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purple Chinese houses
Scientific Name: Collinsia heterophylla var. austromontana
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Purple Chinese Houses (Collinsia heterophylla)
Collinsia heterophylla, also known as Purple Chinese Houses or Innocence, is a charming flowering plant that adds a touch of elegance to any garden.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is commonly found in gardens and homes.
Considerations for Children
- This plant is commonly found in gardens and homes.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Collinsia heterophylla Buist ex Graham
- Synonym: Collinsia bicolor
- Common Names: Purple Chinese Houses, Innocence, Harlequin blue-eyed Mary, Chinese Pagodas
- Family: Scrophulariaceae (mentioned in reference to similar species)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to California and Baja California (the Peninsular Ranges in northern Baja California).
- Often found on damp, disturbed north-facing slopes, such as old road cuts.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- An annual plant, living for only one year.
- Typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet.
- Distinctive pagoda-shaped flower arrangement with flowers growing in whorls of 2-7, each whorl smaller than the one below.
- Flowers are bi-colored, with a lilac or white upper lip and a rose-purple or violet lower lip. Some varieties have intensely purple and white flowers. Other color descriptions include white and lavender to pale blue.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The flowers are attractive to native bees, making it a good choice for a wildlife or butterfly garden.
Quirky Facts
- The plant's tiered flower arrangement resembles a Chinese pagoda, hence its common name.