Rough Agalinis is a hemiparasite, which means it “steals” some of its nutrients from other plants. Specialized roots called haustoria, connect Rough Agalinis to the roots of host plants. This species grows in prairie habitats, which have been lost due to expansion of agricultural activities and cattle grazing. Seeds are dispersed by wind, or sometimes on the feet of birds and other animals.

Flower Colour:

• Pink

Flowering Season:

• Summer
• Fall

Flowering Months:

• August
• July
• September

Canadian Rarity Status:

Protected under Canada’s Species at Risk Act and Manitoba’s Endangered Species Act. The collection of wild plants and seeds is illegal on public lands.

Physical Appearance:

Rough Agalinis is an annual, herbaceous plant that grows up to 35 cm tall. It has long, narrow leaves, arranged in opposite pairs along a slender stem. The stems have few to many branches. It gets its common name from the upper surfaces of the leaves, which are hairless and rough to the touch. It has pink, bell-shaped flowers that occur in long, straight clusters of 4-18. Only one or two flowers open each day, and once opened, each flower lasts just one day.

Similar Species:

Gattinger's Agalinis

Gardening Notes:

Do not purchase wild-collected seeds or plants.

Canadian Distribution:

• Manitoba

Prairie Types:

• Tall Grass Prairie

Habitats:

• Meadows
• Remnant Prairies
• Roadsides

Moisture Conditions:

• Moderate
• Wet

Light Preference:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Soil Preference:

• Alkaline
• Gravel
• Sand
• Silt