Scientific Family
Ranunculaceae
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
1 to 6 inches
Riparian
Yes
Several stems from the base. The greenish elongated cylindrical structure which bears the flowers is the plant's dominant feature.
Achene length equals width, with a horseshoe-shaped basal and lateral border around the beak.
Habitat
Dry, sandy hillsides or canyon bottoms. Also found near springs or creeks.
Plant Community
Riparian
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Desert Scrub
Low elevation
2900
High elevation
4600
Flower Characteristics
Sepals are faintly 3 veined. Flowerhead is an elongated cylindrical structure having multiple stems each bearing one flower.
Flower color
White with pinkish edges
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
February
Last bloom month
May
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Stems are smooth greenish-tan.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Heads of the achenes appear rough because of the projecting beaks.
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit color
Light green
1 seed per fruit.