Family: Melastomataceae
handsome-harry, Virginia meadow-beauty, wing-stem meadow-pitchers
[Rhexia purshii Spreng., more... ]
Etymology: Rhexia: name used by Pliny for some unknown plant
Plants: erect, perennial, 8"-24" tall forb; stems almost square and narrowly winged
Leaves: opposite, oval to lance-like, hairy
Flowers: pink, 4-parted, 1"-1 1/2" wide, back often hairy; inflorescence a terminal cluster (cyme) of stalked flowers; blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: capsule
Habitat: moist meadows, ditches; in wet sandy-peaty soil
Conservation Status: Special Concern
Plants: erect, perennial, 8"-24" tall forb; stems almost square and narrowly winged
Leaves: opposite, oval to lance-like, hairy
Flowers: pink, 4-parted, 1"-1 1/2" wide, back often hairy; inflorescence a terminal cluster (cyme) of stalked flowers; blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: capsule
Habitat: moist meadows, ditches; in wet sandy-peaty soil
Conservation Status: Special Concern
- flowers pink-purple, 2-3 cm across with bright yellow anthers
- leaves opposite, with distinct parallel veins, ciliate margins
- stems 4-winged
Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 8, Wetland Indicator = OBL WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin listed species including state and federal status, photos, etc. Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine: Information and Photos USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"