Clasping Venus’ Looking-Glass

(Triodanis perfoliata)

Clasping Venus’ Looking-Glass (Triodanis perfoliata)

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Triodanis perfoliata Native Range
Native Range
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Climate Requirements

• Precipitation 22" - 60"
• High Temp. 81°F - 95°F
• Low Temp. 20°F - 43°F

Summary

Triodanis perfoliata, commonly known as Clasping Venus’ Looking-Glass, is an annual herb native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and roadsides across North and South America. It typically grows to a height of 6–18 inches and produces distinctive wheel-shaped or bell-shaped violet-blue flowers. The flowering season extends from May to August, with the flowers being moderately showy. The leaves are 1/4–1 inch wide, scallop-edged, and shell-shaped, which clasp the stem, giving the plant its common name.

This plant is appreciated for its unique flowers and ability to grow in disturbed areas, making it a good choice for wildflower gardens and naturalized areas. It is also used in borders and as a filler in garden beds. Clasping Venus’ Looking-Glass thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It prefers well-drained soils, making it relatively easy to maintain. While it is not known for significant problems with diseases or pests, it can self-seed prolifically under ideal conditions, which may be considered undesirable in some garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and roadsides across North and South America

Other Names

Common Names: Clasping Bellflower, Clasping Bellwort, Clasping-Leaved Venus’ Looking-Glass, Round-Leaved Triodanis, Clasping Venus’s-Looking-Glass, Clasping Venus’ Lookingglass, Clasping-Leaf Venus’ Looking-Glass, Common Venus’ Lookingglass, Roundleaved Triodanis, Spéculaire Perfoliée

Scientific Names: Triodanis perfoliata, Specularia perfoliata, Triodanis perfoliata var. perfoliata, Legousia perfoliata, Campanula perfoliata, Prismatocarpus perfoliatus, Dysmicodon perfoliatum, Pentagonia perfoliata, Triodallus rupestris

GBIF Accepted Name: Triodanis perfoliata (L.) Nieuwl.