Verbenaceae: Phryma leptostachya
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Family Name
Verbenaceae (Phrymaceae)
Common Name
American lopseed
Description
Taxonomic Description:
Phryma leptostachya is a perennial herb growing 30 to 90 cm tall from a fibrous root system. The roots are slender and moderately deep, anchoring the plant in well-drained soils. The stems are slender, erect and unbranched or sparsely branched, often with fine, soft hairs giving them a somewhat rough texture. Leaves are opposite or whorled near the base, ovate to lanceolate, 5 to 12 cm long, 2 to 5 cm wide, with serrate margins, a rough texture, and petioles 1–3 cm long. The flowers are small and tubular, clustered in slender, spike-like racemes at the top of the stems, blooming from July through September. The calyx consists of five narrow, green to reddish sepals, each about 3 to 5 mm long, with pointed tips and often faintly hairy margins. Each flower has a tubular corolla about 8 to 12 mm long, with a two-lipped structure; the upper lip is hooded, and the lower lip is three-lobed. Flowers have four didynamous (two long and two short) stamens and a single pistil with a superior ovary. Fruits develop from August through October, maturing into small, two-chambered capsules, 6–10 mm long, that split open to release seeds. American lopseed is native to South Dakota and typically found in rich, moist woodlands, shaded slopes, and along stream banks, mostly in the eastern part of the state.
Horticulture Notes
Seed Collection: Collect mature capsules before dehiscence in late summer.
Germination: Seeds require cold, moist stratification period of 60–90 days. Best if sown in the fall in well-drained soil with partial shade.
Vegetative Propagation: Possible by division but not common.
Soils: Prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter.
Light: Partial shade to full shade.
Water: Prefers moderate moisture; avoid drought stress.
Additional Notes
American lopseed is valued for its delicate flowers and is sometimes grown in shade gardens. It also provides habitat and nectar for native pollinators.