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Cape leadwort

How to identify Cape leadwort (Plumbago auriculata)

Cape leadwort, also known as Blister bush, Cape plumbago

Cape leadwort is characterized by its lush, spreading habit, reaching heights of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) and widths equally as wide. It displays oblong to oval leaves, each extending to 2 inches (5 cm) long with a vivid green hue. The most striking feature is its profusion of phlox-like flowers, typically a sky-blue to pale blue color, with tubular corollas flaring into 5 petals arranged in a terminal cluster. These blossom clusters generously cover the plant, mainly during warmer months, offering a vibrant display. Their appeal is heightened by their dormant state in winter, allowing for a significant visual transformation each year.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb, Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Cape leadwort

1

Spreading habit, up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and wide.

2

Phlox-like flowers in sky-blue to pale blue color.

3

Barbed capsules aiding in seed dispersal, under 0.2 inches (5mm) long.

4

Obovate leaves with crenulate margins, 0.4 to 1 inch (10 to 25mm) long.

5

Delicate flowers, 1 inch (2.5cm) across, in pale blue to pinkish hues.

Cape leadwortCape leadwortCape leadwortCape leadwortCape leadwort

Detailed Traits of Cape leadwort

Leaf Features

Cape leadwort features obovate leaves that are 0.4 to 1 inch (10 to 25mm) long, with a pale, light green color. The leaves are alternate, simple, and display crenulate margins. Each leaf base has winged, ear-shaped appendages. The leaves grow abundantly in the axils, contributing to the plant’s dense and bushy appearance. They are thin and lack toothed edges, showcasing a distinctive texture and pattern that aids in identifying the plant.

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Flower Features

The flowers of cape leadwort exhibit a delicate and soft color palette that varies from pale blue to pinkish, and occasionally white. They are phlox-like, formed into rounded terminal clusters at the tips of new growth. Each flower is approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, consisting of five petals fused at the base into a narrow tube. These blooms have a subtle fragrance and appear from summer to fall in temperate regions and year-round in tropical climates.

Cape leadwort Flower image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of cape leadwort presents as a distinctive, barbed capsule. Upon maturation, the capsule develops a sticky texture that aids in seed dispersal by adhering to passing animals or objects. These capsules are typically inconspicuous in color, blending with the surrounding foliage, but each capsule is strategically designed with hooks that facilitate its attachment. The shape is small and inconspicuous, generally measuring under 0.2 inches (5 mm) in length, and encases the seeds until they are effectively dispersed to a suitable growing location.

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Key Facts About Cape leadwort

Attributes of Cape leadwort
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb, Shrub
Plant Height
60 cm to 1.2 m
Spread
50 cm to 80 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
3 cm
Flower Color
Blue
White
Purple
Fruit Color
Brown
Stem Color
Green
Blue
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Cape leadwort

Family
Leadwort
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Species
Cape leadwort (Plumbago auriculata)
Learn More About the Cape leadwort

Distribution Map of Cape leadwort

Cape leadwort is native to southern Africa, growing in thickets along dry, coastal slopes. It has been introduced in many subtropical countries, including the US, where it is used as an ornamental and houseplant.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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