A Plant a Day

Red Creek Buckwheat - Johanneshowellia puberula

2011-07-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

This pretty member of the Buckwheat Family (Polygonaceae) is Red Creek buckwheat (Johanneshowellia puberula), with a previous genus name of Eriogonum. It grows only in Utah, Nevada, and California from valley bottoms up to the pinyon-juniper community.

Flowers are small and turn into little red berries. For more info about Red Creek buckwheat, click here.

Coyote Gilia - Aliciella triodon

2011-07-08T22:10:00.000-07:00

This branching plant a few inches high (up to 13 cm) is coyote gilia (Aliciella triodon), and formerly with the genus name Gilia. It's in the Phlox Family (Polemoniaceae) and grows in gravelly substrates in pinyon-juniper areas in the southwestern U.S. Flowers are white and each petal is three-lobed.

For a description of coyote gilia, click on the Jepson manual treatment.

Fendler's Sandmat - Chamaesyce fendleri

2011-07-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

This low growing plant is in a family not yet shared on this blog, the Euphoriabeceae, or Spurge Family. It's called Fendler's sandmat (Chamaesyce fendleri), with a previous genus name of Euphorbia. It grows at lower elevations in the western U.S.

For more info about Fendler's sandmat from Southwest Colorado Wildflowers (a great resource), click here.

Firecracker Penstemon - Penstemon eatonii

2011-07-04T06:31:00.000-07:00

I've been saving this flower for Fourth of July, as it's common name is Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii). It grows in the western U.S. in a variety of habitats.

Flowers are bright red in narrow tubes.

For more info about firecracker penstemon (and how to use it in your water wise garden), click here.

Lavenderleaf Sundrops - Calylophus lavandulifolius

2011-07-03T06:40:00.000-07:00

This bright flower in the Evening Primrose Family (Onagraceae) has one of the best common names I've heard: lavenderleaf sundrops (Calylophus lavandulifolius). It grows in gravels from the Plains States west to Nevada.

Flowers are one to two inches across and bright yellow. As they fade, they turn pinkish or purplish.

For more info about lavenderleaf sundrops, click here.

Nevada Bedstraw - Galium hypotrichium subsp. nevadense

2011-07-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

Another bedstraw, this one called Nevada bedstraw (Galium hypotichium subsp. nevadense). This member of the Madder Family (Rubiaceae) grows in Nevada and Utah in pinyon-juniper areas and higher. Leaves are in whorls, the plant is about 20 cm high, and small white flowers are found on the upper half.

The species is dioecious, with male flowers (above) on some plants, and female flowers (below) on other plants. The female flowers are much easier to photograph!

For more info on Nevada bedstraw from the USDA Plants Database, click here.

Desert Snowberry - Symphoricarpos longiflorus

2011-07-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

This shrub with the oval leaves and pink trumpet-like flowers is desert snowberry (Symphoricarpos longiflorus). It grows through much of western North America.

I had never noticed before how much the flowers of snowberry resemble those of Ribes (currant) until this year. After the flowers drop off, white berries will appear.

For more info on desert snowberry, click here.

Tunnel Springs Beardstongue - Penstemon concinnus

2011-06-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

This beautiful little penstemon is Tunnel Springs Beardstongue (Penstemon concinnus). It only grows in Utah and Nevada in gravelly alluvial soils in pinyon/juniper. The plant is compact, usually not more than 20 cm tall.

For more info about Tunnel Springs beardstongue, click here.

Threepetal Bedstraw - Galium trifidum ssp. columbianum

2011-06-23T07:07:00.000-07:00

This is a tiny plant that grows in wetlands, but it looks much like the larger version that is common, stickywilly or common bedstraw. This is threepetal bedstraw (Galium trifidum ssp. columbianum). It grows in western North America. The plants were only about three-four inches high.

Flowers have three petals and later a dark fruit will appear.

For more info on threepetal bedstraw from the USDA plants database, click here.

American Yellowrocket- Barbarea othoceras

2011-06-20T20:39:00.000-07:00

The bright yellow flowers of this member of the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae) is found in wetlands and along streams and is called American yellowrocket (Barbarea othoceras). Another common name is American winter cress. It grows in much of western and northern North America.

For more info about American yellowrocket, click here.

Clustered Broomrape - Orobanche fasciculata

2011-06-18T06:18:00.000-07:00

This is such a strange looking plant, with no green in it at all. The reason is that it is a parasite, taking its nutrients from a nearby plant in the Asteraceae family. This is common to plants in the Broomrape Family (Orobanchaceae), and this species is clustered broomrape (Orobanche fasciculata). It grows in western states, the Midwest, and much of Canada.

To see the USDA Plants Database entry on clustered broomrape, click here.

Tuber Starwort - Pseudostellaria jamesiana

2011-06-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

This pretty white flower in the Pink Family (Caryophyllaceae) is tuber starwort (Pseudostellaria jamesiana). It grows in several western states. The common name is due to the plant spreading from its underground tubers.

Leaves are just slightly sticky and very narrow.

For more info on tuber starwort, click here.

Sagebrush Cholla - Grusonia pulchella

2011-06-13T20:01:00.000-07:00

I got very excited when I saw a flash of pink and went over to examine it and found this jointed cactus. I believe it's sagebrush cholla (Grusonia pulchella). It grows primarily in Nevada, with a few in Utah and California.

It goes by several other scientific and common names, including sand cholla. I could only find two in the place I walked around. Both were small and indistinct, and I probably would have missed them if it weren't for the flower.

For more info about sagebrush cholla, click on this interesting link.

Prickly Cryptantha - Cryptantha echinella

2011-06-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

When I saw this cryptantha, I thought it looked a little different--longer leaves. It turns out the leaves are one of the distinguishing characteristics--they have very long hairs on them, hence the name prickly cryptantha (Cryptantha echinella). This species grows at mid-elevations in Nevada, California, Idaho, and Oregon.

To see the USDA Plants Database page about prickly cryptantha, click here.

