Description
Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis) is a small native perennial, usually less than 1′ tall but sometimes reaching 2′. It grows naturally in dry upland prairies and savannas. The lavender-colored flowers are showy, tubular, and 5-lobed. Wild Petunia resembles cultivated petunias, but they are not related. The flowers bloom in the morning and last for a single day, and they are a nectar source for a variety of pollinators, but especially long-tongued bees and butterflies. The plant has a compact, bushy appearance and can be used as a groundcover or perennial border. Since Wild Petunia grows well in harsh conditions, it is a good candidate for hell strips. It is a host plant to the Common Buckeye (shown above).
