Amsonia tabernaemontana var. repens
Phytoneuron 2019-13: 5. 2019.
Stems ascending (erect), 27–102 cm. Leaves: petiole 1.5–4.5(–6) mm, sparsely to moderately long-pubescent adaxially or glabrous; stem leaf blades lanceolate, (2.5–)3.3–7.4 cm × (8–)11–21(–25) mm, margins subentire (slightly wavy), usually somewhat revolute, often sparsely ciliate especially around apex, apex acute (acuminate), surfaces sparsely pubescent on (or near) midrib adaxially at least when young, or glabrous, usually ciliate if pubescent. Flowers: sepals narrowly deltate (deltate), (0.6–)1.1–1.8(–2.3) mm, usually sparsely pubescent with long, soft hairs, rarely glabrous; corolla tube (5.3–)6.5–7.5(–8) mm, lobes (6.5–)7–9(–10.5) mm. Follicles erect, 11–15 cm × 3.4–4 mm. Seeds not seen.
Phenology: Flowering spring; fruiting summer.
Habitat: Moist coastal prairies, wet meadows and forests, water-filled ditches, sandy barrens and blacklands.
Elevation: 0–200 m.
Discussion
Variety repens resembles var. illustris in having long, pubescent sepals. It is often a relatively small plant ascending from a horizontal rhizome, although the upper end of its size range is large, and its leaves are smaller than those of var. illustris. The few Oklahoma collections that appear to be best placed within this variety are confined to McCurtain County in the extreme southeast of the state, where the two varieties may intergrade.
Selected References
None.