Saskatoon Serviceberry - Amelanchier alnifolia

2011-06-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

The large shrub or small tree with red bark, oval leaves, and white flowers in May or June in this area is Saskatoon serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia). Flowers have five petals, as is common in the Rose Family (Rosaceae). After the white flowers have finished blooming, small fruits, called pomes grow. The top half of the leaf is toothed.

The trees grow in openings in forests and in sage steppe.

To see some info from the Washington Native Plant Society about Saskatoon serviceberry, click here.

Jones' Fleabane - Erigeron jonesii

2011-06-06T11:43:00.000-07:00

Lots of Erigeron are blooming, and we have 17 species in our area. This one is Jones' fleabane (Erigeron jonesii). It grows at mid-elevations in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada.

It has both ray and disk flowers.

The leaves are the distinguishing characteristics. Most are basal, but there are some on the stem. They are hairy. The basal leaves have three obvious nerves.

There's not much other info on Jones' fleabane on the Internet right now, but you can connect to the Plants Database description by clicking here.

Modoc Hawksbead - Crepis modocensis

2011-06-05T15:24:00.000-07:00

There are many dandelion-like plants blooming right now. Many are in the genus Crepis. These aren't the easiest to tell apart, but I believe that this one is Modoc hawksbeard (Crepis modocensis). (As always, if you know I've misidentified something, please leave a comment!) It grows at mid-elevations in western North America.

The leaves and stems are hairy. The stem has little bristles coming off of it, which isn't well-captured in this photo.

In the photo below, you can see the bristles well on the buds.

For more info about Modoc hawskbeard from Calflora, click here.

Wild Crab Apple - Peraphyllum ramosissimum

2011-06-04T23:59:00.000-07:00

This large bush with white flowers is wild crab apple (Peraphyllum ramosissimum), sometimes called squaw apple. Later in the summer small apple-like fruits are produced. Wild crab apple grows in several western states, favoring mid-elevations. It's been around a long time, with fossil records of it 50 million years ago. Leaves are oblong and flowers have five white petals, as is common in the Rose Family (Rosaceae).

To learn more about wild crab apple from Southwest Colorado Wildlflowers, click here.

Musk Phlox - Phlox hoodii ssp. muscoides

2011-06-01T04:49:00.000-07:00

This phlox caught my eye, and even though I thought I had already photographed it, I hadn't. So I guess it's good for me to take a lot of photos now and then! The key had it listed as a separate species, but the USDA Plants Database has it as a subspecies. So we'll call it musk phlox (Phlox hoodii ssp. muscoides), previously Phlox muscoides. It grows in the western U.S. and makes these mounds of flowers. I found it about 6,500 feet elevation.

And here's the ant eye's view
.
For more info on musk phlox, click here.

Beckwith's Milkvetch - Astragalus beckwithii var. purpureus

2011-05-31T05:36:00.000-07:00

The Astragalus are a little intimidating because there are so many, but this one only took half an hour to figure out. Hopefully that means I will remember it better! It's Beckwith's milkvetch (Astragalus beckwithii var. purpureus). Identifying characteristics are glabrous (smooth) leaves (for the most part), and flowers in a loose head. This variety is found in Utah and Nevada on gravelly soils.

Later a freckled, curved pod will appear.

For a little more info about Beckwith's Milkvetch from the USDA Plants Database, click here.

Nebraska Sedge - Carex nebrascensis

2011-05-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

I guess it's time to dive into a big, new family: the Sedge Family (Cyperaceae). We have over 50 species in it, and the words used in the key are a whole new language to me! This sedge is very common, Nebraska sedge (Carex nebrascensis), so it's not too hard to learn.

It grows in many western states and two western provinces. It's a perennial cool season sedge, growing up to 36 inches high. It is found at a variety of elevations in moist places.

For much more info about Nebraska sedge, click here.

Spotted Stickseed - Hackelia patens

2011-05-29T23:59:00.000-07:00

This pretty flower is a member of the Borage Family (Boraginaceae) and is called spotted stickseed (Hackelia patens). It grows in several western U.S. states in openings in sagebrush at a wide variety of elevations.

The plant is tall, up to about two feet tall, with the white flowers with blue tinge occurring in clusters.

For more info on spotted stickseed, click here.

Water Birch - Betula occidentalis

2011-05-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

This tree that likes to grow right next to streams is water birch (Betula occidentalis), which is in the Birch Family (Betulaceae), the only member of that family in this area. It grows in western North America.

Leaves are bright green and heart-shaped, with a dentate margin. Catkins grow along the twigs.

The bark for water birch is red with white spots. Older bark gets shaggy and starts peeling off.

For more info about water birch, click here.

Field Pepperweed-Lepidium campestre

2011-05-25T11:09:00.000-07:00

This non-native weed from Europe is field peppeweed (Lepidium campestre), one of the many members of the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae) that has made its way across the ocean. It now grows in much of North America in disturbed areas.

Flowers are white with four petals.

The leaves are an important distinguishing feature--they clasp the stem.

For more info on field pepperweed, click here.

Cushion Buckwheat - Eriogonum ovalifolium

2011-05-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

When I was uploading these photos I found I had some from last year, like the one above. It's been difficult finding new flowers for this blog, but what I have found is that I have some photos of species that I haven't yet identified, some due to time, some due to difficulty.

Nevertheless, this little white puffball has now found its way onto this blog. It's cushion buckwheat (Eriogonum ovalifolium), a member of the Buckwheat Family (Polygonaceae).

The buds are quite pink, then the flowers are usually white, but get pinker with age. The leaves are distinctive, with their wavy pattern.

The species name ovalifolium is Latin for oval-shaped. Cushion buckwheat grows in western North America and has about 11 varieties.

For more information about cushion buckwheat, click here.

Tall Tumblemustard - Sisymbrium altissimum

2011-05-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

This four-petaled flower in the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae) is attractive right now, but unfortunately it's non-native to North America, where it is widespread. This is tall tumblemustard (Sisymbrium altissimum). Over the summer it dries out and eventually strong winds can snap the plant down and blow it around, further spreading seeds. Of historical interest, it is thought that early railroads helped distribute this species.

