Delicate blue flowers are found loosely clustered on the tips of slender leafy stems.
Perennial, erect stems branched from base. Leaves alternate, linear, sometimes involute. Clusters of blue 5-petaled flowers about 1 to 1-1/2 inches across, veined in darker blue. Seed capsules are round and split into sections, each with 1 to 2 seeds.
Habitat
Well-drained soil in prairies, meadows, clearings in ponderosa pine forests, mountain slopes, ledges and other open places.
Flower Characteristics
5-petaled blue flowers with a yellow center are loosely clustered atop slender leafy stems. Flowers are to 1 inch wide. Flowers wilt and drop off by midday.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Finely textured narrow leaves to 1 inch long are crowded along the stem.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Capsules are egg-shaped with a sharp tip.
Tiny seeds are dark brown, smooth and shiny.