Violet Wild Petunia

Violet Wild Petunia, Ruellia nudiflora

Violet Wild Petunia is an erect perennial found in a handful of southern states. It grows up to 0.6 m (2 ft) with lavender trumpet-shaped flowers which last only a single day. It is of the genus Ruellia within the Ancanthus family, not to be confused with the cultivated petunia of the genus Petunia of the Solanaceae family. Violet Wild Petunia blooms from April through October, both growing and spreading easily which may cause issues in some areas, especially as it can tolerate shade. It is a larval host for many butterflies including common buckeye, Cuban crescentspot, Fatima, Malachite, and White Peacock butterfly, and it is a common nectar source for many other butterflies. White-tailed deer consume the leaves while bobwhite quail will eat the seeds.