Wild Petunia -- Ruellia caroliniensis



Family Acanthaceae (Acanthus family)

Not really a petunia at all (petunias are a member of the Nightshade family), this plant produces bluish to purple fragile flowers from May to July. It is found mainly along roadsides, thickets and waste places. There is a similar species that occurs in this region, R. strepens, which can be distinguished by the hairy calyx.


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Copyright 1997, 1998 Michael W. and Gary W. Thompson. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of law.