Annual with rough, hairy stems growing flat on the ground or curving upward. Basal rosette-like leaves and stem leaves are green, narrow and hairy. Tiny 5-petaled white flowers resembling popped popcorn grow along the entire length of the flower stalk.
Stems with rough, stiff, hairs; basal, lower leaves green, opposite not in rosettes; flowers white, all along the stems; fruit stalk about as long as a nutlet, nutlets usually united in pairs, not flattened; long striped nutlets unique among Borages.
Habitat
Found on arid plains, sandy mesas and hillsides.
Flower Characteristics
Flower stalk is coiled in bud but elongates with age. Tiny, bell-like flowers grow in the leaf axils (between the leaf and stem) throughout the entire length of the stem even in the basal leaf axils. Flowers have narrow 3/4 inch leaf-like bracts below.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves and stems are covered with stiff hairs. Leaf blades are linear, 3/4 to 1 inch long with the tip ending in a short sharp point or having a rounded shape. Lower basal leaves often have an opposite attachment, upper leaves are alternate on the stem.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit is egg-shaped, 1/16 inch long, wrinkled and covered in short, sharp points with folds (ridges) on its front and back. The front ridge lengthens to a form a stalk (stipe) that is as long as the nutlet itself which is unique within the Borage family.
4 nutlets are produced, each having 1 seed. The nutlets do not split open to release the seed when ripe.