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Hydrolea ovata
Hydrolea ovata Nutt. ex Choisy
Blue Waterleaf, Ovate False Fiddleleaf, Hairy Hydrolea
Hydrophyllaceae (Waterleaf Family)
Synonym(s): Nama ovata
USDA Symbol: HYOV
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
The sprawling, sturdy blue waterleaf plant, which grows to 3 feet tall, is spiny and covered with rough hairs. Several stems grow from the base and are branched in the upper portion. Leaves are 1-2 1/2 inches long and 1 inch wide, alternate, undivided, and unlobed. There is a prominent spine on the stem just below the leaf. Many flowers and buds grow in clusters at the ends of the stems. Flowers are bright blue or purplish, 1 inch across, funnel-shaped, opening into 5 broad petal-like lobes. The conspicuous purple stamens extend beyond the petals. Blue waterleaf tends to form large colonies around the edge of lakes, ponds, and streams, and may stand in water for weeks without apparent damage (248).
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Ovate
Fruit Type: Capsule
Leaf: Leaves pubescent.
Flower: Flowers showy.
Fruit: Fruit an irregularly dehiscent capsule.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: BlueBloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , KY , LA , MO , MS , OK , TN , TXNative Habitat: Stream/river banks, Near lakes or ponds
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Wet
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Drought Tolerance: Low
Aquatic: yes
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Blooms ornamental, Bog or pond area, Water gardenUse Wildlife: Flowers are highly attractive to bees (especially bumblebees) and butterflies.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: High
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | OBL | OBL | OBL | OBL |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Stengl Biological Research Station - Smithville, TX
Wildflower Center Seed Bank
LBJWC-1115 Collected 2007-10-01 in Van Zandt County by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower CenterBibliography
Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. WasowskiBibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller
Bibref 328 - Wildflowers of Texas (2003) Ajilvsgi, Geyata.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Hydrolea ovata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Hydrolea ovata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Hydrolea ovata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2015-02-01Research By: NPC