North Carolina Wildflowers, Shrubs, & Trees

Orobanchaceae > Agalinis (Purple False Foxglove)

Common statewide in NC, Purple False Foxglove grows in many open habitats.

Along with several other genera, Agalinis was formerly placed in the Scrophulariaceae.

Agalinis is a hemiparasite, meaning that while it may green leaves and photosynthesizes, its root also attach to other plant roots to "steal" nutrients from them.

Often found with reddish-purple stems and leaves

Significantly rare in North Carolina, Scaleleaf False Foxglove grows in pine savannas in the coastal plain.

Leaves are reduced to tiny scale-like triangles.

Common in sandy habitats in the NC coastal plain.

Uncommon in wet savannas and depression ponds in the NC coastal plain, this is the only perennial species of Agalinis in NC, growing from a "horizonal rootstalk bearing slender, scaly rhizomes" (Weakley, 2008).

The flowers produce nectar enjoyed by butterflies such as this Clouded Skipper. While the leaves are eaten by caterpillars of the Common Buckeye.

Rare in the NC coastal plain, some authorities consider this to be varieties of other species of Agalinis.

Common and statewide in NC along woodland edges, roadsides, etc.

Note the upper petals form a hood over the stamens and are not reflexed in this species.

Statewide in NC and common in sandy habitats like the sandhills and along the coast.

Uncommon in NC, Saltmarsh False Foxglove grows in tidal marshes along the coast.

This northern species of Agalinis does not quite make it to North Carolina. There is a disjunct population in sw Virginia, however, so be on the lookout!