|
|
 Leaves - underside Santa Maria RiverSue Smith |  Leaf Santa Maria RiverSue Smith |  Plant - summer Santa Maria RiverSue Smith |  Young plant - winter Santa Maria RiverSue Smith |  Plant - summer Santa Maria RiverSue Smith | |
|
Origin:
Native
Life Cycle:
Perennial
General Desc:
A very large set of basal leaves are produced in the spring from distinctly tuberous roots and short rhizomes. The plant sends up a stout, conspicuous flower stalk covered with tiny pinkish-red flowers, which are followed by showy reddish-brown seeds.
Identification notes: Basal rosette has large, thick, wavy leaves with a papery sheath around the lower stems. Pinkish-red flower head with compressed branches. Valves in fruit have 4 wings, 1/4 inch long or longer, with a notch in the top.
Height:
2 to 4 feet
Habitat Description: Found on dry flats and along washes or disturbed areas, mostly in gravelly or sandy soil.
Plant Communities:
Desert Scrub, Interior Chaparral, Semidesert Grasslands, Pinyon Juniper Woodland, Riparian, Disturbed Areas
Elevation: Below 6000 feet
Color:
Pinkish-red
Shape:
Irregular in elongated clusters
Tubular:
N
Flowering Period:
Mar - Apr
Description:
Dense spike cluster, 12 inches long, pointed at the tip and widest in the middle. The spike-like flower head is a cluster of many tiny flowers, each flower having heart-shaped sepals and petals.
Leaf Color:
Dark green
Leaf Type:
Simple
Leaf Shape:
Round or oval
Leaf Margin:
Smooth
Leaf Attachment:
Basal
Leaves Clasp:
N
Hairs:
No
Spines:
N
Leaf Description:
Leave are arching, tongue-shaped and have long stout stalks.
Fruit Color: Reddish-brown
Fruit Type: Achene
Fruit Notes: 3-sided, heart-shaped winged capsule, 1/3 inch long.
|
|
