Ovate False Fiddleleaf (Ovata)

The Ovate False Fiddleleaf (Ovata) is generally described as a perennial forb/herb. This is native to the U.S. (United States) .

Uses of : Landscaping, Medicinal, Culinary, etc.

This plant is utilized for wetland restoration.

General Characteristics

General: Waterleaf Family (Hydrophyllaceae). Hydrolea ovata, a native, rhizomatous perennial, which rarely reaches a height of more than 2 feet, is a very distinctive plant due to its spiny stems and deep blue flowers. Leaves are entire, alternate, somewhat oval in shape and deep green in color. A single spine (usually 0.5-inch long) arises from each leaf node.

No similar genera are found in wet sites in Texas. There are three (some argue 4) species of Hydrolea in Texas. Hydrolea spinosa is more common in south Texas and is very similar to Hydrolea ovata. Hydrolea uniflora is more common in east Texas, eastern Oklahoma, and the southeastern US and does not have very showy flowers. Other species of Hydrolea are found in southeastern U.S. without spines, or only a few spines. All Hydrolea species are found in wet areas and have the deep blue flowers.

Required Growing Conditions

Found from Texas and Missouri to Florida. For current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site.

General Upkeep and Control

ILGL"Fire top-kills inkberry but the species is adapted to a regime of recurrent fires. Typically, the entire aerial portion of the stem dies, although light fires may only kill the most recent growth. Re-growth occurs by resprouting from root crowns and rhizomes, most vigorously in the first post-fire year.

Control: Successive annual fires will effectively kill inkberry, when management for cattle and commercial tree production call for complete control. Summer fires are most damaging but frequent winter fires also are effective for control. "