Long-Leaved Bluet
(Houstonia longifolia)
Long-Leaved Bluet (Houstonia longifolia)
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Samuel A. Schmid
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Samuel A. Schmid
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Samuel A. Schmid | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Samuel A. Schmid | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-07-23T11:10:35-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Houstonia longifolia, commonly known as Long-Leaved Bluet, is a deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands, grassy slopes, and rocky outcrops in the Central and Eastern USA and Southern Canada. It typically grows to a height of 0.5-0.7 feet (0.15-0.2 meters) and can spread to about 3 feet (0.9 meters) wide. The plant forms a low, tufted mound and is characterized by its narrow, lanceolate leaves and small, star-shaped flowers that are purple, pink, and white, blooming profusely in the spring and early summer. The flowers are quite showy despite their size, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Long-Leaved Bluet is valued for its delicate flowers and its ability to form a dense carpet of foliage, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, border fronts, and as a ground cover. It is also used in native plant gardens and restoration projects. This plant is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate drought, although it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Long-Leaved Bluet thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. While generally pest and disease-free, it can suffer from root rot if planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Long-Leaved Bluet is valued for its delicate flowers and its ability to form a dense carpet of foliage, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, border fronts, and as a ground cover. It is also used in native plant gardens and restoration projects. This plant is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate drought, although it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Long-Leaved Bluet thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. While generally pest and disease-free, it can suffer from root rot if planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-0.7 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, grassy slopes, and rocky outcrops
Other Names
Common Names: Long-Leaf Bluet , Longleaf Summer Bluet
Scientific Names: Hedyotis longifolia , Houstonia longifolia , Houstonia tenuifolia , Hedyotis purpurea var. longifolia , Houstonia purpurea var. longifolia , Chamisme longifolia , Oldenlandia purpurea var. longifolia
GBIF Accepted Name: Houstonia longifolia Gaertn.