Landscape Uses:
	Wildflower gardens.
Ecological Restoration Notes:
Availability:
	Widely available in central Florida. Commonly available at native plant nurseries in northeast Florida. Available at native plant nurseries in South Florida.
Description:
	Hardy perennial wildflower with coarse, dark green leaves 2-6 inches long. Erect stems hold showy lavender flowers.
Height:
	Typically 2-3 feet tall and wide.
Growth Rate:
	Fast.
Range:
	Scattered in the midwest south to Jackson and Gadsden counties.
Habitats:
	Limestone glades, calcareous hammocks
Soils:
	Moist, well-drained limestone or calcareous sandy soils, with humusy top layer.
Nutritional Requirements:
	Moderate; can grow in nutrient poor soils, but needs some organic content to thrive.
Salt Water Tolerance:
	Low; does not tolerate long-term flooding by salt or brackish water.
Salt Wind Tolerance:
	Low; salt wind may burn the leaves.
Drought Tolerance:
	High; does not require any supplemental water once established.
Light Requirements:
	Full sun to light shade.
Flower Color:
	Purple
Flower Characteristics:
	Showy.
Flowering Season:
	Spring to fall.
Fruit:
	Flattened thistle seeds.
Wildlife and Ecology:
	Attracts native bees and other beneficial insects. Provides valuable source of insects for birds.
Horticultural Notes:
Comments:
	We have been adding data for this species for central and northern Florida and welcome any feedback or review. If you would like to contribute information or images, please contact George Gann via the IRC staff page. See also the Florida Wildflower Foundation's Flower Friday page.