Origin:
Native
Life Cycle:
Perennial
General Desc:
An unbranched to usually sparsely branched plant; tuberous roots; stems erect to ascending; flowers intense sky-blue, irregular, subtended by a large bract; flowers last barely a day, which is how this wildflower got its name. Identification notes: Tuberous roots; stems erect to ascending, unbranched to sparsely branched; leaves narrow and tapering; flowers usually solitary, irregular, bisexual with 3 sterile stamens, subtended by a large bract, petals dark blue; stalks minutely hairy. Height:
15 inches Habitat
Habitat Description: Woodlands and mixed conifer forests, often of granitic soils. Plant Communities:
Pinyon Juniper Woodland, Montane Conifer Forest Elevation: 3500 - 9500 feet Flower Characteristics
Color:
Blue
Shape:
Irregular not in clusters
Tubular:
N
Flowering Period:
Jul - Sep Description:
3 petals of sky-blue with 6 yellow stamens; flowers emerge in the morning and often wilt by mid-afternoon.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaf Color:
Green
Leaf Type:
Simple
Leaf Shape:
Narrow
Leaf Margin:
Smooth
Leaf Attachment:
Alternate
Leaves Clasp:
N Hairs:
No
Spines:
N
Leaf Description:
Long, narrow, deeply creased leaves sheath the tall, upright stems. Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit Color: Brown Fruit Type: Capsule Fruit Notes: 3-celled capsule contains 5 seeds. Seed Notes: Seeds are brown, irregularly ridged and pitted.
Arizona Cooperative Extension
Yavapai County
840 Rodeo Dr #C
Prescott, AZ 86305
(928) 445-6590