How to Grow and Care for scalystem

Purple scalystem is a wildflower that has been known to be weedy and invasive in some places. Aptly named, the purple scalystem indeed has a rough, scale-like stalk, which is beautifully juxtaposed against the plant's almost iridescent purple flowers.

Carolina scalystem is a low-growing perennial herb with distinctive lance-shaped leaves and slightly scalloped edges, typically thriving in sandy soils of southeastern U.S. coastal plains. Its delicate growth form is punctuated by sparsely arranged, small, tubular blue flowers, rising above the foliage in the late summer. Carolina scalystem's adaptations allow it to flourish in full sun to partial shade, reflecting a resilience to its warm, well-drained habitat.