Scientific Family
Solanaceae
Synonyms
Petunia parviflora
Other common names
small flower petunia
seaside-petunia
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
To 1 inch
Riparian
Yes
Slender, branching stems creep along the ground and root at nodes. Upright branches are leafy.
Fruit is a dry capsule; a purplish-pink corolla less than 1/2" across and fleshy glandular leaves distinguish this from other Solanaceae genus. This is the only species in this genus in our
area.
Habitat
Moist sandy areas of desert washes and streams. Usually occurs in wetlands, but occasionally found in non wetlands.
Plant Community
Riparian
Low elevation
0
High elevation
4500
Flower Characteristics
Small, 5 lobed, petunia-like flowers that are axillary. The petals are purplish and the tube whitish.
Flower color
Purplish-pink
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
April
Last bloom month
August
Flower clusters
None
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves have very short stems, are fleshy, broader towards the tip and sticky glandular.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Opens at top.
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Pale brown
Many minute spheric to angled seeds.