How to identify Pale Meadow Beauty (Rhexia mariana)

How to identify Pale Meadow Beauty (Rhexia mariana)

Pale Meadow Beauty, also known as Dull Meadow-Pitcher

Pale Meadow Beauty exhibits a clumping growth habit with lance-shaped leaves that have a fine, hairy texture. Its vibrant flowers, which appear in the summer through early fall, feature four delicate, magenta to pink petals with prominent yellow anthers. These blossoms are typically 1-1.5 inches (2.5–3.8 cm) across. The plant reaches a height of up to 24 inches (60 cm) and spreads approximately the same. The stem is square-shaped, a characteristic feature aiding in identification.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Pale Meadow Beauty

Square-shaped stem, aiding in easy identification.

Vibrant flowers with magenta to pink petals and yellow anthers.

Urns-shaped brown fruit capsules, approximately 0.2-0.3 inches (5-8 mm).

Opposite leaves with a 3-nerved vein pattern, changing to maroon in fall.

Glandular-hairy green stem, 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall with occasional branching.

Detailed Traits of Pale Meadow Beauty

Leaf Features

The leaves of pale Meadow Beauty are opposite, ranging in shape from elliptic to lanceolate or ovate. They measure up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and 1.25 inches (3 cm) wide. Each leaf displays a 3-nerved vein pattern and varies in texture from nearly glabrous to hairy. In the fall, the leaves may change to a maroon hue, adding to their distinctive appearance.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of pale Meadow Beauty are strikingly beautiful, each about 2 inches (5 cm) wide and comprised of four petals. They come in shades of white, pink, purple, or pale pink. A distinguishing feature is their prominent long stamens, adorned with bright yellow curved anthers. These colorful and pronounced characteristics make the flowers of pale Meadow Beauty easily identifiable and appealing. They are known to bloom during the summer, adding vibrant splashes of color to their surroundings.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

Pale Meadow Beauty features a green stem that is distinctly glandular-hairy. The stem typically measures between 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) in height and exhibits a relatively thin, yet sturdy structure with a diameter around 0.2 inches (5 mm). It is notably covered in fine glandular hairs which give it a slightly sticky texture. The stem tends to have an erect growth habit and may exhibit occasional branching, contributing to its distinctive appearance and aiding in the plant's identification.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of pale Meadow Beauty is a notable, urn-shaped capsule, reflecting a unique brown hue. At maturity, it measures approximately 0.2 to 0.3 inches (5-8 mm) and possesses a woody texture. Upon dehiscence, the fruit releases numerous small seeds, a key characteristic aiding in its dispersal. The contrast of the small, brown seed pods against the plant's other attributes makes it a distinct feature for identification, particularly poignant for amateur botanists or plant enthusiasts.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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