Lopseed (Phryma leptostachya)
Phryma leptostachya, commonly known as Lopseed, is a native perennial wildflower found in open woodlands, forest edges, and shaded thickets throughout Illinois. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial to full shade, making it well-suited for woodland gardens and naturalized understory plantings.
This modest, herbaceous plant typically grows 1.5 to 3 feet tall and features opposite, ovate to heart-shaped leaves with toothed edges. From early to mid-summer, it produces slender spikes of small, tubular, two-lipped pink to pale purple flowers along the upper stems. The plant’s name comes from the distinctive way the seed pods “lop” or hang downward along the flower spike after blooming.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Phryma leptostachya is a subtle but ecologically important addition to shady native plantings. It supports native pollinators and blends well with other woodland species such as Wild Geranium, Woodland Phlox, and Zigzag Goldenrod. Its unique seed arrangement and adaptability to shade make it a quiet standout in diverse woodland ecosystems.
Phryma leptostachya, commonly known as Lopseed, is a native perennial wildflower found in open woodlands, forest edges, and shaded thickets throughout Illinois. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial to full shade, making it well-suited for woodland gardens and naturalized understory plantings.
This modest, herbaceous plant typically grows 1.5 to 3 feet tall and features opposite, ovate to heart-shaped leaves with toothed edges. From early to mid-summer, it produces slender spikes of small, tubular, two-lipped pink to pale purple flowers along the upper stems. The plant’s name comes from the distinctive way the seed pods “lop” or hang downward along the flower spike after blooming.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Phryma leptostachya is a subtle but ecologically important addition to shady native plantings. It supports native pollinators and blends well with other woodland species such as Wild Geranium, Woodland Phlox, and Zigzag Goldenrod. Its unique seed arrangement and adaptability to shade make it a quiet standout in diverse woodland ecosystems.
Phryma leptostachya, commonly known as Lopseed, is a native perennial wildflower found in open woodlands, forest edges, and shaded thickets throughout Illinois. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial to full shade, making it well-suited for woodland gardens and naturalized understory plantings.
This modest, herbaceous plant typically grows 1.5 to 3 feet tall and features opposite, ovate to heart-shaped leaves with toothed edges. From early to mid-summer, it produces slender spikes of small, tubular, two-lipped pink to pale purple flowers along the upper stems. The plant’s name comes from the distinctive way the seed pods “lop” or hang downward along the flower spike after blooming.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Phryma leptostachya is a subtle but ecologically important addition to shady native plantings. It supports native pollinators and blends well with other woodland species such as Wild Geranium, Woodland Phlox, and Zigzag Goldenrod. Its unique seed arrangement and adaptability to shade make it a quiet standout in diverse woodland ecosystems.
Bloom: summer
Habitats: rich deciduous woodlands in moist to mesic conditions
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to mesic
Plant type (height): forb (1.5 to 3 feet)
Requirements: light shade to medium shade
Soil: rich woodland soil with abundant organic matter