About Agalinis skinneriana (Alph.Wood ex A.Gray) Britton
Agalinis skinneriana is an annual herb with four-angled stems that reach a maximum height of 40 centimeters. Its linear leaves are arranged oppositely, and each leaf grows up to 2.5 centimeters long. Its inflorescence is a raceme made up of pink or white flowers, each of which measures up to 1.6 centimeters long. Blooming takes place from August through October. Bees visit the flowers of this species, but each individual flower is only open for a few hours, and it is capable of self-pollination. This species is similar in appearance to several other Agalinis species, and it can be difficult to tell them apart. Agalinis skinneriana grows in prairies, and it can also be found in woods, barrens, and thickets. It commonly occurs alongside other plant species including Agalinis purpurea, Aletris farinosa, Andropogon gerardi, Aster ptarmicoides, Calopogon tuberosus, Liatris spicata, Lobelia kalmii, Pycnanthemum virginianum, and Solidago ohioensis. This plant often grows in habitats that are maintained by periodic wildfires, and fire suppression is a threat to this species.
