Thalia geniculata
Photo by Roger Hammer. Photograph belongs to the photographer who allows use for FNPS purposes only. Please contact the photographer for all other uses.
Natural Range in Florida
USDA Zones
Suitable to grow in:
10A 10B 8A 8B 9A 9B
2002-2022, Copyright Florida Native Plant Society
Alligator Flag, Fireflag
Marantaceae
Also known as Maranta geniculata
Plant Specifics
| Size: | 6-9 ft tall by 3-10 ft wide | |
| Life Span: | Long-lived perennial | |
| Flower Color: | Blue,lavender | |
| Phenology: | Winter dormant. Blooms summer-fall. | |
| Habitats: | Marshes, swamps, roadside ditches. Usually in areas with relatively high nutrients and relatively high light. Rarely under a dense canopy. |
Landscaping
| Recommended Uses: | Used for wetland restoration. Attractive for planting in surface water management ponds. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Light: | Full Sun, Part Shade | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Moisture Tolerance: |
always floodedextremely dry |
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| Moisture Tolerance: | Aquatic ----- to ----- Stays Wet | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salt Water Flooding Tolerance: | Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salt Spray Tolerance: | Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Soil/Substrate: | Loam, Organic material (muck), Sand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wildlife
Provides hiding areas for water birds some of which hide their nests in patches of this tall plant.
Host plant for Brazilian Skipper (Calpodes ethlius).
Single gray eggs are laid on the leaves. After emerging, Brazilian Skipper caterpillars make shelters out of leaves by folding the leaves over and securing them with silk. The caterpillars emerge from their shelters at night to feed, often causing severe defoliation. (North American Butterfly Association)