Scientific Family
Scrophulariaceae
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
To 2 feet
Riparian
No
Stems 1 to 7 per plant 8 to 26 inches tall, from a woody base, straight and erect, somewhat hairy to no hairs. Has a range of colors, pinkish-purple to purple to bluish. Flowers grow on one side of the stem.
Stems to 10 inches tall from a woody base; narrow leaves are green or grayish-green, sometimes hairy, not crowded on stem. Flower throat has ventral ridges and little if any hairs at the opening. Anther sacs are hairless or with stiff hairs on both sides.
Habitat
Sandy to gravelly soils in oak woodlands, pine forests, and roadsides,
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
5000
High elevation
11000
Flower Characteristics
Showy flowers, 3/4 inch wide, 1 inch long, arranged on 1 side of branched stems.
Flower color
Pinkish-purple to purple to bluish
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Herbage can be either hairy or smooth. Leaves 4 inches long, not stemmed.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green or grayish-green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Capsules are 1/2 inch long, splitting open longitudinally to release the seeds.
Fruit type
Capsule
Seeds are dark brown, angled, and 1/16 inch long.