Purple False Foxglove (Agalinis purpurea)
Agalinis purpurea, commonly known as Purple False Foxglove, is a native annual wildflower found in prairies, open woodlands, and along moist meadows and stream banks throughout Illinois. It thrives in sunny to lightly shaded areas with moist, well-drained soils.
This delicate plant is recognized for its slender, upright form and its bright, tubular, purple to pinkish-purple flowers that bloom from late summer into early fall. Each flower features a distinct yellowish throat, often spotted with darker markings, adding extra charm. Agalinis purpurea is hemiparasitic, meaning it draws some nutrients from the roots of nearby grasses and other plants while still performing photosynthesis. It is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators during its blooming period.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Purple False Foxglove is a unique and valuable addition to pollinator gardens, wet prairie restorations, and naturalized landscapes. Its vibrant blooms provide late-season nectar for insects, helping to support biodiversity well into the fall.
Agalinis purpurea, commonly known as Purple False Foxglove, is a native annual wildflower found in prairies, open woodlands, and along moist meadows and stream banks throughout Illinois. It thrives in sunny to lightly shaded areas with moist, well-drained soils.
This delicate plant is recognized for its slender, upright form and its bright, tubular, purple to pinkish-purple flowers that bloom from late summer into early fall. Each flower features a distinct yellowish throat, often spotted with darker markings, adding extra charm. Agalinis purpurea is hemiparasitic, meaning it draws some nutrients from the roots of nearby grasses and other plants while still performing photosynthesis. It is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators during its blooming period.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Purple False Foxglove is a unique and valuable addition to pollinator gardens, wet prairie restorations, and naturalized landscapes. Its vibrant blooms provide late-season nectar for insects, helping to support biodiversity well into the fall.
Agalinis purpurea, commonly known as Purple False Foxglove, is a native annual wildflower found in prairies, open woodlands, and along moist meadows and stream banks throughout Illinois. It thrives in sunny to lightly shaded areas with moist, well-drained soils.
This delicate plant is recognized for its slender, upright form and its bright, tubular, purple to pinkish-purple flowers that bloom from late summer into early fall. Each flower features a distinct yellowish throat, often spotted with darker markings, adding extra charm. Agalinis purpurea is hemiparasitic, meaning it draws some nutrients from the roots of nearby grasses and other plants while still performing photosynthesis. It is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators during its blooming period.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Purple False Foxglove is a unique and valuable addition to pollinator gardens, wet prairie restorations, and naturalized landscapes. Its vibrant blooms provide late-season nectar for insects, helping to support biodiversity well into the fall.
Blooms: late summer to fall
Habitats: boggy areas; interdunal sandflats near Lake Michigan; moist sand prairies; paths and openings in sandy woodlands; sandy savannas
Lifespan: annual
Moisture: moist
Plant type: forb
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: peaty; sandy (acidic preferred)