Hydrophyllum virginianum L.

Locations ofHydrophyllum virginianum L. in Virginia

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Detail

Family
Boraginaceae
Botanical Name
Hydrophyllum virginianum L.
Common Name
Virginia Waterleaf, Eastern Waterleaf
Synonym(s)
Flora of Virginia Name/Status
Hydrophyllum virginianum L.
Comments
Two infraspecific taxa, var. atranthum (E.J. Alexander) Constance and var. virginianum, are sometimes recognized for our area. Var. atranthum is supposed to be distinguished by deep purple to maroon flowers and a glabrous to slightly pubescent lower stem (vs. pale purple to white flowers and slightly to densely pubescent lower stem in var. virginiana). A preliminary study of herbarium specimens at VPI was unable to find a consistent correlation of flower color and stem pubescence. However, a more comprehensive study of herbarium material using the larger set of characters mentioned by Weakley (2012 Draft Flora of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States) is needed to further assess the validity of these taxa.
Habitat
Mesic to dry-mesic, nutrient-rich montane forests; rich, mesic slope and floodplain forests eastward. Common in the mountains; frequent in the Piedmont; rare in the n. Coastal Plain.
Native Status
Native

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