Alternate name: Oblong-leaf Snakeherb

Family: Acanthaceae, Acanthus view all from this family

Description Perennial, trumpet-shaped lavender flowers have hairy stems and leaf edges; bloom in paired leaf axils.
Flowers: up to 1 1/2" (4 cm) wide with 5 lobes and dark purple spots on the bottom lobe.
Leaves: directly connected to stems, oval and opposite.
Height: 12" (30 cm).

Flower April through October; year-round in Florida.

Habitat Sandhills and pinelands.

Range Southwestern South Carolina, Georgia and Florida; west through southeastern Alabama and Louisiana.

Discussion Also known as Oblongleaf snakeherb, this plant serves as food for hungry Buckeye butterfly caterpillars and other native caterpillars and easy-care groundcover in Florida where it also blooms year-round.