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Longleaf Summer Bluet
Houstonia longifolia

This one was a challenge to identify. According to Illinoiswildflower.info “This wildflower is normally found in high quality natural areas” – woo hoo! I’ve had some monoculture lollabolly pine in areas on the Reserve (logged years ago) and it has been my hope and mission to encourage a healthy, robust, biodiverse environment here.

Alternate Names: Pale Bluet
Size: 4"-10" tall
Family:  Rubiaceae (Coffee/Madder/Bedstraw Family)
Habitat: Dry, open, sandy, rocky areas in full to part sun.
Identification: This is a delicate perennial that has multiple stems, with pairs of lanceolate or linear leaves along the margins. Small tubular flowers about 1/4" across are pale purplish-pink/white.  Blooms June-August
All text and photos copyright © 2022 Middle Way Nature Reserve, unless noted.
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