© Curtis Hansen, some rights reserved (CC-BY) · iNaturalist
Overview
Obolaria spp. is a monotypic genus in the family Gentianaceae, represented by the single species O. virginica of eastern North America. Plants are low herbaceous perennials reaching 3-15 cm (1.2-6 in) tall, with fleshy, purplish-green to bronze stems that emerge from a short rootstock in early spring. The leaves are reduced, opposite, scale-like to spoon-shaped bracts 5-12 mm (0.2-0.5 in) long, overlapping toward the stem tip and often tinged purple. Small white to pale violet flowers, each about 8-12 mm (0.3-0.5 in) long, sit in the upper leaf axils in clusters of one to three. The genus is partly mycoheterotrophic, drawing part of its carbon from soil fungi associated with tree roots, which restricts it to undisturbed deciduous woodland with deep leaf litter. This dependence on a fungal partner makes Obolaria spp. hard to transplant or cultivate, and plants rarely persist when moved. Populations are scattered and easily overlooked because of the plant's small size and muted coloring. The genus ranges across the eastern United States from New Jersey and Pennsylvania south to Florida and west to Texas, growing in rich, moist hardwood forests on slopes and floodplain terraces.
Native Range
Obolaria spp. is native to eastern North America, ranging from the mid-Atlantic states south to Florida and west to eastern Texas. It grows in rich deciduous woodlands with deep, undisturbed leaf litter.Suggested Uses
Obolaria spp. is encountered as a component of native eastern woodland flora rather than as a garden plant. It is of interest in the study of mycoheterotrophic plants and in native plant conservation.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 6"
Width/Spread2" - 4"
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in early spring, typically March to May depending on latitude. The small white to pale violet flowers are short-lived and followed by capsules that release minute seed as the plant withers by early summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale violetFoliage Description
purplish-green to bronzeGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight