Pronounced (approximate): hoo-STOH-nee-ah lon-jih-FOH-lee-ah
Tiny pale flowers have four pointed lobes. Narrow opposite leaves line short branching stems.
Long-leaf Bluets (Houstonia longifolia): flower details. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Rubiaceae
Life cycle Perennial
Blooms June–August
Height 3 to 10 inches
Habitat part shade, sun; moist to dry rocky or sandy soil; prairies, savannas, open woods, rock outcrops
Common names: Long-leaf Bluets
Bloom timing varies with latitude, weather and local conditions.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
part shade, sun; moist to dry rocky or sandy soil; prairies, savannas, open woods, rock outcrops. Flowering season: June–August.
The small four-lobed flowers and opposite narrow leaves help separate bluets from five-petalled sandworts.
Tiny pale flowers have four pointed lobes.
Narrow opposite leaves line short branching stems.
Flowers cluster above low tufts in open ground. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
8 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Native in North America.
Reported U.S. distribution
AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MD, MN, MO, MS, NC, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV
Includes native and introduced state records where listed; a state record does not imply occurrence in every county.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Long-leaf Bluets in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.