Scientific Family
Polygalaceae
Synonyms
sagebrush chorizanthe
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
2 to 8 inches
Riparian
No
Erect to spreading with several to numerous slightly hairy, greenish stems that branch profusely from base, very brittle at nodes when mature, breaking easily at nodes when dry; when plant begins to die the green stems turn bright orange-red.
Leaves mostly basal; branched diffusely; largely devoid of leaves, the few stem leaves are often very reduced; tube-shaped flower bracts at the end of branches open into a tiny white or greenish-yellow flower, mostly hidden behind by 6 hooked bracts.
Habitat
Found on sandy desert slopes, flats, and washes.
Plant Community
Desert Scrub
Low elevation
0
High elevation
2500
Flower Characteristics
Tube of bracts about 1/4 inch long with a tiny white or greenish-yellow flower at the end, flowers are mostly hidden behind the usually 6 hooked, toothed and ridged bracts. 2 bracts at base of flowers.
Flower color
White, greenish-yellow
Flower shape
Inconspicuous
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
March
Last bloom month
May
Flower clusters
Other
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Mostly basal with stalks about 3/4 inch long; blade inverse lance-like to narrowly elliptic, 1 to 2-1/2 inches long, soft hairs; modified leaf at lower nodes, needled-shaped above 1/8 long to 1/4 inch. Stem sheaths formed from stipules.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green, orange-red with age
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Achenes are slightly lens-shaped, slightly protruding, 1 per flower.
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit color
Dark brown to blackish