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Description
Obolaria Virginica, commonly known as Virginia pennywort or pennywort, is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Gentianaceae. It is native to the southeastern United States and can be found growing in the wild in damp, shady areas such as stream banks, bogs, and swamps. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that have a greenish-white color and bloom from March to May.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Gentianaceae |
| Genus | Obolaria |
Appearance
The Virginia pennywort plant has a prostrate growth habit and can reach a height of up to 10 cm. Its leaves are opposite, oval-shaped, and have a dark green color. The plant’s stems are smooth and slightly hairy, and they can be reddish in color. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with a greenish-white color and a tubular shape. They are produced in clusters at the end of the stems and bloom from March to May.
Care Guide
Virginia pennywort is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you take care of your Obolaria Virginica:
- Water: Virginia pennywort prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly.
- Fertilization: This plant does not require fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring if you wish.
- Soil: Virginia pennywort prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. If your soil is heavy and clay-like, you may need to amend it with organic matter to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers partial to full shade, so make sure to plant it in an area that receives only a few hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Hardiness Zones: Virginia pennywort is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Virginia pennywort is not typically affected by pests or diseases, but it may be susceptible to fungal diseases if it is planted in poorly-draining soil. If you notice any signs of fungal disease, such as yellowing leaves or black spots, remove the affected plant parts and treat the soil with a fungicide.
Habitat
Obolaria Virginica is native to the southeastern United States and can be found growing in the wild in damp, shady areas such as stream banks, bogs, and swamps. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Virginia pennywort a good plant for a beginner gardener?
A: Yes, Virginia pennywort is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners.
Q: Can Virginia pennywort be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Virginia pennywort can be grown in a container as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s shallow root system and the soil is kept consistently moist.
Q: Does Virginia pennywort attract pollinators?
A: Virginia pennywort’s flowers are not showy and do not produce nectar, so they are not typically attractive to pollinators.
Q: Can Virginia pennywort be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Virginia pennywort can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or early summer. Simply cut a stem that is at least 4 inches long, remove the lower leaves, and plant the cutting in moist soil.
Related Plants
- Obolaria grandiflora
- Obolaria ohioensis
- Obolaria virginica var. australis
- Obolaria virginica var. leptandra
References
- “Obolaria Virginica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c870
- “Virginia Pennywort (Obolaria Virginica).” New England Wildflower Society. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/obolaria/virginica/
- “Virginia Pennywort.” North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/obolaria-virginica/
