Large bluet is a herbaceous perennial in the coffee family. It is considered rare in Pennsylvania, with documented presence only in Fayette, Somerset, Bedford, Lancaster, and Berks Counties. Rare in other states as well, large bluet is native to the eastern and central United States, from Nebraska northeast to Maine and south to Florida and Texas, with sightings being treasured by wildflower enthusiasts.

Found in open woods, rocky slopes and along roadsides, this low-growing, 6-16”, multi-branched plant shows off tiny ¼” lavender-blue to white clusters of long, tubular flowers at the end of angled, hairy stems.

Leaves are with smooth margins (entire), opposite, sessile, and typically 1–3 inches long. They are ovate to lanceolate in shape, often three-veined with basal leaves typically broader than cauline. While basal leaves may appear early in the plant’s life cycle, they are often absent during flowering and may re-emerge after bloom.

Appearing year after year thanks to its ability to self-seed, the large bluet prefers sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and will spread if left undisturbed. Blooming for about a month, usually in late spring to mid summer, it attracts bees, butterflies, skippers, and bumble bees with its nectar-rich, tubular flowers. Snails and slugs browse on the foliage and may devour tender seedlings.