About Houstonia serpyllifolia Michx.
Houstonia serpyllifolia Michx., commonly known by the common names thymeleaf bluet, creeping bluet, mountain bluet, Appalachian bluet, and Michaux's bluets, is a plant species belonging to the coffee family, Rubiaceae. This species is native to the eastern United States, and occurs specifically in the central and southern Appalachian Mountains. It has been recorded growing in the U.S. states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, western Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, and northeastern Georgia. Houstonia serpyllifolia is a low-growing, creeping perennial plant. It produces single, terminal blue flowers during spring and early summer. It most often grows in moist areas, and can be found in habitats including streambanks, mesic woods, grassy balds, seepy rock outcrops, and spray cliffs. Its specific epithet "serpyllifolia" refers to this plant's resemblance to the culinary herb wild thyme, Thymus serpyllum.