Scientific Family
Hydrophyllaceae
Other common names
yellow bells
golden bells
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Similar species
<i>Phacelia</i>
Height
20 inches
Riparian
Yes
Simple to much branched heavy-scented plants. The dried-up, paper-like flower petals remaining on the plant rustle in light breezes.
Annual herb with leafy stems, cream-colored to pale yellow drooping flowers mostly attached on one side of the stem; stamens distributed evenly and not exerted, the ovary partly divided into 2 cells by the intrusion of the placentas.
Habitat
Gravelly or rocky soil on slopes, along streams, usually under bushes. Often found in burned areas.
Plant Community
Riparian
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Disturbed Areas
Desert Scrub
Low elevation
0
High elevation
4000
Flower Characteristics
Nodding flowers hang from very slender stalks. Flowers have 5 united petals, up to 1/2 inch long; flowers are arranged in loosely branched clusters.
Flower color
Pale yellow to cream
Flower shape
Bell-shaped
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
March
Last bloom month
June
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Pinnately lobed to 4 inches long. Stems covered with sticky hairs emitting a somewhat unpleasant odor.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Grayish-green
Leaf shape
Pinnatifid
Leaf margin
Lobed
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit capsule is about 1/4 inch long and 1/10 inch wide; glandular.
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Brown
Seeds are brown, flat, oval and surface honeycombed. 6 to 15 seeds.