Rhexia virginica is a perennial herb, from a tuber-like fibrous-rooted base; stems 20-100 cm, 4-sided, narrowly winged, bristles at nodes.
Leaves opposite, stalkless (sessile), blade oval, round at base, 2-7cm long, 1-3 cm wide, 3-veined, often bristly above, margin toothed.
Flowers rose-purple 2 cm wide, petals 4, very fragile, deciduous; blooming July- Sept.
Fruit dry, a capsule; fruiting Aug.-Oct.
Wetland status: OBL.
Frequency in NYC: Very infrequent.
Origin: Native.
Habitat: Open, marshy and disturbed wet areas.