Scientific Family
Commelinaceae
Synonyms
Aneilema pinetorum
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Similar species
Tradescantia occidentalis
Height
To 12 inches or less
Riparian
Yes
Erect, slender-stemmed herb; 2 long, slender, spreading bracts at the base of flowers resemble leaves, lightly hairy with soft, short hairs.
Roots tuber-like at base of stems or on rhizomes; slender stems wrapped by sheaths, sparsely branched, erect to ascending; leaves alternate, grass-like, hairy, blades lance-like; flowers have 3 petals of equal size; bearded stamen filaments.
Habitat
Found on granite and limestone surfaces; in wet areas on stream sides in canyons; also in grasslands, chaparral, mesas, and pine forests.
Plant Community
Riparian
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Low elevation
4500
High elevation
9500
Flower Characteristics
3 petals light purple, pinkish-purple, or blue flowers; 1/3 to 1/2 inch long; 2 long, linear, spreading bracts; flowers single or sometimes in groups; arising out of a single bract; stamens feathery at the base, light purple; bright yellow anthers.
Flower color
Light purple, pinkish-purple, blue
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
August
Last bloom month
September
Flower clusters
None
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Slender stems, green to reddish, erect to ascending, covered in short, slightly rough hairs; leaf blades narrow, roll inward (involute) at the margins, to 5 inches long; look like grass blades, clasping at the base, narrow veined.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
Stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Capsules 1/8 to 1/4 inch; 3-valved.
Fruit type
Capsule
Small seeds to 1/8 inch.