Scientific Family
Solanaceae
Synonyms
Margaranthus lemmonii , Margaranthus purpurascens
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
8 to 24 inches
Riparian
Yes
Plant is erect and most leaf axils contain a flower and branch.
Urn-shaped flowers; flowers in stem axils; berry-like fruit enclosed in a papery balloon formed by the calyx.
Habitat
Sandy flood plains and road margins.
Plant Community
Disturbed Areas
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Riparian
Low elevation
3500
High elevation
5500
Flower Characteristics
Flowers are usually single from the leaf axils. Corollas are greenish-yellow or purplish and about 1/8 inch long.
Flower color
Greenish-yellow to purplish
Flower shape
Bell-shaped
Tubular
No
First bloom month
August
Last bloom month
November
Flower clusters
None
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves are alternate, oval, and up to 2-3/8 inches long. Stems are erect and up to 24 inches tall.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit is a berry about 3/16 inch in diameter, red when mature and enclosed in a papery balloon formed by the calyx.
Fruit type
Berry-like
Fruit color
Green to red