Saltmarsh false foxglove
Agalinis maritima
Family Scrophulariaceae - emergent vegetation
Distinguishing Characteristics |
Emergent vegetation, erect; leaves are narrow, linear, fleshy (succulent), mostly opposite on stem, 2 or more leaves at each node; leaves numerous and bushy at lower ends of stems, becoming sparse at upper ends; flowers pink to purple, trumpet or bell-shaped, 5-lobed, purple spots inside with 2 yellow stripes, fuzzy on edges and interior; flowers with pedicels (stems) that attach to main stems; flowers found on upper ends of stems; fruits round with 5-lobed base, 1 or 2 pointed projections on upper surface, borne on short stems, splits in two when ripe (each half with center groove); seeds tiny, black. |
Similar Species |
The saltmarsh false foxglove can be distinguished from other Agalinis species in coastal areas by its succulent leaves. A. heterophylla does not have pedicels (stems on flowers). It's flowers attach directly to the main stem. A. fasciculata has rough stems that are pubescent (having small hairs). A. strictifolia, found on the southern coast, has leaves that are not succulent and not densely crowded. |
Habitat |
Salt marshes |
Maximum Size |
up to 61 cm (24 in) |
Other Common Names |
saltmarsh gerardia, seaside gerardia |
Previous Scientific Names |
Gerardia maritima, A. spiciflora |
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