Origin:
Native
Life Cycle:
Perennial Similar Species: Mirabilis linearis General Desc:
A spindly plant with very narrow leaves, erect stems and bright red flowers with exerted stamens that only open at night. Identification notes: Leaf blades at least 5 times as long as wide; no petals, 5 sepals are bright red, 3 to 4 times as long as bracts; the whorl of united bracts enlarge and become papery in fruit; fruit strongly 5-angled. M. linearis has densely hairy flower clusters. Height:
1 to 2 feet Habitat
Habitat Description: Dry, open hillsides of igneous rock, shrubs, pinyon-juniper or mixed conifer woodlands. Plant Communities:
Interior Chaparral, Pinyon Juniper Woodland, Montane Conifer Forest Elevation: 4000 - 6500 feet Flower Characteristics
Color:
Bright red
Shape:
Irregular in elongated clusters
Tubular:
Y
Flowering Period:
May - Aug Description:
Flowers have very long stamens with a bright purple color at the tips, to 1-3/4 inches long including stamens, occur in long-stemmed clusters of 3.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaf Color:
Dark grayish-green
Leaf Type:
Simple
Leaf Shape:
Narrow
Leaf Margin:
Smooth
Leaf Attachment:
Opposite
Leaves Clasp:
N Hairs:
No
Spines:
N
Leaf Description:
Leaves can be thread-like to 4 inches long, moderately thick and fleshy, narrow at their base, pointed at the apex. Few leaves on the stalk. Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit Color: Pale olive brown Fruit Type: Achene Fruit Notes: To 1/4 inch. Ribbed and either smooth or with a slight wart-like appearance on surface.
Arizona Cooperative Extension
Yavapai County
840 Rodeo Dr #C
Prescott, AZ 86305
(928) 445-6590