Ruellia humilis, commonly known as Hairy Wild Petunia, is a native perennial wildflower found in dry prairies, glades, open woods, and rocky slopes throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and full sun to partial sun, making it ideal for drought-tolerant gardens and native prairie plantings.
This low-growing, spreading plant typically reaches 6 to 12 inches tall and features soft, hairy stems and leaves—hence the name "hairy." From early summer through fall, it produces showy, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of lavender to purple, resembling cultivated petunias. While each flower lasts only a day, the plant blooms continuously over a long period and is visited by bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Ruellia humilis is a charming and hardy addition to sunny borders, rock gardens, and dry prairie restorations. It offers vibrant color, supports pollinators, and requires little maintenance once established. It pairs well with other dry-site natives like Butterfly Weed, Prairie Smoke, and Little Bluestem for a colorful, ecologically valuable planting.
Ruellia humilis, commonly known as Hairy Wild Petunia, is a native perennial wildflower found in dry prairies, glades, open woods, and rocky slopes throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and full sun to partial sun, making it ideal for drought-tolerant gardens and native prairie plantings.
This low-growing, spreading plant typically reaches 6 to 12 inches tall and features soft, hairy stems and leaves—hence the name "hairy." From early summer through fall, it produces showy, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of lavender to purple, resembling cultivated petunias. While each flower lasts only a day, the plant blooms continuously over a long period and is visited by bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Ruellia humilis is a charming and hardy addition to sunny borders, rock gardens, and dry prairie restorations. It offers vibrant color, supports pollinators, and requires little maintenance once established. It pairs well with other dry-site natives like Butterfly Weed, Prairie Smoke, and Little Bluestem for a colorful, ecologically valuable planting.
Bloom: early to late summer
Habitats: areas along roadsides and railroads; bluffs; dry open woodlands; gravelly hill prairies; limestone glades; mesic to dry black soil prairies; sand flats; sandy cemeteries
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to dry
Plant type (height): forb (up to 1 foot)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: any kind of soil
