Identification
This native perennial grows from 1-2 feet tall. Both stems and the opposite, lance-shaped leaves with smooth margins are covered with dense hairs (C,D). The tubular flowers have 5 spreading pale blue to lavender lobes up to 2 inches in diameter with darker purple nectar lines in the center (B,D).
A few of these plants, native to southeast Nebraska prairies, may be found in the islands of the Fontenelle Forest parking lot where they were planted along with a mix of other prairie plant species. No naturally occurring plants have been found at either Fontenelle Forest or Neale Woods. Flowering occurs from June to August.
Wild Petunia, a perennial, has flowers very similar to the more familiar annual petunia, common in many of our gardens. Botanically, they are not closely related, occupying entirely different families. Although less well known, Wild Petunia is also marketed as an ornamental because of its showy flowers.
Other common names include Hairy Wild Petunia, Prairie Petunia and Fringe-leaf Ruellia.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.