Golden Hedge Hyssop

(Gratiola aurea)

 

   

 

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

 

Golden Hedge Hyssop (Gratiola aurea Pursh)

Identification: Usually (but not always) a creeping plant with stems coming off of a runner. Flowers bright yellow, tubular at the base with what appear to be 4 petal lobes (top 2 lobes fused into a dorsal, flat hood). Flowers single, on long flower stems, arising from the leaf axils. Leaves narrow, in opposite pairs, with only 3 main veins. Outer margin smooth and leaves sessile to the stem. Plant 3 to 15 inches in height.

Distribution: Found primarily along the Atlantic Coast from Newfoundland to Florida. Also found locally along the great lakes.

Habitat: Golden Hedge Hyssop is found along the coastal shores and in swamps.

Flowering period: June to September.

Similar Species: The supposedly 4 lobes, tubular, bright yellow flowers and the narrow leaves will identify this species.

Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc. 2003. All rights reserved.