Scientific Family
Verbenaceae
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
1 to 3 feet
Riparian
No
Several spreading stems which are covered with white hairs.
Stems several, ascending or spreading. Stems and leaves densely covered with fine, short hairs. Leaves egg-shaped, bright green on both sides. Flower petals about twice as long as the sepals or more. Only one species of Tetraclea in Arizona.
Habitat
Rocky soils. Steep south-facing talus slopes and roadsides.
Plant Community
Desert Scrub
Disturbed Areas
Interior Chaparral
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Low elevation
2000
High elevation
5200
Flower Characteristics
Creamy-white flowers are tinged with reddish-pink. Flower clusters are at the leaf axils and are nocturnal.
Flower color
White to reddish-pink
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
March
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
The upper leaves are toothed, while the lower are smooth.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Gray-green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Wrinkly green fruit has 4 rounded lobes.
Fruit type
Nutlet
Fruit color
Green
Light brown seeds have a pitted surface.