It can grow 3-5 feet high, and leaves are deeply divided at the base.

For more info on tall tumblemustard, click here.

Bearded Cryptantha - Cryptantha barbigera

2011-05-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

This low elevation cryptantha that is extremely hairy is called bearded cryptantha (Cryptantha barbigera). It grows in the southwestern U.S. and blooms in May in our area. It's up to about a foot high, and with the tiny white flowers can easily be overlooked.

For more info on bearded cryptantha, click here.

Eyed Gilia - Gilia ophthalmoides

2011-05-14T20:31:00.000-07:00

This inconspicuous flower growing on gravelly areas is part of the Phlox Family (Polemoniaceae). It's eyed gilia (Gilia ophthalmoides), and grows in the western U.S. The corolla (yellow and lavender parts) extends far from the calyx (red-striped part that covers the bottom of the corolla).

Like most gilia species, eyed gilia has a rosette of basal leaves. For this species, the leaves and stem are very hairy, with some hairs appearing almost like cobwebs.

For more info about eyed gilia, click here.

Narrowstem Cryptantha - Cryptantha gracilis

2011-05-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

I'm seeing cryptantha all over the place, mostly Cryptantha pterocaya, Cryptantha flavoculata, Cryptantha confertiflora, and Cryptantha circumscissa, all of which I've blogged about. This one is different, and I think it's Narrowstem Cryptantha (Cryptantha gracilis). The key examines the nutlets in great detail. The nutlets come out after the flowers, which make that tricky. If I don't have this identification right, please leave a note in the comments.

Narrowstem cryptantha grows on rocky slopes from 5500 to 6500 feet in our area in May and June. It's found throughout western U.S.

For more info on Narrowstem cryptantha, click here.

Western Tansymustard - Descurainia pinnata

2011-05-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

This nonnative mustard, western tansymustard (Descurainia pinnata) likes disturbed areas at all elevations below 10,200 feet. It grows throughout North America.

Click here to get to the USDA Plants Database page for western tansymustard, with links at the bottom of it.

Longbeak Streptanthella - Streptanthella longirostris

2011-05-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

This neat looking plant in the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae) (note the four petals) is longbeak streptanthella (Streptanthella longirostris). The genus name means twisted flower in Greek, while the species name means long-beaked. The seeds become long and pointy.

The flower is an early bloomer (April-May) and found across the western U.S. It grows at lower elevations, in sagebrush and shadscale shrub areas.

This flower has a close cousin, Streptanthus, also found in the area, but the leaves for it are wider and clasp the stem. Below you can see the narrow leaves of Streptanthella.

For more info on Longbeak Streptanthella, click here.

Globe Springparsley - Cymopterus globosus

2011-04-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

Well, this was an unexpected find as I was wandering around the desert this morning. I could tell it was in the Apiaceae family, likely a Cymopterus, but I had never seen one before with such a round, ball-like cluster of flowers. Turns out it's not in the Snake Range flora, so it took a bit of searching to track down as globe springparsley (Cymopterus globosus).

I liked how these plants showed some of the variations in flower (white and pink) and leaf colors (bright green and gray green). This plant only grows in California, Nevada, and Utah, and likes lower elevations. I found these about 5,100 feet elevation.

A closeup of the flowers/seeds reveals cool patterns.

For more info about globe springparsley, click here.

Shockley's Rockcress - Arabis shockleyi

2011-04-27T06:10:00.000-07:00

This is a pretty member of the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae), one of the numerous Arabis species. Fortunately, the closely clasping leaves make it rather easy to identify as Shockley's rockcress (Arabis shockleyi). Arabis is undergoing a name change to Boechera, but the USDA Plants Database still has it as Arabis, and for the purposes of this blog, that's my source for official names.

Shockley's rockcress is only found in California, Nevada, and Utah. It grows in pinyon-juniper areas and blooms in April-May.

For more info about Shockley's rockcress, click here.

Spiny Phlox - Phlox hoodii

2011-04-25T07:07:00.000-07:00

This little phlox, growing in mounds out in the sagebrush, was really common at about 6500 feet, yet I've never noticed it until this year! I guess it just goes to show that observing wildflowers can be a long-time passion!

This is spiny phlox (Phlox hoodii), also called carpet phlox by some. It's found throughout most of western North America and can be white or pink. It often blooms right after the snow melts (which is perhaps the reason I haven't seen it before--I was afraid of getting stuck on muddy roads!).

In the photo above, you can see the long corolla tube extending from the pointy, cobwebby leaves. For lots more info about spiny phlox, click here.

p.s. What do you think of this larger photo size on the blog? I've been experimenting and am not sure what I like best yet.

Wedgeleaf Draba - Draba cuneifolia

2011-04-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

When I saw this dainty little flower growing near some rocks on an alluvial fan, I was excited as I knew I hadn't seen it before. The four petals gave me a clue that it was in the mustard family, and it wasn't hard to key out as wedgeleaf draba (Draba cuneifolia).

The basal leaves are quite hairy. Small elliptical seed pods will soon appear. This plant is found throughout much of the U.S.

More info about wedgeleaf draba is found here.

Spring Flowers

2011-04-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

I've been seeing April flowers for a few weeks now, but it's only in the last few days that I've found some that I haven't yet featured on this blog. Before I go into those new species, I thought it might be nice to have a quick review of what's blooming in April in the central Great Basin.

First up is desert biscuitroot (Lomatium foeniculaceum). It's yellow flowers really stand out. It's cousin Nevada biscuitroot (Lomatium nevadense) with white flowers is really common now.

I've seen a couple different cryptanthas, including this compact one, James' cryptantha (Cryptantha cinerea).

The Astragalus is really brightening up hillsides. We have 26 different kinds in this area, and I'm struggling with identification (especially since I can't find any photos for a couple of them and am going to have to better my knowledge of the botanical descriptions). I think this is Newberry's milkvetch (Astragalus newberryi).

A close up of the pretty flower and hairy leaves.

