Scientific Family
Fumariaceae
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Introduced
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
8 to 24 inches
Riparian
No
Fumitories (plants with spikes of small tubular flowers) are similar in appearance and are distinguished by the size of their flowers. All members of this family have flowers with dark-tipped petals, which look as if they have been dipped in purple ink.
Perennial, slender 4-angled stems, leaves appear to be in whorls, 4 per node, narrow at base; unisexual and bisexual flowers on same plant; flowers whitish, hairy on outside, in small congested, branched clusters.
Habitat
Found only in Yavapai County, Arizona.
Plant Community
Grasslands
Low elevation
3500
High elevation
3500
Flower Characteristics
Narrow, unbranched flowerhead, 1 to 2-3/4 inches long; whitish flowers with purple tips, 1/4 to 1/2 inch long on stems 1/16 to 1/4 inch long; sepals 1/16 to 1/8 inch long.
Flower color
Whitish, purple
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
April
Last bloom month
May
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves including the stem 3/4 to 2-1/2 inches long; finely dissected, segments about 1/16 inch wide.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Triangular
Leaf margin
Dissected
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
About 1/16 inch long.
Fruit type
Nutlet
1 seed per nutlet.