Hairy Ruellia (Ruellia caroliniensis)

Family: Acanthus Family (Acanthaceae)

Other Names: Wild Petunia

Origin: Native

Historic First Bloom Seen: June 16*

GPS For Stand: N 39°04.646' W 84°25.032'

Interesting Facts: Ruellias are also known as Wild Petunias, however garden Petunias are in the Nightshade Family (Solanaceae). It's close relative, Smooth Ruellia (Ruellia strepens) is almost identical in form and function, but differs in that it has a completely smooth stem, as opposed to this species which has a very hairy stem.

*Average bloom time is based on a compilation of wildflower bloom times from 1975 to present.