Overview
Obolaria virginica is a small, fleshy perennial herb 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) tall, growing from a short root system in deciduous forest leaf litter. Stems are pale green to purple-tinged and bear opposite, scale-like leaves 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) long that are thick, rounded, and often purplish. Tubular flowers about 0.3 inch (8 mm) long, white to pale purple with four lobes, appear in small clusters in the leaf axils near the top of the stem. The plant draws part of its nutrition from soil fungi linked to its roots, so it grows on shaded forest floor rather than open ground. Above-ground growth is brief, emerging and flowering in early spring before the tree canopy closes, then dying back. The fruit is a small capsule. Plants are small and dull-colored and grow singly or in scattered groups rather than dense stands. Numbers vary from year to year with forest moisture and leaf litter depth.
Native Range
Native to the eastern United States from New Jersey and Pennsylvania south to Florida and west to Texas. Grows on shaded floors of moist deciduous and mixed forests, in rich humus and leaf litter, from near sea level to about 3,000 feet (900 m).Suggested Uses
Found in native woodland and forest-floor settings rather than cultivated beds, and rarely planted because of its dependence on forest soil fungi. Where present, it is left in place in shaded native plantings and woodland preserves. It does not establish in open garden conditions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread2" - 4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowers in early spring, from March to April across most of its range and as early as February in the south. Bloom lasts about 2-3 weeks and coincides with the period before deciduous trees leaf out. Cold late-winter weather delays flowering.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale purpleFoliage Description
purple-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 3 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight