Clasping Venus’ Looking-Glass

(Triodanis perfoliata)

Clasping Venus’ Looking-Glass (Triodanis perfoliata)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Triodanis perfoliata image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Triodanis perfoliata, commonly known as Clasping Venus’ Looking-Glass, is an annual herb native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and roadsides across North and South America. It typically grows to a height of 6–18 inches and produces distinctive wheel-shaped or bell-shaped violet-blue flowers. The flowering season extends from May to August, with the flowers being moderately showy. The leaves are 1/4–1 inch wide, scallop-edged, and shell-shaped, which clasp the stem, giving the plant its common name.

This plant is appreciated for its unique flowers and ability to grow in disturbed areas, making it a good choice for wildflower gardens and naturalized areas. It is also used in borders and as a filler in garden beds. Clasping Venus’ Looking-Glass thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It prefers well-drained soils and requires medium amounts of water, making it relatively easy to maintain. While it is not known for significant problems with diseases or pests, it can self-seed prolifically under ideal conditions, which may be considered undesirable in some garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands, grasslands, and roadsides across the Eastern and Central United States, as well as parts of Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Clasping Bellflower , Clasping Bellwort , Clasping-Leaved Venus’ Looking-Glass , Round-Leaved Triodanis , Clasping Venus’s-Looking-Glass , Clasping Venus’ Lookingglass , Clasping-Leaf Venus’ Looking-Glass , Common Venus’ Lookingglass , Roundleaved Triodanis , Spéculaire Perfoliée

Scientific Names: Triodanis perfoliata , Specularia perfoliata , Triodanis perfoliata var. perfoliata , Legousia perfoliata , Campanula perfoliata , Prismatocarpus perfoliatus , Dysmicodon perfoliatum , Pentagonia perfoliata , Triodallus rupestris

GBIF Accepted Name: Triodanis perfoliata (L.) Nieuwl.