Slenderleaf False Foxglove

(Agalinis tenuifolia)

Slenderleaf False Foxglove (Agalinis tenuifolia)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Agalinis tenuifolia, commonly known as Slenderleaf False Foxglove, is an annual herb native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, prairies, and scrublands across the Central and Eastern United States. This plant typically grows to a height of 20 to 60 centimeters and features a slender, paniculately branched stem. From late summer to early fall, it produces showy purple flowers, each borne on pedicels that are 10 to 20 millimeters long. The flowers are tubular and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Slenderleaf False Foxglove is appreciated for its delicate appearance and vibrant flowers, which add color to wildflower gardens, meadows, and naturalized areas. It is relatively easy to grow, provided it receives full sun to part shade and is planted in soil with slow to medium drainage. While it is not a high-maintenance plant, it does require consistent moisture to thrive. This species is also useful for restoration projects due to its ability to establish in disturbed soils. However, it can be difficult to transplant due to its taproot system. Gardeners should note that Agalinis tenuifolia is a hemiparasitic plant, meaning it can derive some of its nutrients from the roots of neighboring plants, which can be an interesting ecological aspect to consider when planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 0.8-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands, prairies, and scrublands across the Central and Eastern United States

Other Names

Common Names: Common Agalinis , Narrow-Leaved Gerardia , Common Gerardia , Common False Foxglove , Slender Agalinis , Slender False Foxglove , Slender-Leaved Agalinis , Slender-Leaved False Foxglove , Slender-Leaved Purple False Foxglove , Gérardie À Feuilles Ténues

Scientific Names: Agalinis tenuifolia , Gerardia tenuifolia , Aureolaria tenuifolia , Agalinis tenuifolia var. tenuifolia , Agalinis tenuifolia var. parviflora , Agalinis tenuifolia var. macrophylla , Gerardia tenuifolia var. parviflora , Agalinis tenuifolia var. leucanthera , Agalinis besseyana , Gerardia besseyana

GBIF Accepted Name: Agalinis tenuifolia (Vahl) Raf.