A similar looking flower, but with tendrils coming off the leaves is American Vetch (Vicia americana). Amazingly, it's almost done blooming even though it's snowing today.

The yellow round flowers and waxy leaves of creeping barberry (Oregon grape) (Mahonia repens) are dotting the sagebrush areas.

I only saw one longleaf phlox (Phlox longifolia) as I traversed the sagebrush area. Soon there will be a lot more.

The close up revealed the crinkly edges of the petals.

There have been lots of non-natives out, like common dandelions (Taraxacum officinale), blue mustard (Chorispora tenella) and the yellow bur buttercup (Ceratocephela testiculata), that makes a nasty little spike as the plant dries out.

This is a pleasing little plant, Chambers' twinpod (Physaria chambersii). There are several other Physaria species in the area that I need to key out.

A close up of the twinpod.

Okay, I've got photos and will start putting up photos (almost) every day beginning next week. I'm looking forward to getting closer to photographing every plant in the Snake Range area flora (see link at top right of page if you want to see the flora).

First Spring Flower

2011-03-06T20:58:00.000-08:00

Hi! I'm about to emerge from the Plant a Day hibernation.

Why?

Because I saw my first native wildflower this morning, a lomatium! It was unexpected and thrilling. I didn't have my camera with me but will try to get back and photograph it soon.

Looking forward to a fun season of photographing and identifying more of the Snake Valley flora.

P.S. I just did a search on my blog and found that this was the same flower I saw last year as my first flower. But last year it was March 26, and this year March 6, so we are quite a bit earlier this year (or perhaps last year was quite a bit later due to the very cold spring).

Rubber rabbitbrush-Ericameria nauseosa

2010-10-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

This is a shrub many allergy-sufferers come to know all-to-well: rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa previously Chrysothamnus nauseosus). It flowers in the late summer and early fall and is found throughout western North America.

There are lots of cool facts about rubber rabbitbrush, some of which you can find here.

Saltlover-Halogeton glomeratus

2010-09-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

One of the common names for this plant is saltlover (Halogeton glomeratus); its genus name Halogeton is Greek for salt neighbor, and is often used as the common name. It's nonnative, found in salty soils, and is considered in many areas to be a noxious weed. It grows throughout much of the western U.S. It concentrates sodium oxalate and is poisonous to livestock.

The stems are often red, and the flowers are small and inconspicuous.

For more info on saltlover, click here.

Burningbush-Bassia scoparia

2010-09-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

You might not recognize this plant by its USDA Plants Database name: burningbush (Bassia scoparia formerly Kochia scoparia), but you might know it by its other common names, kochia, ragweed, summer cypress, fireball, and Mexican fireweed. It's native to Eurasia but is now widespread. Although many consider it a weed, it does have some forage, food, ornamental, and erosion control properties.

For more info on burningbush, click here.

Flatcrown Buckwheat-Eriogonum deflexum

2010-09-15T18:40:00.000-07:00

This plant blends in well with the gravel, so I had to get down low to get a photo of it so you could get an idea what it looks like. It's flatcrown buckwheat (Eriogonum deflexum), part of the Buckwheat family (Polygonaceae). It grows in the desert southwest.
Flowers are rather inconspicuous.

This is a view of the plant from above.
For more info on flatcrown buckwheat, click here.

Annual Psathyrotes-Psathyrotes annua

2010-09-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

A sprinkling of color along the roadside caught my attention as I was walking, and I found what looked like (and is) a native plant, still blooming in mid-September. A closer look at the flowers determined that this is in the Sunflower Family (Asteraceae), and a bit of searching narrowed it down to annual Psathyrotes (Psathyrotes annua). Other common names are mealy rosettes, fanleaf, and annual turtleback. It grows in shadscale communities and is found only in a few western states.

For more info on annual psathyrotes, click here.

Woolyhead Clover-Trifolium eriocephalum

2010-09-10T07:45:00.000-07:00

This clover stands apart from other low-growing white ones by having a wooly head, hence the name woolyhead clove (Trifolium eriocephalum). It grows at lower elevations, often in wet meadows or pastures. It is found in the western U.S.

For more info on woolyhead clover, click here.

Lesser Indian Paintbrush-Castilleja minor

2010-09-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

This paintbrush differs from others in the area in that it likes growing in wetlands or riparian areas, is an annual, and has a single stem. It's lesser Indian paintbrush (Castilleja minor formerly C. exilis). It grows in the western U.S. and Canada.

For more info on lesser Indian paintbrush, click here.

Stiff Blue-eyed Grass-Sisyrinchium demissum

2010-09-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

This bright blue flower growing along a streambank caught my attention. The six petals were a hint that it's in the Iris Family (Iridaceae). This is stiff blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium demissum), and it grows in many of the desert southwest states. The plant looks very much like a grass until it flowers, hence the common name.

For more info about stiff blue-eyed grass, click here.

Common Juniper--Juniperus communis

2010-09-01T19:09:00.000-07:00

This low-growing shrub, common at higher elevations, is common juniper (Juniperus communis), part of the Cypress Family (Cupressaceae). One interesting characteristic is that it has the greatest range of any woody plant in the northern hemisphere temperate area.

The juniper berries have a wide variety of uses, from Native Americans using them to treat diabetes to a flavoring for gin. For much more info about common juniper, click here.

Greenflowered Wintergreen-Pyrola chlorantha

2010-08-30T18:10:00.000-07:00

I knew when I saw this plant it was in the genus Pyrola in the wintergreen family (Pyrolaceae), but my key is based on flowers and this wintergreen is in the fruiting stage. Fortunately, the wonders of the Internet made it possible to narrow it down to greenflowered wintergreen (Pyrola chlorantha). Leaves are simple and entire with white veins.

It grows through much of North America except the southeast.
For more info about greenflowered wintergreen, click here.

Common Sunflower-Helianthus annuus

2010-08-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

You probably know this flower--the common sunflower (Helianthus annuus). It's native to the Americas and widespread. Flowers can be highly variable in this annual plant.

