This inconspicuous summer annual grows from 4-8 inches tall. The oval leaves are up to 1 1/2 inches long and 3/4 inch wide with smooth or bluntly toothed margins. Leaf stems are very short or absent. Single small, tubular flowers only 1/4 to 1/2 inch long are on short pedicels (stems) arising from the leaf axils, with only one flower per leaf axil (D). Flowers have 5 blue, lavender or white petals and 5 narrow, green sepals. The top 2 petals are fused forming a small upper lip. The more prominent lower lip consists of 3 spreading, rounded petals fused only at the base (A). Fruits are oval to spindle-shaped capsules, each containing several seeds (E).
Wet, muddy or sandy sites, particularly along borders of ponds and streams. This plant is rare at Neale Woods where it has been observed growing on the muddy surface of Missouri River Ecology Trail adjacent to Rock Creek. Flowering occurs from June to October.
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