Erect forb/subshrub from rhizomes and freely branching above; 4 to 28 inches tall; stems with parallel lines or grooves; narrow, wavy leaves; flowers 2-lipped corollas, open in evening and close by morning; pollinated by hawkmoths.
Subshrub, white or purple tubular-flowered forb/subshrub somewhat resembles Ipomopsis or Gilia; distinguished by its bilaterally symmetrical flowers, with 1 lobe pointing up and 3 lobes pointing down; narrow leaves with slightly wavy edges.
Habitat
Found in canyons, rocky slopes, washes in desert scrub.
Flower Characteristics
Flowers paired on short stalk at leaf axil; white or purple corolla up to 2 inches long, 2-lipped, with slender tube and small leaves at the base; smaller upper lip notched at tip, larger lower lip partly divided into 3 lobes and bent backwards.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves opposite, on short stems; blades narrow to oval, 3/4 to 2-1/2 inches long; dark green to olive above, pale dull green below; margins wavy and curled slightly upward; hairs along veins and margins.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Capsule smooth, 1/2 inch long, on 1/8 inch long stalk.
Each capsule contains 2 to 4 dark brown, round, flattened seeds.