Young sunflowers display heliotropism--that is, they turn their heads to follow the sun throughout the day.

Sunflowers have been used to symbolize many things and have many uses, which are included in the link below.

I was delighted to see so many insects on the sunflowers, in particular this butterfly, a clouded sulphur (as best I can tell). With the yellowish tint, it's probably a male.
And the greener-tinged one is the female clouded sulphur. I saw thousands of sulphurs over an alfalfa field earlier in the summer, so it's neat to see what else they are feeding on.

For more info on common sunflower, click here.

Thorn Skeletonweed-Pleiacanthus spinosus

2010-08-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

I haven't seen many new plants blooming lately, so when I saw this one today, I was quite excited. It's thorn skeletonweed (Pleiacanthis spinosus, previously Stephanomeria spinosa), also called spiny skeletonweed. The plant is a wiry clump of thin stems and thorns, so the pinkish flowers are a bit of a surprise. It grows in much of the western U.S. and likes semi-arid habitats.

It's in the Sunflower Family (Asteraceae), one of the few pink flowers in the family.

For more info on thorn skeletonweed, click here.

Douglas's Catchfly-Silene douglasii var. douglasii

2010-08-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

This trumpet-shaped flower is Douglas's catchfly (Silene douglasii var. douglasii), part of the Pink family (Caryophyllaceae). It grows in western North America at mid to upper elevations. The name catchfly refers to the sticky stems and calyxes to which small insects may get stuck.
Not too far away I found this all white specimen, which I believe is still the same species, just with some color variation.
For more info about Douglas's catchfly, click here.

Puncturevine-Tribulus terrestris

2010-08-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

This is my least favorite weed: puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris), also known as goathead or caltrop.

The cute ferny leaves and pretty yellow flowers are deceiving, making it seem like a friendly plant. Puncture vine is in the Zygophyllaceae family, also known as the creosote bush family. My husband's favorite plant is creosote bush, so how is it possible that my least favorite plant is in the same family?

Puncture vine is originally from the Mediterranean, but it has spread quickly. These trailing tendrils make it obvious why someone decided to call it a vine. What about the puncture part? Take a look at this next photo.

These little green fruits are fairly innocuous early in the summer, but the heat and dryness of hot days makes them get harder and harder...

...until they turn into sharp brown thorns that break apart and make even more sharp brown thorns. These thorns are so sharp that I've gotten a flat bicycle tire, a flat stroller tire, and a flat wheelbarrow tire. Needless to say, all of these tires now contain Slime.

While I was photographing the puncture vine, Desert Boy took a fall, landing right on top of a mass of it. He started crying immediately and I think he's joined me in calling this his least favorite weed.

Here are a couple of the thorns stuck in his hand. The seeds remain viable for three to seven years, so even though I have pulled every plant that I've seen in the yard, I'll probably have to keep after them for years. And unfortunately there are plenty of seeds just outside our yard.

What's your least favorite weed?

Elegant Cinquefoil-Potentilla concinna

2010-08-23T06:03:00.000-07:00

This sub-alpine and alpine plant is elegant cinquefoil (Potentilla concinna), also called alpine cinquefoil. It grows in western and northern North America and is part of the Rose family (Rosaceae).

Leaves are very hairy with gray underneath.
For more info on elegant cinquefoil, click here.

Moss Campion-Silene acaulis

2010-08-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

This pretty alpine flower is moss campion (Silene acaulis). It flowers in July, growing in western and northern North America. It's a member of the Pink family (Caryophyllaceae), and grows in mounds, with last years growth diminished to grey areas.

For more info about moss campion, click here.

Gooseberry Currant-Ribes montigeneum

2010-08-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

This is a thorny currant that grows at middle and upper elevations called gooseberry currant (Ribes montigeneum). It grows in western North America, and a pretty pink flower blooms in spring and early summer. Later a red berry appears that is sought after by wildlife.
For more info about gooseberry currant, click here.

Ross' Avens-Geum rossii var. turbinatum

2010-08-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

This cute little yellow-flowered plant is Ross' avens (Geum rossii var. turbinatum), part of the Rose Family (Rosaceae). It looks somewhat similar to cinquefoil, but the leaves are more divided. Another distinguishing characteristic are the relatively long styles. It grows in sub-alpine and alpine areas throughout the western U.S.

Occasionally the plants grow singly, but often they grow in big groups.
For more info on Ross' avens, click here.

Jackson Hole Thistle-Cirsium subniveum

2010-08-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

This prickly thistle grows from desert scrub up to the upper conifer forest. It's called Jackson Hole Thistle (Cirsium subniveum, also Greene's Thistle, Cirsium inamoenum by Flora of North America). Apparently the name confusion is partly due to some unresolved topics about this species. Sometimes plants can be funny like that. Despite botanists not being able to decide what to do with it, the Jackson Hole Thistle has decided to take up residence in many of the western states.

This is a view looking down on it.
The flowers can be white to lavender.
For more info on Jackson Hole Thistle, click here.

King's Angelica-Angelica kingii

2010-08-16T23:26:00.000-07:00

This pretty member of the Carrot/Parsley Family (Apicaceae) is King's angelica (Angelica kingii). It's native to the Great Basin region.
The stem is hollow, and the plant has a deep taproot.
Note the dentate leaves.
For more info about King's angelica, click here.

Western White Clematis-Clematis ligusticifolia

2010-08-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

We don't see many vines out here, but here's one that grows in moister areas. It's western white clematis (Clematis ligusticifolia), part of the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). It's also been called virgin's bower, old-man's beard, and hierba de chivo. It grows in western North America.

For more info on western white clematis, click here.

Timothy-Phleum pratense

2010-08-14T04:55:00.000-07:00

This grass is easy to identify due to its dense cyclindrical inflorescence. It's timothy (Phleum pratense), native to Europe but frequently found in many other parts of the world due to its use in agriculture. Wildlife also find it palatable.
It grows up to three feet tall.
For more info on Timothy, click here.

