Hydrolea corymbosa

Hydrolea corymbosa is a perennial herb or subshrub with terminal cymes or corymb-like inflorescences bearing blue to violet flowers. Leaves are elliptic to lanceolate, typically 2–3 cm long and 0.3–1.0 cm wide, with serrulate margins. Stems are densely pubescent with few or no glandular hairs, a characteristic that distinguishes the species from related taxa such as Hydrolea uniflora. == Distribution and habitat ==

The species is endemic to the southeastern Coastal Plain of the United States, ranging from northeastern South Carolina southward through Georgia to southern Florida. It occurs in wetland habitats including pond cypress savannas and depression meadows. These habitats are typically seasonally inundated and often maintained by periodic fire. Occurrence records indicate that the species is well documented, with over 1,200 recorded observations in biodiversity databases. == Ecology ==

Hydrolea corymbosa is an obligate wetland species (OBL) in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain. It is adapted to open, sunny wetland habitats and exhibits high light affinity (heliophily index of 8). The species is associated with fire-influenced ecosystems such as wet savannas and may depend on periodic disturbance to maintain suitable habitat conditions. == Phenology ==

Flowering occurs from June through October. == Conservation status ==

Hydrolea corymbosa is ranked as G5 (secure) globally by NatureServe, indicating that it is not at risk of extinction across its range. Despite its global security, the species shows regional conservation concern. It is ranked as S1 (critically imperiled) in South Carolina, S3? (vulnerable, uncertain) in Georgia, and S4? (apparently secure, uncertain) in Florida, while remaining unranked (SNR) in Alabama. The species depends on wetland habitats such as pond cypress savannas and depression meadows, which are susceptible to hydrological alteration and fire suppression. == Taxonomy ==

The species was first described in 1817 by Stephen Elliott, based on work attributed to J. Macbride. The author is sometimes incorrectly cited as J. F. Macbride; however, this has been identified as an error in later taxonomic treatments. A type specimen is preserved at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Herbarium. The species has been treated under the synonym Nama corymbosum (J.F.Macbr. ex Elliott) Kuntze in some classifications. == References ==