HEDYOTIS NIGRICANS (Lam.) Fosb. Narrow-leaved Summer ...
HEDYOTIS NIGRICANS (Lam.) Fosb. Narrow-leaved Summer ...
HEDYOTIS NIGRICANS (Lam.) Fosb. Narrow-leaved Summer ...
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<strong>HEDYOTIS</strong> <strong>NIGRICANS</strong> (<strong>Lam</strong>.) <strong>Fosb</strong>.<br />
<strong>Narrow</strong>-<strong>leaved</strong> <strong>Summer</strong> Bluets<br />
FAMILY: Rubiaceae<br />
SYNONYMS: Houstonia nigricans (<strong>Lam</strong>.) Fern.<br />
HABIT: Branched herb from a perennial base, to 6 dm.; flowering June, July; fruiting July-<br />
September.<br />
SIMILAR SPECIES: H. nigricans is the only Ohio species in this genus with at least some of<br />
the flowers sessile. However, H. nigricans intergrades with H. purpurea and H.<br />
tenuifolia, both of which have pedicelled flowers, and intermediate specimens can be<br />
difficult to identify. H. nigricans also has a superficial resemblance to H. canadensis<br />
which, unlike the species mentioned above, has basal leaves at the time of anthesis.<br />
TOTAL RANGE: OH and IN to s. MI, IA, and NE, s. to FL and Mexico.<br />
STATE RANGE (as of 2008): There are post-1980 records from Adams, Erie, Ottawa, Pike,<br />
and Sandusky counties.<br />
HABITAT: In full sun in a variety of exposed, well-drained sites; usually on calcareous<br />
substrates.<br />
HAZARDS: overshading by woody species in later successional stages; soil compaction.<br />
RECOVERY POTENTIAL: Probably very good; many Ohio specimens with underground parts.<br />
INVENTORY GUIDELINES: Collect complete mature specimens with underground parts.<br />
COMMENTS: As indicated in Similar Species, H. nigricans can be difficult to identify. Before<br />
the true status of this species in Ohio can be ascertained, a more thorough study of the<br />
entire genus in the state would be desirable.<br />
On the basis of morphological and cytological data, Lewis (1961) advocates the merger<br />
of the North American genus Houstonia with the African genus Oldenlandia under the<br />
name Hedyotis (see Synonym).<br />
SELECTED REFERENCES:<br />
<strong>Fosb</strong>erg, F.R. 1954. Notes on plants of the eastern United States. Castanea 19: 25-37.<br />
Gleason, H.A., and A. Cronquist. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of northeastern United<br />
States and adjacent Canada. New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York. 910 pp.<br />
Hauser, E.J.P., Jr. 1964. The Rubiaceae of Ohio. Ohio J. Sci. 64: 27-35.<br />
Lewis, W.H. 1961. Merger of the North American Houstonia and Oldenlandia under Hedyotis.<br />
Rhodora 63: 216-223.
Terrell, E.E. 1959. A revision of the Houstonia purpurea group. Rhodora 61: 157-180; 188-<br />
207.<br />
Division of Natural Areas and Preserves<br />
Ohio Department of Natural Resources<br />
Created: 2/1984 David P. Emmitt, Allison W. Cusick, James F. Burns
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