Eustoma exaltatum
Family: Gentianaceae
Plant Description: Annual or short-lived perennial to 70 cm high, with glaucous, usually ovate-oblong leaves 4-7 cm long, opposite. Flowers loosely cymose or solitary, the corolla lobes 1.5-3 cm long, violet to lavender with dark splotches at base.
Field Identification: Attractive flower often found in Halophytic areas in our region. Erect plant with violet 6-peteled flowers. Flowers are pale violet, grating to white and then to dark violet near the center. Leaves are gray-green.
Plant Trivia: In 1930, the company’s owner at the time, E.F. Kruse, chose to rename the Brenham Creamery Company to Blue Bell Creameries after his favorite wildflower.
Occurrence: Frequent in damp, brackish or salty soils along the coast, chiefly in flats and depressions and along beaches. Rare in dry years.
Propagation: Propagation is typically by seed, which should be sown on the soil surface in a moist medium.
Bloom Period: May-October
Plant Use: The plant is ideal for ornamental beds, borders, rain gardens, or near water edges.
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