Scientific Family
Scrophulariaceae
Other common names
wood betony
juniper lousewort
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
4-1/2 inches
Riparian
No
A small, low growing plant distinctively white and purple colored with closely crowded flowers appearing to sit almost on the ground. Leaves have a fern-like appearance.
Leaves divided into broad, blunt sections, margins toothed, teeth white tipped; flower clusters few-flowered not surpassing leaves; flowers white, 2-lipped, upper lip purple, strongly arched, sometimes yellow or white, the lower lip shorter and 3-lobed.
Habitat
Found in partial shade in loamy and sandy alluvial basins, flats and pinon-juniper woodlands.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Low elevation
5000
High elevation
8000
Flower Characteristics
2-lipped, upper lip arched, white, lower purple, 3-lobed. 4 stamens are curled under upper lip. Tips of anthers project tiny teeth. Size is 1-3/4 inches long by 1/4 inch wide. Appears in short, dense, terminal clusters of very hairy bracts, short stemmed.
Flower color
White, purple, yellow
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
April
Last bloom month
June
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Pinnate (feather-like) with reddish midrib and finely dissected toothed lobes. Lance-shaped, 4 inches long.
Leaf type
Compound
Leaf color
Grayish-green
Leaf shape
Pinnatifid
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit is less than 3/4 inch long, containing seeds.
Fruit type
Capsule
Seeds have net-like surfaces.