Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Acanthaceae

Genus:

Dianthera

Species:

Dianthera americana

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

3-4 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun, Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct

Bloom Colors:

White, Pink, Purple, Violet

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Canada: Ontario, Quebec

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, moist, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

commonly found in wetland areas