American Lopseed
(Phryma leptostachya)
American Lopseed (Phryma leptostachya)
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Aaron Carlson
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Aaron Carlson
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Aaron Carlson | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Uploader: aarongunnar | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Phryma leptostachya, commonly known as American Lopseed, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the understory of deciduous forests, particularly those with rich, moist soils in the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. It is also found in similar woodland habitats in the Himalayas and East Asia. American Lopseed typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). Its appearance is characterized by its opposite leaves and slender, unbranched stems that bear small, inconspicuous flowers. The flowers, which bloom in the summer, are zygomorphic and transition from white to pink and purple as they mature, adding subtle beauty to shaded garden areas.
American Lopseed is valued for its ability to thrive in shaded conditions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens and naturalized areas. It is a low-maintenance plant that can adapt to a range of soil moisture conditions, from slow to fast drainage. Gardeners often use it for border planting or as an understory component in shaded landscapes. While it prefers moist, well-drained soils, it can tolerate drier conditions once established. It is not known for any significant pest or disease problems, but it may require additional water during prolonged dry spells.CC BY-SA 4.0
American Lopseed is valued for its ability to thrive in shaded conditions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens and naturalized areas. It is a low-maintenance plant that can adapt to a range of soil moisture conditions, from slow to fast drainage. Gardeners often use it for border planting or as an understory component in shaded landscapes. While it prefers moist, well-drained soils, it can tolerate drier conditions once established. It is not known for any significant pest or disease problems, but it may require additional water during prolonged dry spells.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Understory of deciduous forests with rich, moist soils
Other Names
Common Names: Lopseed , Slender-Spiked Lopseed , Phryma À Épis Grêles
Scientific Names: Phryma leptostachya , Phryma esquirolii , Phryma leptostachys , Leptosiphon carolinensis , Leptosiphon leptostachya , Leptostachya carolinensis , Leptostachya leptostachya , Leptostachya leptostochya , Phryma carolinensis , Phryma leptostachya subsp. confertifolia
GBIF Accepted Name: Phryma leptostachya L.