Gratiola virginiana Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Gratiola virginiana L. – Roundfruit Hedgehyssop

Gratiola virginiana plant

FamilyScrophulariaceae

Stems:

Gratiola virginiana stem

Leaves:

Gratiola virginiana leaves

Inflorescence:

N/A

Flowers:

Gratiola virginiana calyxCalyx.

Gratiola virginiana flower

Gratiola virginiana fruitFruit.

Flowering – March – June.

Habitat – Ponds, sloughs, ditches.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This aquatic species can be found scattered throughout Alabama. The plant is easy to identify becasue of its habitat, opposite leaves, short to absent pedicels, white flowers, and globose fruits.
The genus name Gratiola derives from the Latin “grat(i)” meaning “pleasing, favor” referring to supposed medicinal properties.
The species epithet virginiana means “Virginian.”

Alabama Distribution:

Gratiols virginiana map

Photographs taken at Davis Ferry, Monroe County, AL., 3-25-06.