WildflowerWeb will be offline for a few days in the near future while we transition to a new provider. The downtime is temporary, and we'll be back very soon. Thank you for your understanding!
Search

[?]

Open the Advanced Search

Venus's Looking Glass

Legousia hybrida

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Asterales
Family:
Campanulaceae (Bellflower)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Annual
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Fields, gardens, roadsides, rocky places, wasteland.

Flower:
֍
Purple, 5 petals
 
Pale or dark purple flowers. The flowers are smaller (8-15mm across) and the petals are more pointed than those of the similar looking Large Venus's Looking-glass (Legousia speculum-veneris).
Fruit:
A long, narrow, triangular, grooved fruit pod, up to 3cm long.
Leaves:
A hairy annual flower with oblong leaves that have wavy margins and are unstalked. The leaves clasp the stems and measure up to 8cm long. The stems are inconsistently round or square in cross-section.
Other Names:
Corn Bellflower, Corn Violet.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Legousia hybrida is a plant species of the genus Legousia, also known as Venus's Looking-glass. It is known for its attractive blue, violet or white star-shaped flowers that bloom in the summer. This plant is a hybrid between two other species of Legousia, L. speciosa and L. simplex, and as such it is not found in the wild. It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens, rock gardens, and borders. It is not commonly used for medicinal or other practical purposes, and there is little scientific research on its potential benefits. It is known to be easy to grow and adaptable, and it prefers well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.

Blog

Venus's Looking Glass, also known as Legousia hybrida, is a delicate and beautiful wildflower that can be found in many parts of the world. This plant is a species of forget-me-not, and it is known for its unique and eye-catching appearance. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating world of Venus's Looking Glass and learn about its history, habitat, and unique features.

History: Venus's Looking Glass was first discovered in Europe and was later introduced to the United States. The plant was named after Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, because of its stunning appearance. Over time, the plant has become a popular garden plant and has been cultivated in many parts of the world.

Habitat: Venus's Looking Glass is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions. It can be found in open meadows, forests, and along roadsides and streams. The plant prefers moist and shady conditions, but it can also tolerate dry soils and full sun. Venus's Looking Glass is a hardy plant that can survive in areas with cold winters and hot summers.

Unique Features: Venus's Looking Glass is known for its delicate, blue-violet flowers that bloom from June to September. The flowers are cup-shaped and are about an inch in diameter. The plant has green, lance-shaped leaves that are arranged opposite each other on the stem. Venus's Looking Glass is a spreading plant that can grow up to 12 inches tall. The plant produces seeds that are easily spread by wind and animals, making it an excellent choice for wildflower gardens and meadows.

Venus's Looking Glass is a beautiful and versatile plant that is well worth adding to your garden. Whether you are looking to attract pollinators, add color to a shady area, or create a wildflower meadow, this plant is a great choice. So, go ahead and add some Venus's Looking Glass to your garden today, and enjoy the beauty and charm of this fascinating wildflower.

Venus's Looking Glass is also known for its medicinal properties. In traditional medicine, the plant has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including wounds, skin irritation, and eye infections. It is said that the plant's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective treatment for these conditions.

In addition to its medicinal properties, Venus's Looking Glass is also a popular ornamental plant. Its bright blue flowers and delicate appearance make it a popular choice for rock gardens, wildflower gardens, and borders. The plant is also a popular choice for naturalizing areas, as it is easy to care for and can spread quickly to create a lush and beautiful landscape.

Another unique feature of Venus's Looking Glass is its ability to attract pollinators. The plant's bright blue flowers and sweet nectar are irresistible to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for a pollinator garden. The plant's ability to attract pollinators is essential for maintaining a healthy and thriving ecosystem, as pollinators play a crucial role in the pollination of plants and the production of food.

Venus's Looking Glass is a versatile and beautiful plant that has a lot to offer. Its unique features, medicinal properties, and ornamental value make it an excellent choice for a variety of gardening purposes. Whether you are looking to add color to your garden, attract pollinators, or enjoy its beauty, Venus's Looking Glass is a great choice that is sure to impress.

Finally, it is important to mention that Venus's Looking Glass is a wildflower and should be respected as such. If you are looking to add this plant to your garden, it is important to purchase seeds or plants from a reputable source, and to not collect the plant from the wild. Removing plants from the wild can have a negative impact on local ecosystems and can lead to the decline of wild populations.

Additionally, when planting Venus's Looking Glass in your garden, it is important to follow proper care instructions. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial to full shade, but it can also tolerate full sun and dry soils. It is important to water the plant regularly and to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. It is also important to keep the plant properly trimmed and to remove any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage healthy growth.

In conclusion, Venus's Looking Glass is a beautiful and fascinating plant that has a lot to offer. Whether you are a gardener, a nature lover, or simply appreciate the beauty of wildflowers, this plant is sure to captivate you with its delicate beauty and unique features. So, go ahead and add some Venus's Looking Glass to your garden today and enjoy the beauty and charm of this fascinating wildflower for years to come.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

Click to open an Interactive Map