Bluet | Forty Acre Rock (S.C.)

Spring blooming annual bluet Houstonia pusilla, also referred to as the Tiny or Small bluet.

Houstonia pusilla

  • Also called Tiny or Small Bluet
  • Member coffee family
  • Name means “Tiny”
  • Annual herb with shallow roots that germinates from seed in the fall.
  • Low-growing loose tufts 5 centimeters tall
  • Bright purple flowers with red centers bloom March to April
  • Flower produces capsule with several seeds
  • Each stem of plant ends in a single flower
  • Four parts to the flower - very unusual
  • Habitat grows throughout the state but uncommon in the mountains. Prefers open areas with sparse ground cover vegetation

 

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