Gratiola Virginiana, commonly known as Virginia Hedge-hyssop or False Pimpernel, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to eastern North America. It typically grows in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of ponds and streams. The plant has erect, square stems that can reach up to 50 cm in height. Gratiola Virginiana produces small, white or pale blue flowers that bloom from June to September.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Gratiola |
Appearance
Gratiola Virginiana has lance-shaped, opposite leaves that are 1-4 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm wide. The leaves are smooth and glossy, with finely toothed edges. The flowers of Gratiola Virginiana are small, only 5-10 mm in length, and have five petals. The flowers are white or pale blue in color and have a distinctive yellow spot at the base of each petal. The fruit of the plant is a small, oval capsule that opens at the tip to release the numerous small, brown seeds.
Care Guide
Gratiola Virginiana is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow in the right conditions. Here are some care tips to help your plants thrive:- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells. – Fertilization: Gratiola Virginiana does not require fertilization, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can help promote growth. – Soil: Gratiola Virginiana prefers moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. – Sunlight: Gratiola Virginiana needs full sun to partial shade to grow effectively. – Hardiness Zones: Gratiola Virginiana grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gratiola Virginiana is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally be affected by powdery mildew or root rot if the soil is too moist. Insect pests like aphids and spider mites may also attack Gratiola Virginiana, but they are not common.
Habitat
Gratiola Virginiana is native to wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of ponds and streams in eastern North America. It prefers moist soils and full to partial sunlight. It can tolerate flooded conditions for short periods of time, but it does not thrive in standing water.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Gratiola Virginiana a good plant for a water garden?
A: Yes, Gratiola Virginiana is an excellent choice for a water garden as it prefers moist soils and can tolerate flooded conditions.
Q: Does Gratiola Virginiana attract pollinators like bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, Gratiola Virginiana is a nectar source for bees and butterflies, and its flowers are pollinated by a variety of insects.
Q: Can Gratiola Virginiana be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Gratiola Virginiana can be grown in a container as long as it has enough space to spread its roots and is kept consistently moist.
Q: Is Gratiola Virginiana invasive?
A: No, Gratiola Virginiana is not considered invasive and is a beneficial plant for wetland habitats.
Related Plants
– Gratiola Neglecta – Gratiola Peruviana – Gratiola Aurea – Gratiola Floridana
References
– “Gratiola Virginiana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281785- “Gratiola Virginiana.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=GRVI- “Gratiola Virginiana.” North Carolina State Extension. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/gratiola-virginiana/
