Scientific Family
Violaceae
Synonyms
Calceolaria verticillata, Hybanthus linearis, Hybanthus verticillatus
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
5 to 16 inches
Riparian
Yes
Erect plant with small flowers that look like miniature (less than 1/4 inch long) violets.
Lower petals concave or slightly sac-shaped, but not spurred.
Habitat
Dry plains and mesas, desert grasslands, chaparral and riparian areas.
Plant Community
Desert Scrub
Grasslands
Interior Chaparral
Riparian
Low elevation
1100
High elevation
5400
Flower Characteristics
Upper purple petals are much shorter than the lower white one which is 1/8 to 1/4 inch long.
Flower color
Purple, green and white
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
April
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
None
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves are linear and alternate and less than 1/4 inch long. Leaves and stems with or without hairs.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Dark brown to black