Scientific Family
Portulacaceae
Synonyms
Talinum appalachianum, Talinum parviflorum
Other common names
Goodding's fameflower
prairie flameflower
sunbright talinum
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
1 to 8 inches
Riparian
No
Stems can be simple or branching and appear woody. More or less erect.
Flowers pink or purplish born in clusters that open from the center outward; three-lobed stigma, smooth seeds, cylindric leaf blades to 2 inches long; less than 7 stamens usually 5, but 4 or 6 possible, distinguish this from other Phemeranthus sp.
Habitat
Dry woodlands, chaparral, scrub and grassland, on outcrops and in rocky soil.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Low elevation
4500
High elevation
7000
Flower Characteristics
Flower stalks are slender and longer than the leaves. Sepals are ovate to 1/8 inch long. Petals are elliptic to obovate and 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. Has 5 stamens. Inflorescence is a loose cyme (flat or curve shape with multiple branches).
Flower color
White, pale pink or purplish
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
July
Last bloom month
August
Flower clusters
Other
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves are very narrow and have a circular cross section with bases originating directly from stems; slightly broadened at base; up to 2 inches long.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Other
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Capsule is ellipsoid or sometimes ovoid. To 3/16 inch long.
Fruit type
Capsule
Seeds are smooth and less than 1/16 inch long.