Bluebunch Wheatgrass-Pseudoroegneria spicata

2010-08-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

Bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata, previously Elymus spicatus and Agropyron spicatum), is an important grass in the sagebrush zone. It grows throughout western North America.

It is often bluish-gray in color and grows up to 2 1/2 feet tall.

The inflorescence is a spike about six inches long and more slender than most other wheatgrasses. The awns usually curve at right angles from the culm.

For more info on bluebunch wheatgrass, click here.

Holmgren's Cinquefoil-Potentilla holmgrenii

2010-08-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

Until recently, this alpine plant was called Potentilla nivea, but it's recently been separated and now bears the name Holmgren's cinquefoil (Potentilla holmgrenii). It only occurs on three mountain ranges in Nevada and Utah: the Schell, Snake, and Deep Creek ranges. The plant is gray and grows in mats.

Flowers are yellow and look like a typical cinquefoil flower.

We found very few flowers at the beginning of August.

This flower was covered with insects (anyone know what they are?).
For download the pdf (1.1 MB) about Holmgren's cinquefoil, click here.

Barneby's Paintbrush-Castilleja scabrida var. barnebyana

2010-08-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

This beautiful little paintbrush is Barneby's paintbrush (Castilleja scabrida var. barnebyana). It was about 10,000 feet high on limestone. It only grows in Nevada and Utah.

There's not much info about Barneby's paintbrush, but you can find a little here.

Bridge Penstemon-Penstemon rostriflorus

2010-08-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

This bright red penstemon often growing in clusters is Bridge penstemon (Penstemon rostriflorus), also called beaked penstemon because of the much longer upper petal. It grows in the Southwest at middle elevations.

For more info about Bridge penstemon, including how it got its name, click here.

Norwegian Cinquefoil-Potentilla norvegica

2010-08-09T23:38:00.000-07:00

This member of the Rose Family (Rosaceae) is Norwegian cinquefoil (Potentilla norvegica), also called rough cinquefoil. It's widespread throughout the U.S., but in our area is only found on the shores of one lake at about 9,600 feet.

Leaflets are in threes, and stems are hairy. Another distinguishing characteristic is that the green calyx lobes behind the petals are slightly longer than the petals.

For more info on Norwegian cinquefoil, click here.

Toothed Willow Dock-Rumex salicifolius var. denticulatus

2010-08-08T06:59:00.000-07:00

Keeping in the Buckwheat Family (Polygonaceae), here's toothed willow dock (Rumex salicifolius var. denticulatus), also called California dock. It grows along lake shores and wet places from 7,700 to 10,500 feet in this area. It grows in western North America.

For more info on toothed willow dock, click here.

Alpine Mountainsorrel-Oxyria digyna

2010-08-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

I found this little plant from the Buckwheat family (Polygonaceae) growing near a snow patch in early August. It's alpine mountainsorrel (Oxyria digyna), and it's fond of alpine and sub-alpine areas. It grows in western and northern North America.

Leaves are round and thick, while the flowers are green and soon replaced by reddish-brown seed pods.
For more info about alpine mountainsorrel, click here.

Limber Pine Dwarf Mistletoe-Arceuthobium cyanocarpum

2010-08-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

The plant for today is rather different--it's in the Christmas Mistletoe Family (Viscaceae), which might sound like a rather happy name. Unfortunately, the reality is that it's a parasite, eating off the tree, stunting its growth, and sometimes even killing it. The mistletoes have different species adapted to different tree species. This one is limber pine dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium cyanocarpum), which as you might suspect, grows on limber pines (although it might also affect bristlecone pines). I couldn't find much info about the mistletoes except that insects and spiders pollinate them.
To see the USDA Plants Database page on limber pine dwarf mistletoe, click here.

Arizona Thistle-Cirsium arizonicum

2010-08-05T23:50:00.000-07:00

For me, many of the thistles can be quite confusing, but fortunately this one is easy to tell apart because it's the only native one in the area. It's Arizona thistle (Cirsium arizonicum), native to California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona.

It grows from 6,500 to 10,100 feet in this area, and at lower elevations elsewhere, and on open, dry slopes.
For more information about Arizona thistle, click here.

California Brome-Bromus carinatus

2010-08-04T06:04:00.000-07:00

California brome (Bromus carinatus), also known as mountain brome, is a perennial bunchgrass that grows up to 3 feet high. It is found in a variety of habitats from sagebrush to mountain grasslands and conifers. It is often found under aspen trees. It is native to western North America but has been introduced to many other areas.

The inflorescence is an erect painicle, and the spikelets are distinctly flattened.
For more information about California brome, click here.

Thickspike Wheatgrass-Elymus lanceolatus

2010-08-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

This cool-season wheatgrass is thickspike wheatgrass (Elymus lanceolatus). The old scientific name for it was Agropyron dasystachyum. It's perenial and grows up to 2 1/2 feet talls, with rihizomes and shallow roots. Like other wheatgrasses, the inflorescence is an erect, rather dese spike. It grows throughout western and northern North America in a variety of habitats.

The spikelets generally overlap slightly.
For more info on thickspike wheatgrass, click here.

Brewer's Cliffbrake-Pellaea breweri

2010-08-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

Not one, but two ferns in a week's time! This one is in a different family, the Maidenhair Fern family (Pteridaceae) and is called Brewer's cliffbrake (Pellaea breweri). It likes rock crevices on limestone or granite and grows in the western U.S.

For more info on Brewer's cliffbrake, click here.

Sheep Cinquefoil-Potentilla ovina var. ovina

2010-08-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

This high elevation Potentilla is sheep cinquefoil (Potentilla ovina var. ovina), part of the Rose Family (Rosaceae). It has deeply divided leaflets that are green above and gray below, and very hairy. The plant creeps along the ground and grows in parts of western North America. The name "sheep" is due to the type specimen, found on Sheep Mountain in British Columbia.

For more info about sheep cinquefoil, click here.

