General Information
Status in Florida: Native (Panhandle)
Native Habitat: Shaded woodlands, slopes, rocky bluffs
Native States: Eastern U.S., including parts of the Florida Panhandle
Growing Zones: USDA Zones 4–9
Size at Maturity: 6–8 inches tall, 12–18 inches wide
Phenology: Winter dormant
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Clumping, spreading, groundcover, herbaceous
Bloom Season: Spring (March–May)
Bloom Color: Pale to deep lavender-blue with yellow or white crests
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Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Part-Shade, Full-Shade
Soil Texture: Loam, sand, well-drained
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Moist, average
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: No
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Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Shade gardens, woodland edges, groundcover under trees, native borders
Maintenance Tips: Mulch lightly in summer to conserve moisture; divide rhizomes every few years if clumps become crowded
Considerations: Sensitive to overwatering and poor drainage
Hurricane Wind Resistant: No
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
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Other Information
Edible: No
Pet Safe: Caution (mildly toxic if ingested)
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Yes
Historical Medicinal Uses: Used historically for poultices and salves by Native Americans
Florida Native Companion Plant: Asarum arifolium, Trillium maculatum, Calamintha georgiana
Wildlife Benefit: Early nectar source for native bees
Caterpillar Host Plant: No
Propagation: Rhizome division, seed