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Obolaria virginica
Obolaria virginica L.
Virginia Pennywort, Pennywort
Gentianaceae (Gentian Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: OBVI
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
A low fleshy plant with dull white or purplish flowers, usually in groups of 3 in axils of purplish, bract-like upper leaves and atop stem.
The genus name comes from the Greek obolos ("a small coin") and refers to the opposite, roundish leaves of this low, southern, woodland perennial. The common name also reflects the coin-like appearance of the leaves.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 6 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PurpleBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Bloom Notes: White to purplish.
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MD , MO , MS , NC , NJ , OH , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WVNative Distribution: New Jersey and Pennsylvania south to Florida, west to Texas, and northeast to Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois.
Native Habitat: Moist hardwoods and thickets.
Web Reference
Webref 57 - Atlas of Florida Plants (2020) Institute for Systematic BotanyWebref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Obolaria virginica in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Obolaria virginica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Obolaria virginica
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-04-04Research By: TWC Staff