Cusick's Draba-Draba pedicellata ssp. wheelerensis

2010-07-31T20:20:00.000-07:00

The genus Draba, part of the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae) is one tough genus to puzzle out. Fortunately for this one I had the help of a botanist. It's Cusick's draba (Draba pedicellata ssp. wheerensis), only found on the Snake Range in Nevada. There are no leaves above the basal cluster. Another identifying mark are the yellow flowers, but all the specimens we saw were past flowering.

It's a tiny plant that likes growing in crevices.

For more information about Cusick's draba, click here or here.

Brittle Bladderfern-Cystopteris fragilis

2010-07-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

There aren't many ferns in the Great Basin desert, but they do exist, usually in moister sites. This is brittle bladderfern (Cystopteris fragilis), also known as fragile fern. It's part of the Cliff Fern Family (Woodsiaceae), which has three genera represented in this area.

There's more info about brittle bladderfern here.

Sandberg Bluegrass-Poa secunda

2010-07-29T23:26:00.000-07:00

Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda) is found at a variety of elevations and habitats, including the alpine. It is one of the very few alpine grasses in this area, and the most common alpine one. It grows throughout much of western and northern North America. Another common name is western bluegrass.

For more info about Sandberg bluegrass, click here.

Slender Hawksbeard-Crepis atribarba

2010-07-28T20:59:00.000-07:00

This dandelion-looking plant is slender hawksbeard (Crepis atribarba), part of the sunflower family (Asteraceae). It grows from 6,000 to 10,500 feet in this area, and is native to western North America. It has very narrow, pointed leaves.
For more information about slender hawksbeard, click here.

Rocky Mountain Pussytoes-Antennaria media

2010-07-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

This high elevation member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae) is Rocky Mountain pussytoes (Antennaria media). It grows throughout western North America.
It can be distinguished from other pussytoes by the dark distal portions of the phyllaries.
For more info about Rocky Mountain pussytoes, click here.

Mountain Deathcamas-Zigadenus elegans

2010-07-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

This attractive flower growing from an erect stem with mostly basal leaves is mountain deathcamas (Zigadenus elegans). It's part of the Lily Family (Liliaceae) and is found throughout most of North America except the southeast. It grows at higher elevations and flowers from late June to August.
All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested. They contain the alkaloid zygadenine.

For more information about mountain deathcamas, click here.

Alpine Lewisia-Lewisia pygmaea

2010-07-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

This high elevation plant in the Purslane Family (Portulacaceae) is alpine lewisia (Lewisia pygmaea). It grows throughout much of western North America. Other common names are pygmy bitterroot, alpine bitterroot, and pursh. The leaves are narrow and about four inches long.
The flowers are white with pink veins.
For more information about alpine lewisia, click here.

Utah Columbine-Aquilegia scopulorum

2010-07-24T04:24:00.000-07:00

This high elevation columbine is so beautiful I had to take a lot of photos of it! It's Utah columbine (Aquilegia scopulorum), part of the Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae). As you might guess, it grows in Utah, along with Nevada, Colorado, and Wyoming.

It has long spurs that protrude behind the flower, and the leaves have a bluish tinge and are in tight mats.

Bees and butterflies pollinate these columbine, and you can find an interesting natural history about how Aquilegia crossed the Bering land bridge 10,000 to 40,000 years ago here.

For more info about Utah columbine, click here.

Spreading Wheatgrass-Elymus scribneri

2010-07-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

This common alpine rye grass, found over 10,000 feet, is spreading wheatgrass (Elymus scribneri), also called Scribner's wheatgrass. It is found throughout western North America, and often lies prostrate on the ground.
For more information about spreading wheatgrass, click here.

Cushion Phlox-Phlox pulvinata

2010-07-22T05:44:00.000-07:00

This is an easy alpine plant to identify, cushion phlox (Phlox pulvinata), part of the phlox family (Polemoniaceae). It's sometimes called alpine phlox, and both common names are apt, as it grows in alpine areas in cushions. It flowers early, and in the photo below you can see what the flowers look like after their peak. Then the plant isn't nearly as easy to identify, but it's still not one of the harder ones.
For more information about cushion phlox, click here.

Brittle Sandwort-Minuartia nuttallii ssp. fragilis

2010-07-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

This pretty alpine plant growing over 10,000 feet is Brittle sandwort (Minuartia nuttallii ssp. fragilis). Another common name is Nuttall's sandwort. It's part of the Pink Family (Caryophyllaceae), and found only in Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada.

The flower often grows in large mats of plants, but is less than half-inch across, so you have to be looking for it.
For more information about brittle sandwort, click here.

Greenleaf Manzanita-Arctostaphylos patula

2010-07-20T04:55:00.000-07:00

A common shrub from about 8,000 to 10,000 feet is greenleaf manzanita (Arctostaphylos patula), our only member of the Heath Family (Ericaceae) in this area. It is found throughout the western U.S.The shrub has brownish bark, and the thick leaves are simple and oval, about two inches long.
Small urn-shaped pink flowers give way to little green berries that turn redder/browner with age.
For more information about greenleaf manzanita, click here.

Chamisso Arnica-Arnica chamissonis

2010-07-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

These bright members of the Sunflower Family (Asteraceae) are Chamisso arnica (Arnica chamissonis), also known as leafy arnica. It's found throughout much of western and northern North America.

Leaves are opposite and the yellow flowerheads have 10-16 rays.

For more information about Chamisso arnica, click here.

Longstalk Clover-Trifolium longipes

2010-07-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

I found this clover under some mixed conifer near a spring when I went hiking the other day. It's longstalk clover (Trifolium longipes), a member of the Pea Family (Fabaceae). It's found throughout the western U.S.
For more information about longstalk clover, click here.

American Speedwell-Veronica americana

2010-07-16T16:55:00.000-07:00

This is another riparian plant, in fact you might have glimpsed in it the last post. With thick stems and small purple flowers, this is American speedwell (Veronica americana), part of the Figwort Family (Scrophulariaceae). Another common name is American brooklime. It's native to parts of North America and Asia.

Flowers have four petals.
For more information about American speedwell, click here.

