Three Ruellia Species

We have three species of Ruellia in our area...here's a quick guide to their identification.
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​Glade ruellia - Ruellia humilis. Prefers dry soil and prairie  patches. Look for red, hairy stems and sessile (stemless) leaves. Calyx lobes are thin (< 2mm), pointed, and hairy.

Hairy ruellia - Ruellia caroliniensis. The most common of the three local species. Prefers fields and edges. Stems are hairy and leaves are on petioles 3 mm or longer. Calyx lobes are thin (< 2 mm), pointed, and hairy. 

Smooth ruellia - Ruellia strepens. Uncommon but easy to identify. Stems are mostly smooth and flowers have distinct stems. Calyx lobes are wider than 2 mm.