Plant Image
Flower and leaves


Yavapai County Native & Naturalized Plants

Fumaria occidentalis - western fumitory

Plant Form: Forb or Subshrub

Family: Fumariaceae


   
 
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Forb Plant Description

Origin: Introduced   Life Cycle: Perennial
General Desc: Fumitories (plants with spikes of small tubular flowers) are similar in appearance and are distinguished by the size of their flowers. All members of this family have flowers with dark-tipped petals, which look as if they have been dipped in purple ink.
Identification notes: Perennial, slender 4-angled stems, leaves appear to be in whorls, 4 per node, narrow at base; unisexual and bisexual flowers on same plant; flowers whitish, hairy on outside, in small congested, branched clusters.
Height: 8 to 24 inches


Habitat

Habitat Description: Found only in Yavapai County, Arizona.
Plant Communities: Semidesert Grasslands
Elevation: 3500 - 3500 feet


Flower Characteristics

Color: Whitish, purple     Shape: Irregular in elongated clusters     Tubular: Y     Flowering Period: Apr - May
Description: Narrow, unbranched flowerhead, 1 to 2-3/4 inches long; whitish flowers with purple tips, 1/4 to 1/2 inch long on stems 1/16 to 1/4 inch long; sepals 1/16 to 1/8 inch long.


Leaf and Stem Characteristics

Leaf Color: Green     Leaf Type: Simple     Leaf Shape: Triangular     Leaf Margin: Dissected     Leaf Attachment: Alternate     Leaves Clasp: N
Hairs: No     Spines: N
Leaf Description: Leaves including the stem 3/4 to 2-1/2 inches long; finely dissected, segments about 1/16 inch wide.


Fruit and Seed Characteristics

Fruit Type: Nutlet
Fruit Notes: About 1/16 inch long.
Seed Notes: 1 seed per nutlet.



  Arizona Cooperative Extension
Yavapai County
840 Rodeo Dr #C
Prescott, AZ 86305
(928) 445-6590
Version 8.0  
http://cales.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php  
Last Updated: Dec 13, 2022
Content Questions/Comments: Email Matt Halldorson  
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