Water Minerslettuce-Montia chamissoi

2010-07-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

This small white flower with abundant succulent green leaves surrounding it on moist soil is water minerslettuce (Montia chamissoi), a member of the Purslane Family (Portulacaceae). The flowers are only about 1/2 inch wide. The plant is also known as toad lily and spring beauty. What an interesting array of names!

The leaves are abundant, with stems running along the ground and rooting and sprouting occasionally. They reminded me of another member of the Purslane family, a weed found in my garden: common purslane (Portulaca oleracea), to be featured at a later date.
The flower blooms from June to August and from about 6000 to 10,000 feet.
For more information about water minerslettuce, click here.

Stinging Nettle-Urtica dioica

2010-07-14T20:41:00.000-07:00

This is a plant that you remember if you ever come in contact with it. It's stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), the only member of the Urtica Family (Urticaceae) in the area. Most people feel a stinging after brushing against the plant. The plant is more potent in the summer and fall than in the spring (based on my experience). It grows in moist areas generally below 8,500 feet.
Leaves are opposite and serrated, and the flowers are green. I often hold a stem still to take a photo and had to keep reminding myself not to do that for this plant! To learn more about stinging nettle, including medicinal and culinary uses, click here.

Alkali Sacaton-Sporobolus airoides

2010-07-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

This native bunch grass with a lacy look is alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides), also called alkali dropseed. It has a pink look to it as it waves among the other grasses in meadows and desert shrub. It is quite drought tolerant.
It's native to much of the western U.S. The seeds are savored by birds and other wildlife.
For more information about alkali sacaton, click here.

White Sweet Clover-Melilotus albus

2010-07-12T06:42:00.000-07:00

This tall spreading plant in the pea family (Fabaceae) growing along roadsides is white sweet clover (Melilotus albus). It is native to Europe and Asia but was brought to North America in the 1600s and has become invasive. It is sometimes included with Melilotus officinalis, the yellow-flowered similar looking plant.

The flowers are white and grow in tall, narrow clusters.
For more information about white sweet clover, click here.

Povertyweed-Iva axillaris

2010-07-11T08:03:00.000-07:00

This fairly drab looking perennial plant that is common in disturbed areas is povertyweed (Iva axillaris), part of the Sunflower Family (Asteraceae). It grows from a network of creeping rootstocks and is generally about a foot high. The leaves are narrow and elliptical and about an inch long. The plant is native to western North America.

The flowers are green and found close to the stem at the axils of the upper leaves. Although only 1/4 inch wide, each flowerhead has 4-8 female flowers and 8-20 male flowers. The Native Americans used the plant for various ailments such as stomachaches.
For more information about povertyweed, click here.

Flat-top Broomrape-Orobanche corymbosa

2010-07-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

This inconspicuous little flower is Flat-top Broomrape (Orobanche corymbosa), part of the Broomrape Family (Orobanchaceae). We have four species in this family in this area.

One of the most unusual aspects of this flower is that the leaves aren't green. The plant doesn't have leaves and chlorophyll because it is a parasite on nearby sagebrush, receiving necessary nutrients from the host plant.
It's easy to miss the flower, which is tubular with wooly anthers.

Although the plant is native to most of the western U.S., it is considered a noxious weed in some areas.

Hoarhound-Marrubium vulgare

2010-07-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

This non-native plant that often grows in disturbed areas is hoarhound (Marrubium vulgare), a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). It has square stems and opposite leaves. It is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa and brought over to the U.S. as a garden plant with various medicinal properties. However, it escaped gardens and now grows out in the wild.
The small white flowers are followed by burs with hooks that can catch on anything that brushes up against them.
For more information about hoarhound, click here.

Bigbract Verbena-Verbena bracteata

2010-07-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

This spreading plant often found in disturbed areas is bigbract verbena (Verbena bracteata), the only member of the Verbena Family (Verbenaceae) in this area. It's also called prostrate vervain.
Stems are hairy and leaves are opposite. The flowers have five lobes.
For more information about bigbract verbena, click here.

Wax Currant-Ribes cereum

2010-07-07T23:59:00.000-07:00

This spreading bush with attractive leaves and whitish-pinkish flowers is wax currant (Ribes cereum), a member of the Goosefoot Family (Grossulariaceae). Later in the season, small berries appear that can be used to make jelly. Generally this bush grows from 6,000-9,000 feet in our area, but I found it next to a lake at 10,230 feet.

Here you can see the fan-shaped leaves and the flowers in clusters.
For more information about wax currant, click here.

Wyoming Indian Paintbrush-Castillja linariifolia

2010-07-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

We saw lots of this beautiful Wyoming Indian paintbrush (Castilleja linariifolia) on a recent drive. It has narrow leaves and a corolla that projects down through the deeply cleft front side. It's found throughout the western U.S.

It grows from about 7,000 to 10,000 feet.

For more information about Wyoming Indian paintbrush, click here.

Silvery Lupine-Lupinus argenteus

2010-07-03T06:59:00.000-07:00

This attractive blue flower is silvery lupine (Lupinus argenteus), a member of the Pea Family (Fabaceae). It is native to western North America and grows in sagebrush, grasslands, and forests.
Flowers are clustered and bright blue.
This long-flowering plant can grow up to 3 feet tall.

To learn more about silvery lupine, click here.

Shaggy Fleabane-Erigeron pumilis

2010-07-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

One of the most common fleabanes flowering right now is shaggy fleabane (Erigeron pumilis), also called low fleabane. Pumilis is Latin for dwarf. This fleabane rarely grows more than 10 inches tall.
Shaggy fleabane is found throughout western North America.
For more information about shaggy fleabane, click here.

Martin's Ceanothus-Ceanothus martinii

2010-07-01T06:37:00.000-07:00

This small shrub with white flowers is Martin's ceanothus (Ceanothus martinii), also called Martin's snowbrush. It's the only member of the Buckthorn Family (Rhamnaceae) found in this area.
The distribution is throughout the Intermountain West.
The flowers are grouped in clumps and have an unusual shape. For more information about Martin's ceanothus, click here.