Agalinis
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Tomanthera
- Phonetic Spelling
- ag-uh-LIN-us
- Description
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This genus contains seventy species of annuals and herbaceous perennials in the Figwort family (Orobanchaceae) native to North America, Mexico, the West Indies, Central America and South America. They can be found in many areas of the United States and many are threatened due to habitat loss. Some can be found along shores, wet meadows and wet thickets, while others tolerate drier conditions. The Genus name comes from the Greek word "aga" (meaning "remarkable") and the Latin word "linum" (meaning "flax"), referring to the plant's superficial resemblance to flax
Most prefer well-drained moist soil in full sun to partial shade. Be sure to check specific species needs before planting. Propagation is by seed. They can grow 1 to 3 feet tall.
The tubular flowers are showy and can be pink, purple and white. They generally bloom in late summer to early fall, depending on the species.
Several species are native to North Carolina and can be used in the native and pollinator garden or in naturalized areas. Plant in groups or in the border for late-season color. Some species will do well along pond and stream edges.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- Agalinis purpurea
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- Agalinis purpurea
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Agalinis
- Family:
- Orobanchaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- North America, Mexico, West Indies, Central America, South Ameri
- Wildlife Value:
- Members of the genus Agalinus support butterfly larvae and adults. Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia) larvae appear from May to October and in the deep south they appear year-round. Common Buckeye adult butterflies feed on flower nectar. Members of the genus Agalinis support the following specialized bee: Anthophorula (Anthophorisca) micheneri, Leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.). Syrphid flies feed on pollen.
- Play Value:
- Wildlife Food Source
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Wildflower
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Fine
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Moist
- Occasionally Wet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Tiny, shiny, globular capsule with many seeds
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Panicle
- Raceme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Flower Shape:
- Bell
- Funnel
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Colored Sepals
- fused petals
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Funnel-shaped flowers can be white, pink or purple, some have a white throat, in terminal racemes or panicles. They are generally showy with 5 bracts arranged so the upper two form a hood. Some species may have hairs on the calyx tubes.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Linear
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Lobed
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Leaf blades are lanceolate to ovate to linear and opposite to subopposite. Margins are entire or lobed. Size varies per species. Hairs are present on many. Some have smooth gray or white silica patches, giving them a marbled appearance.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Angular
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
- Stem Description:
- Green stems are often angular, generally upright and some species have hairs.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Pond
- Riparian
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Diseases
- Insect Pests
