This genus contains seventy species of annuals and herbaceous perennials in the Figwort family (Orobanchaceae) native to North America, Mexico, the West Indies, Central America and South America. They can be found in many areas of the United States and many are threatened due to habitat loss. Some can be found along shores, wet meadows and wet thickets, while others tolerate drier conditions. The Genus name comes from the Greek word "aga" (meaning "remarkable") and the Latin word "linum" (meaning "flax"), referring to the plant's superficial resemblance to flax Most prefer well-drained moist soil in full sun to partial shade. Be sure to check specific species needs before planting. Propagation is by seed. They can grow 1 to 3 feet tall. The tubular flowers are showy and can be pink, purple and white. They generally bloom in late summer to early fall, depending on the species. Several species are native to North Carolina and can be used in the native and pollinator garden or in naturalized areas. Plant in groups or in the border for late-season color. Some species will do well along pond and stream edges. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Loam (Silt); Sand; Shallow Rocky
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0)
Soil drainage
Moist | Occasionally Wet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Texture
Fine
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Lanceolate; Linear; Ovate
Leaf margin
Lobed
Leaf size
1-3 inches long
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Leaf blades are lanceolate to ovate to linear and opposite to subopposite. Margins are entire or lobed. Size varies per species. Hairs are present on many. Some have smooth gray or white silica patches, giving them a marbled appearance.
Flower color
Pink; Purple/Lavender
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Panicle; Raceme
Flower shape
Bell; Funnel
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Funnel-shaped flowers can be white, pink or purple, some have a white throat, in terminal racemes or panicles. They are generally showy with 5 bracts arranged so the upper two form a hood. Some species may have hairs on the calyx tubes.
Bloom time
Fall
Fruit color
Brown/Copper; Gold/Yellow; Green
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Tiny, shiny, globular capsule with many seeds
Stem detail
Green stems are often angular, generally upright and some species have hairs.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
North America, Mexico, West Indies, Central America, South Ameri
Wildlife value
Members of the genus Agalinus support butterfly larvae and adults. Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia) larvae appear from May to October and in the deep south they appear year-round. Common Buckeye adult butterflies feed on flower nectar. Members of the genus Agalinis support the following specialized bee: Anthophorula (Anthophorisca) micheneri, Leaf-cutting bees (Megachile spp.). Syrphid flies feed on pollen.