Dianthera angusta

Common Names

Pineland Water-Willow, Narrow-Leaf Water-Willow

Summary

Historically aligned with Justicia angusta, this subtropical wetland perennial ranges from SE Georgia to southern peninsular Florida, featuring slender, erect, four-angled stems 20–50 cm tall, upper leaf blades 4–7 cm long, and deep pink to purple flowers 1.8–3 cm long with two lips; it reproduces vegetatively by rhizomes and has cystoliths in leaves parallel to the midvein.

As an obligate wetland species, it inhabits roadside ditches and shallow sloughs and wet savannas and is rare in Georgia (GA S1) with a global rank of G3Q; flowering occurs spring–fall, and it is a perennial with winter dormancy and new stems in spring; pollinators include bees and butterflies, with hummingbirds occasionally visiting, and seeds are dispersed explosively. Threats include habitat loss from groundwater withdrawal, ditching/draining, and conversion to plantations/pastures; conservation actions emphasize protecting isolated wetlands and groundwater reserves, seed banking, habitat restoration and enhancement, and prescribed fire.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun.

Soil Drainage

Wet, poorly drained (saturated) soils.

Bloom Color

Deep pink, lavender, or purple

Bloom Time

Spring through Fall

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds