Hairy Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis)

Wild Petunia is a short perennial plant native to east-central North American prairies. It likes to grow in mesic conditions, but does better in drier conditions, since it tends to disappear in competition in moister conditions. Wild Petunia is characterized by its hairy stems and leaves and usually reaches a maximum height of  a foot. It is a great plant to grow in highly degraded areas because it tolerates very dry and poor soils. It is seen along roadsides, barren land, and along railroads. It is also seen in home gardens because it is a very easy to care for plant with beautiful flowers emerging in mid-summer. (Picture taken in Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie)