Desert Plants in the western United States and northern Mexico during Focus On Nature Tours

PO Box 9021, Wilmington, DE 19809, USA
E-mail: font@focusonnature.com
Phone: Toll-free in USA 1-888-721-3555
or 302/529-1876

Desert Plants
in the
western United States
and northern Mexico

and some plants in
other nearby habitats

with those during
Focus On Nature Tours
thru 2015
noted with an (*)

during tours in the months of
January, March, April, May,
July, August, and September

The following list of desert plants of the
Southwest United States and northern Mexico
compiled by Armas Hill

Photo at right:
OCOTILLO, Fouquieria splendens
during a FONT tour in Sonora, Mexico
(photograph by Doris Potter)

FONT tours in the deserts of the western US & northern Mexico have been in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, & Texas in the US, and in Sonora in Mexico.

In the list that follows, below the scientific names are names in English and Spanish (S:)
The families in the list are given (mostly) in alphabetical order, and genera within them are given alphabetically as well.
Families that are "break-offs" from other families follow them, may be out of alphabetical order.

Links to Plant Families in this List:

ACANTHACEAE - Acanthus

AGAVACEAE - Agaves & Yuccas (were said to be part of the Lily Family - LILIACEAE)
also NOLINACEAE

AIZOACEAE - Fig Marigolds & Carpet-weeds

AMARANTHACEAE (closely related to CHENOPODIACEAE - the Goosefoots)
including Tumbleweed, Winterfat, Pickleweed

ANACARDIACEAE - Sumacs

APIACEAE - Parsleys

APOCYNACEAE - Dogbanes

APODANTHACEAE (some endoparasitic herbs) including Thurber's Stemsucker

ARECACEAE, or PALMAE - Palms

ARISTOLOCHIACEAE - Bladderwort, Birthwort, or Pipevines

ASCLEPIADACEAE - Milkweeds (now included in APOCYNACEAE - the Dogbanes)

ASTERACEAE. COMPOSITAE - Asters & Sunflowers
including Goldenheads, Glandweeds, Bursages, Sagebrush, Desert Broom, Desert Marigold, Sweetbush, Pincushions, Rabbitbrushes, Thistles, Tickseeds, Brittle Bushes, Sunrays, Fleabanes, Blanketflowers, Snakeweeds, Desert Stars, Groundsels, Zinnias

BERBERIDACEAE - Barberries

BIGNONIACEAE - Bignonias, Trumpet Creepers, Catalpa

BIXACEAE - Lipstick Tree Family including Yellowshow

BORAGINACEAE - Borages including Fiddlenecks, Cryptanthas, Heliotropes, Popcorn Flower, Crinklemats

BRASSICACEAE, or CRUCIFERAE - Mustards

including Desert Candle, Spectacle-pods, Wallflowers, Peppergrasses, Bladderpods, Desert Plume, Jewelflower

BURSERACEAE - Torchwoods including Elephant Tree

CACTACEAE - Cacti including Saguaro, Cotton-top Cacti, Hedgehog Cacti, Button Cacti, Barrel Cacti, Peyote, Chollas, Prickly Pears, Cardon (or Elephant Cactus), Desert Night-blooming Cactus, Fish-hook Cacti

CAMPANULACEAE - Bellflowers

CAPPARACEAE - Capers

CARYOPHYLLACEAE - Carnations

CHENOPODIACEAE - Goosefoots

CISTACEAE - Rockroses

CONVOLVULACEAE - Morning Glories

CRASSULACEAE - Stonecrops

CROSSOSOMATACEAE - Rockflowers

CUCURBITACEAE - Cucumbers, Gourds

CUSCUTACEAE - Dodder

EPHEDRACEAE - Ephedras

EUPHORBIACEAE - Spurges

FABACEAE - Legume, or Pea or Bean Family including, among others, Acacias, Lupines, Palo Verdes, Mesquites, Mimosas

FONQUIERIACEAE - Ocotillos

FUMARIACEAE - Fumitory Family

GENTIANACEAE - Gentians

GERANIACEAE - Geraniums

HYDROPHYLLACEAE - Waterleaves

KRAMERACEAE - Ratanies

LAMIACEAE - Mints

LENNOACEAE - Lennoas

LILIACEAE - Lilies (Agaves, Nolinas, and Yuccas were included in this family)

LINACEAE - Flaxes

LOASACEAE - Stickleaves

MALVACEAE - Mallows

MALPIGHIA

MARTYNIACEAE - Unicorn Plants (merged with PEDALIACEAE, Sesemes)

NYCTAGINACEAE - Four O' Clocks

OLEACEAE - Olives

ONAGRACEAE - Evening Primroses

OROBANCHACEAE - Broomrapes

PAPAVERACEAE - Poppies

PASSIFLORACEAE - Passionflowers

PEDALIACEAE - Seseme Family (now in MARTYNIACEAE, above)

PLANTAGINACEAE - Plantains

POLEMONIACEAE - Phloxes

POLYGALACEAE - Milkworts

POLYGONACEAE - Buckwheats

PORTULACACEAE - Purslanes

RANUNCULACEAE - Buttercups, Crowfoots

RHAMNACEAE - Buckthorns

ROSACEAE - Roses

RUBIACEAE - Madders

RUTACEAE - Citrus, Rue

SAURURACEAE - Lizard-tails

SAPINDACEAE - Soapberries

SCROPHULARIACEAE - Snapdragons, or Figworts

SIMMONDSIACEAE - Jojobas

SOLANACEAE - Nightshades

VERBENACEAE - Vervains, Verbanas

VISCACEAE, or LORANTHACEAE - Mistletoes

ZYGOPHYLLACEAE - Caltrops

AN ALPHABETICAL DIRECTORY OF PLANT GENERA IN THIS WEBSITE NOTING FAMILIES

Codes:

CD:   in the Chihuahuan Desert (in Mexico & the US)
GD:   in the Great Basin Desert (in the US)
PD:   in the Painted Desert (in the US)
         (said by some to be a southern part of the Great Basin Desert)
MD:   in the Mohave Desert (in the US)
SD:   in the Sonoran Desert (in the US & Mexico)

(ph): species with a photo in the FONT web-site

Numbers noted as (NW:xx) refer to pages with photos in the "National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Wildflowers of North America", by David Brandenberg, 2010.

In this list, Spanish names follow the letter S:

FOLLOWING THE PRIMARY PART OF THIS LIST IS ANOTHER WITH TREES, FLOWERS, and SOME OTHER PLANTS IN HIGHER COUNTRY NEAR THE DESERTS:

THE FLORA OF "ISLANDS IN THE SKY"

AND     DESERT GRASSES

Other Links:

Information about Upcoming FONT Birding & Nature Tours: in North America
by month in:   2015    or: by geographic locations worldwide

Lists and Photo Galleries in this Website of Other Nature:

Birds in:    Arizona    California    Colorado    Texas    Sonora, Mexico

Mammals: Arizona California Colorado Texas Mexico

Amphibians & Reptiles in: Arizona Texas Mexico

Butterflies in: Arizona Texas Mexico: a list & photo gallery in 2 parts

Other Lists & Photo Galleries in this website relating to Plants:

Wildflowers & Other Plants in Texas Wildflowers & Other Plants in Eastern North America

Northern Plants in Alaska, Iceland, & the mountains of Hokkaido, Japan
(with some notes about medicinal and edible plants)

Tropical Plants in the Americas (in 3 parts, including the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America)

Plants of the West Indies Fruiting Plants and Others in Brazil Wild Orchids in the Americas

Links to Other Lists & Photo Galleries of Plants Directory of Photos in this Website

     A List of Desert Plants of the western US & northern Mexico:


      Family ACANTHACEAE (Acanthus)

         Genus ANISACANTHUS

Anisacanthus thurberi ______ SD (SW:212) Flowers mostly Mar-May, but can be throughout the year. Red.
Desert Honeysuckle

Anisacanthus thurberi is a host plant for the butterfly: Texola elada, the Elada Checkerspot.
Plants in Anisacanthus are pollinated by the Lucifer Hummingbird, Calothorax lucifer.

Genus DICLIPTERA
Dicliptera resupinata ______ SD (SW:74) Flowers Apr-Oct. Purple.
Arizona Foldwing

Genus JUSTICIA
Justicia californica ______ SD (NW:46) (SW:213) Flowers mostly Mar-Jun, can be throughout the year. Red.
Chuparosa
S: Chuparosa, or Beleperone

Justicia californica is also called the Hummingbird Bush. It is a favored plant as a nectar source for the Costa's Hummingbird, Calypte costae.

Justicia californica is a host plant for the butterfly: Dymasia dymas, the Tiny Checkerspot.


Genus RUELLIA
Ruellia nudiflora ______ SD (SW:74) Flowers May-Oct. Purple.
Violet Wild Petunia

Genus SIPHONOGLOSSA
Siphonoglossa longiflora ______ SD (SW:34) Flowers Apr-Oct. White.
Dwarf White Honeysuckle

Genus STENANDRIUM
Stenandrium barbatum ______ (NW:48)
Early Shaggy Tuft

Genus TETRAMERICUM
Tetramericum nervosum ______ SD (SW:148) Flowers Apr-Oct. Yellow.
Hairy Fournwort

Family AGAVACEAE (Agaves)

Agaves are also called Century Plants.

The Lucifer Hummingbird, Calothorax lucifer, takes nectar from large bat-pollinated agaves without having contact with the anthers and pistil of the plant.

Genus AGAVE (NW:49)
Agave deserti (*) ______ SD (SW:149) Flowers May-Jul, occasionally Nov-Apr. Yellow.
Desert Agave (or Desert Century Plant)
S: Amul, or Mezcal
Agave havardiana ______ CD
Havard Agave (also called Big Bend Agave, or Century Plant)
Agave lecheguilla ______ CD
Lechuguilla
S: Lechuguilla (a Spanish diminutive for lettuce)
Agave murpheyi ______ SD
Hohokam Agave (or Murphey's Agave)
S: Maguey (a general name for many agaves)
:
Agave palmeri ______
Palmer's Century Plant (or Mescal)
Agave parryi ______ CD
Parry Agave
Agave schottii ______ SD
Shindagger
S: Amole, Maguey, Amolillo
Agave pelona ______ SD
S: Mescal Pelon (meaning "Bald Agave")
Agave utahensis ______ GD
Utah Agave

The Utah Agave is found in dense populations where Utah, Arizona, and Nevada come together.
Agave zebra ______ SD
Zebra Agave

Genus YUCCA (& HESPEROYUCCA) (T/W) (NW:50)

Yucca
(photo by Doris Potter)
Yucca angustissima ______ GD MD
Narrow-leaved Yucca (resembles the Navajo Yucca)
Yucca arizonica (formerly Yucca baccata arizonica) ______ SD
Blue Yucca (or Spanish Bayonet)
S: Datil ("date"), Palma Criolla ("creole or native palm")
Yucca baccata ______ SD (SW:34) Flowers Apr-Jul. White.
Banana Yucca (or Blue Yucca, Datil)
Yucca brevifolia ______ MD
Joshua Tree
Yucca carnerosana ______ CD
Giant Dagger
Yucca elata ______ CD SD (SW:35) Flowers May-Jul. White.
Soaptree Yucca
S: Palmilla, Palmito, Soyate, Cortadillo
Yucca harrimaniae ______
Harriman Yucca
Yucca navajoa (or Y. baileyi) ______ PD
Navajo Yucca
Yucca rostrata ______ CD
Beaked Yucca
Yucca schidigera ______ MD SD (SW:35) Flowers Mar-Apr. White.
Mohave Yucca (or Spanish Dagger)
S: Datillo
Yucca torreyi ______ CD
Torrey Yucca
Yucca (or Hesperoyucca) whipplei ______ SD (NW:50)
Whipple Yucca (or Spanish Bayonet, Our Lord's Candle, Chaparral Yucca)
S: Sotolillo, Lechugilla, Quiote

Family NOLINACEAE (formerly AGAVACEAE and LILIACEAE) (Nolinas)

Genus DASYLIRION (NW:50)
Dasylirion leiophyllum ______ CD
Chihuahuan Sotol
Dasylirion wheeleri ______ SD
Desert Spoon
S: Sotol ("Sotole" is a palm), Sano

Genus NOLINA (with a total of 25 species, in the southwest US & northwest Mexico) (NW:50)
Nolina bigelovii ______ SD
Nolina, Bear Grass
S: Yuca, Sotol, Palmita
Nolina erumpens ______ CD
Foothill Basket Grass
S: Mesa Sacahuista
Nolina microcarpa ______
Bear Grass (a common name also had by other members of this genus)
Nolina parryi ______
Parry's Nolina

Nolina parryi occurs on dry brushy slopes in southern California.

Family AIZOACEAE (Fig Marigolds, or Carpet-weeds)

Genus SESUVIUM
Sesvium verrucosum ______ CD MD SD (NW:51) (SW:75) Flowers Mar-Nov. Pink.
Western Sea Purslane

Sesvium verrucosum is a host plant for the butterfly: Brephidium exile, the Western Pygmy Blue.

Sesvium verrucosum is scattered throughout the hot deserts of North America.

Family AMARANTHACEAE (S)

AMARANTHACEAE is closely related to CHENOPODIACEAE, the Goosefoots, with the latter said now to be a subfamily

Genus GOMPHRENA
Gomphrena sonorae ______ SD (SW:36) Flowers Aug-Sep. White.
Sonoran Globe-Amaranth

Genus KALI
Kali tragus (ph) (*) ______ SD
Tumbleweed (or Russian Thistle)

Kali tragus was Salsola tragus.

Kali tragus is not native in North America. It is native to Eurasia, and it is thought to have been introduced into the United States when a shipment of flaxseed from Russia that was contaminated with the seed of Kali tragus was delivered to South Dakota. It is now common in a number of habitats in the western US, and also introduced in other parts of the world including Australia, southern Africa, and parts of Central and South America.

Kali tragus dries out as its fruit develops, and then it breaks off at the base of its stem and is carried about by the wind, with its dry fruits and seeds dropping off as it rolls. That is the plant's method of biological dispersal. .

In western North America, Kali tragus is a host plant for the butterfly: Brephidium exile, the Western Pygmy Blue.

Kali tagus, known as Tumbleweed
(photo by Doris Potter)

Genus KRASCHENINNIKOVIA
Krascheninnikovia lanata (ph) ______ GD
Winterfat (or Lamb's Tail, "Sweet-sage" or "White-sage", although neither a sage nor a sagebrush)

Krascheninnikovia lanata has been in the genera Ceratoides and Eurotia.

Winterfat, Krascheninnikovia lanata
(photo by Doris Potter)

The genus name Krascheninnikovia honors the Russian botanist S. P. Krasscheninnikov.

Winterfat occurs in Eurasia and in western North America.
It is a woody shrub recognized by its whitish gray foliage and a characteristic wooly appearance in the late summer.
The plant is a nutritious winter browse for wildlife. It is cold hardy to 0 degrees F, and very drought tolerant, and it is especially suited to growing at higher elevations , since it must have cool nights to thrive.

Genus SALICORNIA
Salicornia bigelovii ______ SD
Pickleweed
Salicornia utahensis ______
Utah Pickleweed

Genus SARCOBATUS
Sarcobatus vermiculatus ______
Greasewood

Genus TIDESTROMIA
Tidestromia lanuginosa ______ SD (NW:52) (SW:136) Flowers Jun-Oct. Green.
Woolly Honeysweet
S: Espanta Vaqueros

Woolly Honeysweet can be conspicuous after summer rains, forming extensive patches of whitish mats.

Tidestromia lanuginosa (above) is an annual. Tidestromia oblongifolia (below) is a perennial.
Tidestromia oblongifolia ______
Honeysweet

Family AMARYLLIDACEAE

Genus ZEPHYRANTHES
Zephyranthes longifolia ______
Rain Lily

"Zephyranthes" means "flowers of the west wind". Flowers appear very soon after substantial rains.

Family ANACARDIACEAE (Sumacs)

Genus RHUS
Rhus chlorophylla ______
Evergreen Sumac
Rhus trilobata ______
Skunkbush
Rhus virens ______
Tobacco Sumac

Family APIACEAE (Parsleys)

Genus CYMOPTERIS
Cymopteris acaulis ______ CD GD PD
Plains Spring-Parsley
Cymopteris montanum ______ CD
Mountain Spring-Parsley
Cymopteris purpurascens ______ GD MD PD SD (NW:59)
Widespring Spring-Parsley

Genus ERYNGIUM
Eryngium heterophyllum ______
Mexican Thistle

Genus LOMATIUM
Lomatium mohavense ______ (similar to the Mountain Spring-Parsley)
Mojave Desert-Parsley

Family APOCYNACEAE (Dogbanes)

Genus AMSONIA
Amsonia tomentosa ______ SD (NW:71) (SW:36) Flowers Apr-Jun. White.
Woolly Blue-Star

Genus HAPLOPHYTON
Haplophyton crooksii ______ SD (SW:149) Flowers Jul-Oct. Yellow.
Cockroach Plant
S: Hirba de la Cucaracha

Haplophyton crooksii is toxic.

Genus MACROSIPHONIA
Macrosiphonia macrosiphon ______ CD
Rock-Trumpet

Family APODANTHACEAE (endoparasitic herbs)

Genus PILOSTYLES
Pilostyles thurberi ______ SD
Thurber's Stemsucker

Pilostyles thurberi is a parasitic plant that can be found with Psorothamnus emoryi, the Emory's Smokebush, also known as the Dyebush, or White Indigobush.
Pilostyles thurberi is tiny, only a few millimeters long. It has no roots, leaves, or chlorophyll, obtaining its water and nutrients from its host plant.

Family ARECACEAE (PALMAE) (Palms) (T)

Genus BRABEA
Brabea (spp.) ______ SD
Hesper Palm
S: Palma Ceniza ("Ashy Palm")
Brabea armata ______ SD
Blue Palm
S: Palma Azul ("Blue Palm")

Genus WASHINGTONIA
Washingtonia filifera ______ SD
Desert Palm (or California Fan Palm)
S: Palma de Castilla, Palma de Abanico ("Fan Palm")

Washington filifera is a desert species only in the sense that it grows within desert boundaries. It is a relict species from a time when what is now a desert was an area receiving abundant rain and was covered by a tropical forest. Today, the Desert Palm grows only around springs and along streams.
Washingtonia robusta ______ SD
Mexican Fan Palm
S: Palma Colorada ("Red-brown Palm"), Palma Blanca ("White Palm")

Family ARISTOLOCHIACEAE (Pipevines, Bladderworts, Birthworts)

Genus ARISTOLOCHIA
Aristolochia watsonii ______ SD (SW:136) Flowers Apr-Oct. Green.
Southwestern Pipevine
S: Hierba del Indio ("Indian Herb"), Guaco

Other names for Aristolochia watsonii are Indian Root, Snakeroot, Birthwort.

Aristolochia watsonii is a host plant for the butterfly: Battus philenor, the Pipevine Swallowtail.

Aristolochia watsonii ranges from southern Arizona and adjacent Mexico south to the tip of Baja California.
It can be a rather inconspicuous plant. Its flower is interesting, resembling a rodent's ear and with a musky odor.
Small blood-sucking flies are fooled into entering the flower, where they are trapped for a day.
When they escape and enter another Indian Root flower, they may pollinate it.

MEDICINAL USE:
Aristolochia watsonii was used for snakebite by native Americans and early European settlers.

A Pipevine Swallowtail, Battus philenor,
photographed during the August 2010 FONT tour in Arizona
(photo by Marie Gardner)

Family ASCLEPIADACEAE (Milkweeds)

What has been the family ASCLEPIADACEAE is now the subfamily ASCLEPIADOIDEAE in APOCYNACEAE, the Dogbanes.

Genus ASCLEPIAS
Asclepias albicans ______ SD (SW:150) Flowers Mar-May. Yellow.
White-stemmed Milkweed (or Wax Milkweed)

Asclepias albicans occurs in dry rocky places in deserts. It is a host plant for the butterfly: Danaus gilippus, the Queen.
Asclepias brachystephana ______ CD
Short-crowned Milkweed
Asclepias cryptocerax ______
Pallid Milkweed
Asclepias erosa ______ MD SD
Desert Milkweed

Asciepias erosa is a host plant for the butterflies: Danaus gilippus, the Queen, Danaus plexippus, the Monarch.
Asclepias nyctaginifolia ______ MD SD (SW:137) Flowers May-Sep. Green.
Mojave Milkweed

MEDICINAL USE:
Indigenous people used plants with milky sap, such as Asclepias nyctaginifolia, to treat ulcerating sores.
Asclepias rusbyi ______ PD
Rusby Milkweed
Asclepias subulata ______ SD (SW:138) Flowers Apr-Dec. Green.
Rush Milkweed
S: Ajamete
Asclepias subverticillata ______
Poison Milkweed (or Horsetail Milkweed)

Asciepias subverticillata is a host plant for the butterfly: Danaus plexippus, the Monarch.
Asclepias tuberosa ______ (NW:81)
Butterfly Weed (or Orange Milkweed, Chiggerflower)

Asciepias tuberosa is a host plant for the butterflies: Danaus gilippus, the Queen, Danaus plexippis, the Monarch.

Genus FUNASTRUM (or SARCOSTEMMA)
Funastrum (or Sarcostemma) cynanchoides (var. hartwegii) ______ SD (SW:76) Flowers May-Sep. Pink.
Narrowleaf Climbing Milkweed

Another name for Funastrum arcostemma (or Sarcostemma) cynanchoides is Fringed Twinevine. It occurs at streamsides, washes, and dry plains.

Funastrum (or Sarcostemma) cynanchoides is a host plant for the butterfly: Danaus gilippus, the Queen.

Funastrum species have an unpleasant odor, similar to that of burning rubber.
Funastrum hirtellum ______ SD (SW:138) Flowers Mar-May. Green.
Smooth Twistvine

Family ASTERACEAE (or COMPOSITAE) (Asters, Sunflowers)

With about 1,100 genera & 20,000 species in this large, worldwide family; making this and the Orchid Family (ORCHIDACEAE) the two largest plant families.

Various species in the ASTER family are host plants for the butterflies: Phyciodes batesii, the Tawny Crescent, Phyciodes selenis, the Northern Crescent.

Genus ACAMPTOPAPPUS

Both of the species here occur in rocky mesas and mountain slopes.
Acamptopappus shockleyi ______ MD GD
Goldenhead
Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus ______ MD SD
Rayless Goldenhead

Genus ACHILLEA
Achillea millefolium ______ (NW:109)
Yarrow (or Milfoil)

Genus ACOURTIA
Acourtia nana ______ SD (SW:76) Flowers Mar-Jun, again in Oct. Pink.
Desert Holly
Acourtia wrightii ______ SD (SW:77) Flowers Jan-Jun. Pink.
Brownfoot

Genus ADENOPHYLLUM (or DYSSODIA)

Both of the species here are abundant in sandy flats and washes.
Adenophyllum cooperi ______ MD SD
Orange Glandweed
Adenophyllum porophylloides ______ SD
Sonoran Glandweed

Genus AMBROSIA
Ambrosia ambrosioides ______ SD
Bursage (or Canyon Ragweed)
S: Chicura
Ambrosia deltoidea ______ SD
Triangle-leaved Bursage (or Burrobush, Rabbitbush)
S: Estafiate
Ambrosia dumosa ______ SD
White Bursage (or Burrobush)
S: Chicurilla, Hierba del Burro ("Burro Herb"), Huizapol

Genus ANISOCOMA
Anisocoma acaulis ______ MD SD (NW:88)
Scale-Bud

The Scale-bud is widely distributed. It prefers sandy soils, especially washes.

Genus ARTEMISIA
Artemisia spinescens ______ GD MD PD
Budsage (or Spiny Sagebrush)
Artemisia tridentata ______ GD
Sagebrush (or Tall Sagebrush)

Genus ATRICHOSERIS
Atrichoseris platyphylla ______ SD (NW:87) (SW:37) Flowers Mar-Apr. White.
Tobacco Weed (or Parachute Plant; also called Gravel Ghost)

Atrichoseris platyphylla occurs in sandy, desert washes.

Genus BACCHARIS
Baccharis sarothroides ______ SD
Desert Broom (or Broom Baccharis)
S: Romerillo ("Rosemary"), Escoba Amarga ("Bitter Broom"), Hierba del Pasmo

Genus BAHIA
Bahia absinthifolia (*) ______ SD (SW:150) Flowers Apr-Oct. Yellow.
Silverleaf Bahia

The Silverleaf Bahia is a frequent roadside plant near Tucson, Arizona.

Genus BAILEYA
Baileya multiradiata (*) ______ CD SD (NW:133) (SW:151) Flowers mostly Jul-Oct, but throughout the year. Yellow.
Desert Marigold
S: Hierba Amarilla ("Yellow Herb")
Baileya pauciradiata ______ SD (SW:152) Flowers Dec-Jun, sometimes Oct. Yellow.
Laxflower

Genus BEBBIA
Bebbia juncea ______ SD (SW:152) Flowers Apr-Oct, but often a few flowers all-year. Yellow.
Sweetbush
S: Chuparosa ("sucked" by insects for nectar), Junco (generic name for "rushes")

Another name for Bebbia juncea is Chuckwalla's Delight.

The Chuckwalla

Genus BERLANDIERA
Berlandiera lyrata ______ (NW:115)
Lyre-leaved Green-eyes

Other names for Berlandiera lyrata are simply Greeneyes, and Chocolate Flower.
It occurs in grassy areas, in gravelly or rocky soil. it is common along roadsides.

Genus BRICKELLIA
Brickellia grandiflora ______
Large-flowered Brickelbush

Genus CALYCOSERIS
Calycoseris wrightii ______ CD MD SD (SW:38) Flowers Mar-May. White.
White Tack-Stem

Another name for Calycoseris wrightii is Cupfruit.

Genus CHAENACTIS
Chaenactis carphoclinia ______
Pebble Pincushion
Chaenactis douglasii ______ GD (NW:104)
Douglas Pincushion

Another name for Chaenactis douglasii is Dusty-maiden.
Chaenactis fremontii ______ MD SD (NW:104)
Desert Pincushion (or Fremont's Pincushion)
Chaenactis steviodes ______ GD SD (NW:104) (SW:39) Flowers Feb-May. White.
Stevia Pincushion

Other common names for Chaenactis steviodes are: Esteve's Pincushion, False Yarrow, Broad-leaved Chaenactis.

Chaenactis steviodes is closely related to the Desert Pincushion, and often goes by the same name.

There are several Chaenactis species with white flowers.

Genus CHLORACANTHA
Chloracantha spinosa ______ CD SD (SW:39) Flowers May-Oct. White.
Spiny Aster (or Mexican Devilweed)

Genus CHRYSACTINIA
Chrysactinia mexicana ______ CD (NW:125)
Damianita

In the US, the Damianita occurs from southern New Mexico to south-central Texas, but it more common and widespread in Mexico.

Genus CHRYSOTHAMNUS (S)
Chrysothamnus albidus ______ GD MD PD (in alkaline flats)
Alkali Rabbitbrush
Chrysothamnus greeniii ______ PD
Green Rabbitbrush
Chrysothamnus (or Ericameria) nauseosus (ph) ______ GD (NW:134)
Rubber Rabbitbrush

Chrysothamnus nauseosus occurs in dry open areas with sagebrush.

Rubber Rabbitbrush
(photo by Doris Potter)

Some races of the Rubber Rabbit Brush are light green; others have silvery hairs. The Navajos obtained a yellow dye from the flower heads.

Including all the subspecies and varieties, perhaps as many as 20, the Rubber Rabbit Brush ranges from Canada to Mexico, inhabiting all the arid and semiarid ecosystems of western North America.
Chrysothamnus panicularus ______ MD SD (in washes and on gravelly slopes)
Desert Rabbitbrush
Chrysothamnus visciciflorus ______ GD
Sticky Rabbitbrush

Genus CIRSIUM

Species in the CIRSIUM genus are host plants for the butterfly: Phyciodes pallida, the Pale Crescent.
Cirsium mohavense ______ MD
Mojave Thistle
Cirsium neomexicanum ______ GD MD PD SD (SW:77) Flowers mostly Mar-Apr, at lower elevation to Sep. Pink.
New Mexico Thistle

Another name for Cirsium neomexicanum has been Desert Thistle.

Cirsium neomexicanum is a host plant for the butterfly: Vanessa candui, the Painted Lady.
Cirsium ochrocentrum ______
Yellow-spined Thistle
Cirsium texanum ______ CD
Texas Thistle

A Lesser Goldfinch on Texas Thistle
(photo by Rhett Poppe)

Genus COREOPSIS
Coreopsis bigelovii ______
Bigelow Tickseed

Coreopsis bigelovii occurs in California deserts.
Coreopsis californica (var. newberryi) ______ MD SD (SW:153) Flowers Feb-May. Yellow.
California Tickseed (also called Arizona Tickseed)
Coreopsis calliopsidea ______
Showy Tickseed

Genus DIMORPHOTHECA
Dimorphotheca sinuata ______ SD (SW:153) Flowers Feb-Apr. Yellow. (not native to the southwest US, from Africa)
African Daisy (or Cape Marigold)

African Daisy has been added to "wildflower" seed mix spread along highways, and has been reseeding itself.

Genus ENCELIA
Encelia farinosa ______ SD (NW:116) (SW:154) Flowers Nov-May. Yellow.
Brittlebush
S: Incienso, Rama Blanca ("White Branch"), Hierba de las Animas (Herb of the Souls")

In full flower, Brittlebushes seems a solid mass of brilliant yellow. The stems exude a fragrant resin that was chewed by Native Americans and used as incense in churches in Baja California, hence the name "Incienso".
Encelia frutescens (var. frutescens) ______ SD (NW:116) (SW:155) Flowers Jan-Sep. Yellow.
Button Brittlebush

Another name for Encelia frutescens is Rayless Encelia.

Genus ENCELIOPSIS
Enceliopsis nudicaulis ______ GD MD PD (found among desert brush)
Naked-stemmed Sunray
Enceliopsis nutans ______ PD
Painted Desert Sunray

Genus ERICAMERIA (was HAPLOPAPPUS)
Ericameria laricifolia ______ SD (SW:155) Flowers Aug-Nov. Yellow.
Turpentine Brush
Ericameria linearifolia ______ SD (NW:134) (SW:156) Flowers Mar-Jun. Yellow.
Narrow-leaved Goldenbrush

Other names for Ericameria linearifolia are Mojave Goldenbush and Interior Goldenbrush.

Genus ERIGERON
Erigeron divergens (ph) ______ SD (SW:40) Flowers Feb-Oct. White.
Spreading Fleabane

Erigeron divergens occurs in open, sandy areas in deserts. It is one of a number of similar species.

Spreading Fleabane
(photographed by Rise Hill during a FONT tour in Arizona)
Erigeron modestus ______ CD
Plains Fleabane
Erigeron utahensis ______ PD
Utah Daisy

Genus ERIOPHYLLUM
Eriophyllum ambiguum ______ MD
Yellow Frocks
Eriophyllum lanosum ______ SD (NW:129) (SW:40) Flowers Feb-May. White.
White-ray Woolly Sunflower

Other names for Eriophyllum lanosum are White Woolly Daisy and White Easter Bonnet.
Eriophyllum pringlei ______ MD SD (NW:128) (SW:156) Flowers Mar-Jun. Yellow.
Pringle Woolly Sunflower

Another name for Eriophyllum pringlei is Pringle's Woolly Daisy.
Eriophyllum wallacei (ph) ______ SD (NW:129) (SW:157) Flowers Mar-Jun. Yellow.
Yellow Woolly Daisy

Another name for Eriophyllum wallacei is Wallace's Woolly Daisy. It has also been called Desert-Gold or simply Woolly Daisy.

Genus GAILLARDIA
Gaillardia arizonica ______ SD (SW:157) Flowers Feb-Jul. Yellow.
Arizona Blanketflower
Gaillardia pulchella ______ (NW:131)
Texas Indian Blanket (or "Blanket Flower", or "Firewheel")

Gaillardia pulchella occurs in sandy plains and deserts. It is common along roadsides.
It is a host plant for the butterfly: Closyne lacinia, the Bordered Patch.
Gaillardia spathulata ______
Utah Blanketflower

Genus GERAEA
Geraea canescens ______ SD (SW:158) Flowers Oct-Jun. Yellow.
Desert Sunflower

Geraea canescens occurs in sandy, barren, flat deserts.

Genus GLYPTOPLEURA
Glyptopleura setulosa (or marginata) ______ GD MD (NW:88)
Crustleaf

Other names for Glyptopleura setulosa are Keysia or Holly-dandelion.

Genus GRINDELIA
Grindelia squarrosa ______ (NW:139)
Curly Gumweed (or Curlycup Gumweed, or Stickyheads)

Genus GUTIERREZIA
Gutierrezia microcephala ______ SD (SW:159) Flowers summer-fall. Yellow.
Sticky Snakeweed

Another name for Gutierrezia microcephala is Small-head Snakeweed.
Gutierrezia sarothrae ______ (NW:134)
Broom Snakeweed (or Marchweed, Marchbush)

Genus HELIANTHUS
Helianthus annuus (ph) ______ SD (SW:159) Flowers Mar-Oct. Yellow.
Common Sunflower
S: Mirasol ("looks at the sun") (the flowers follow the sun each day, facing east in the morning and west at sunset)

Helianthus annuus is a host plant for the butterflies: Chlosyne californica, the California Patch, Chlosyne lacinia, the Bordered Patch, Vanessa cardui, the Painted Lady.

Common Sunflowers photographed during the FONT tour in northern Arizona in August 2010
(photo by Marie Gardner)
Helianthus ciliaris ______ SD (SW:160) Flowers Jun-Nov. Yellow.
Blueweed
Helianthus petiolaris ______ PD SD (SW:160) Flowers Mar-Oct. Yellow.
Plains Sunflower

Genus HELIOMERIS
Heliomeris longifolia (var. annua) (ph) ______ SD (SW:161) Flowers May-Oct. Yellow.
Longleaf False Golden-eye

Longleaf False Golden-eye, photographed during the August 2010 tour
in southern Arizona
(photo by Risë Hill)

Genus HETEROTHECA
Heterotheca subaxillaris ______ SD (SW:162) Flowers Mar-Nov. Yellow.
Camphorweed
Heterotheca villosa ______ (NW:139)
Hairy Golden Aster

Genus HYMENOCLEA
Hymenoclea salsola ______
Cheese Bush (or Burro Bush)

Genus HYMENOPAPPUS
Hymenopappus filifolius ______ (NW:105)
Fine-leaved Woollywhite

Another name for Hymenopappus filifolius is Hyaline Herb.

Genus HYMENOTHRIX
Hymenothrix wislizeni ______ SD (SW:162) Flowers Jun-Dec. Yellow.
Yellow Thimblehead

Genus HYMENOXYS
Hymenoxys acaulis ______ CD GD MD PD SD (NW:133)
Angelita Daisy

Another name for Hymenoxys acaulis is Stemless Bitterweed.
Hymenoxys depressa ______
Cushion Bitterweed

Hymenoxys depressa occurs in high desert in central Utah.
Hymenoxys odorata ______ SD (SW:163) Flowers Jan-Jun. Yellow.
Poison Rubberweed (or Bitterweed)

Genus ISOCOMA
Isocoma pluriflora ______ SD (SW:164) Flowers Jun-Oct. Yellow.
Rayless Goldenrod (or Jimmyweed)

Isocoma pluriflora is toxic to livestock, causing "trembles", but it is distasteful and so rarely eaten.
Isocoma wrightii (or Haplopappus heterophyllus)
Jimmyweed

Genus LASTHENIA
Lasthenia gracilis ______ SD (SW:164) Flowers Mar-May. Yellow.
California Goldfields

Genus LAYIA
Layia glandulosa ______ (NW:127)
White Tidy-tips

Genus LEUCELENE
Leucelene ericoides ______
Rose Heath

Genus LIATRIS
Liatris punctata ______ (in dry open places, and among pinons and junipers; often in sandy soil)
Dotted Gayfeather

Genus MACHAERANTHERA
Machaeranthera bigelovii (ph) ______
Bigelow Aster (or Sticky Aster)

Machaeranthera bigelovii occurs in plains and openings in coniferous forest.

Bigelow Aster
(photo by Doris Potter)

The Sticky Aster is a wildflower of the late summer, often coloring entire banks and roadsides with vibrant purple. In the afternoon, as flower heads become shaded, the rays fold upward in the "sleep position".
The Sticky Aster resembles what has been the true asters (Aster), but has spiny or divided leaves.
Machaernathera canescens ______ SD (SW:78) Flowers Jun-Nov. Purple.
Hoary Tansey-Aster
Machaeranthera gracilis ______
Slender Goldenweed

Machaeranthera gracilis has the lowest chromosome number known in plants, with only 4 chromosomes in each cell. Most plants have 14 to 30.
Machaeranthera grindelioides ______ GD PD
Gumweed Aster
Machaeranthera parviflora ______ SD
Small-flower Tansey-Aster
Machaeranthera pinnatifida ______ SD (SW:165) Flowers Mar-Oct. Yellow.
Lacy Tansey-Aster

Other names for Machaeranthera pinnatifida have been Yellow Spiny Daisy, Cut-leaf Goldenweed, and Cut-lea Ironplant.

Machaeranthera pinnatifida was once known as Haplopappus spinulosus. This plant has perplexed botanists. Haplopappus is, more strictly, a South American genus.
Machaeranthera tanacetifolia ______ SD (SW:79) Flowers Jun-Oct. Purple.
Tansey Aster

Another name for Machaeranthera tanacetifolia is Tahoka Daisy.

Genus MADIA ("Madia" is a Chilean name for a species once grown for the oil in its seeds)
Madia elegans ______ (NW:127)
Common Madia

Genus MALACOTHRIX
Malacothrix coulteri ______ MD (NW:87)
Snake's-Head
Malacothrix fendleri ______ SD (SW:165) Flowers Mar-Jun. Yellow.
Fendler's Desert-Dandelion
Malacothrix glabrata ______ SD (NW:87) (SW:166) Flowers Mar-Jun. Yellow.
Desert Dandelion
Malacothrix torreyi ______ GD
Torrey Malacothrix

Genus MELAMPODIUM
Melampodium leucanthemum ______ CD SD (NW:129) (SW:41) Flowers Mar-Nov. White.
Blackfoot Daisy

Another name for Melampodium leucanthemum is Plains Blackfoot.

Genus MONOPTILON
Monoptilon bellioides ______ MD SD (NW:149) (SW:41) Flowers Feb-Apr. White.
Mohave Desert Star
Monoptilon bellidiforme ______ (NW:149)
Daisy Desert Star

Genus PALAFOXIA
Palafoxia arida (var. arida) ______ MD SD (NW:103) (SW:79) Flowers Jan-Sep. Pink.
Desert Palafox

Palafoxia arida (var. gigantea) ______ in sand of southwestern Arizona and southeastern California

Another name for Palafoxia arida is Spanish Needles.
Palafoxia sphacelata ______ CD (NW:103)
Rayed Palafox

Other names for Palafoxia sphacelata are Chihuahuan Palafoxia and Showy Palafoxia.

Genus PERITYLE
Perityle emoryi ______ SD (SW:42) Flowers Dec-Oct. White.
Desert Rockdaisy

Genus PECTIS
Pectis papposa ______ SD (SW:166) Flowers Jun-Dec. Yellow.
Chinchweed
S: Mansnilla del Coyote

After summer rains, sometimes Clinchweed is so common that expanses of sandy desert are covered in yellow.
Pectis angustifolia ______ CD
S: Limincillo

Genus PEUCEPHYLLUM
Peucephyllum schottii ______ SD (SW:167) Flowers Dec-May. Yellow.
Pigmy-cedar
S: Romero

Genus PLUCHEA
Pluchea sericea ______ CD GD MD PD SD (NW:94)
Arrowweed

Pluchea sericea grows in springs and along waterways, often forming dense thickets.

Genus POROPHYLLUM
Porophyllum gracile ______ SD (SW:80) Flowers Mar-Oct. Purple.
Slender Poreleaf
S: Odora, or Yerba del Venado ("Herb of the Deer")

Genus PSATHYROTES
Psathyrotes ramosissima ______ MD SD (NW:105) (SW:168) Flowers mostly Mar-Jun, but any time of year. Yellow.
Velvet Turtleback

Other names for Psathyrotes ramosissima are Desert Velvet or "Turtle-back".

Genus PSILOSTROPHE
Psilostrophe cooperi ______ SD (NW:130) (SW:169) Flowers mostly Apr-Jun & Oct-Dec, but also other times. Yellow.
White-stemmed Paper-Flower

Genus RAFINESQUIA
Rafinesquia neomexicana ______ SD (NW:87) (SW:42) Flowers Feb-Jul. White.
Desert Chicory (or Plume-seed)

Genus RATIBIDA
Ratibida columnifera ______ (NW:113)
Prairie Coneflower (or "Mexican Hat")

Ratibida columnifera is primarily a prairie species that ranges westward into the deserts.

Genus SENECIO (nearly 100 species in this genus occur in the western US)
Senecio bigelovii ______ (NW:140)
Nodding Groundsel
Senecio douglasii ______ CD PD
Thread-leaved Groundsel

Senecio douglasii is sometimes placed in the species Senecio flaccidus (below).
It is a distinctive plant with bright yellow heads and white-woolly leaves and stems.
Senecio flaccidus (var. monoensis) ______ SD (SW:169) Flowers mostly Mar-May, but also any time. Yellow.
Thread-leaved Groundsel

Another name for Senecio flaccidus is Smooth Threadleaf Ragwort.
Senecio multilobatus ______ GD PD
Great Basin Groundsel

Genus STEPHANOMERIA
Stephanomeria exigua ______ CD GD MD PD SD (SW:80) Flowers Apr-Sep. Purple.
White-plume Wire-Lettuce

Another name for Stephanomeria exigua has been Annual Wire-Lettuce.
Stephanomeria pauciflora ______ widespread
Brown-plume Wire-Lettuce

Genus SYNTRICHOPAPPUS
Syntrichopappus fremontii ______ MD SD
Fremont Xerasid

Genus TAGETES
Tagetes lemmonii ______
Lemmon Marigold

Tagetes lemmonii occurs in the desert mountains of southern Arizona.

Genus TARAXACUM
Taraxacum officinale ______ SD (SW:170) Flowers mostly Oct-Apr, but in cool places other times. Yellow.
Dandelion (or Blowball)
S: Chicoria

Genus TETRADYMIA
Tetradymia glabrata ______ GD MD PD
Little-leaved Horsebrush
Tetradymia spinosa ______ GD MD PD
Thorny Horsebrush

Genus THELESPERMA
Thelesperma subnudum ______ PD (NW:122)
Scapose Greenthread

Another name for Thelesperma subnudum is Navajo Tea.

Genus THYMOPHYLLA
Thymophylla (formerly Dyssodia) pentachaeta (var. belenidum) ______ SD (SW:170) Flowers Mar-Oct. Yellow.
Five-needle Pricklyleaf
S: Parralena

Another name for Thymophylla pentachaeta is Five-needle Fetid Marigold. It frequently grows near Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) and Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae), or among pinon and juniper.
Thymophyila (formerly Dyssodia) acerosa ______ (NW:125)
Prickle-leaved Dogweed

Another name for Thymophyila acerosa is Prickly Fetid Marigold

Genus TOWNSENDIA
Townsendia florifer ______ GD
Townsendia incana ______ PD
Hoary Ground Daisy

Genus TRICHOPTILIUM
Trichoptilium incisum ______ MD SD (SW:171) Flowers Feb-May, sometimes also Oct-Nov. Yellow.
Yellow-head (or Yellowdome)

Genus TRIXIS
Trixis californica ______ CD SD (NW:152) (SW:171) Flowers mostly Feb-Apr, but also other times. Yellow.
American Threefold
S: Plumilla ("Little Feather"), or Arnica

Another name for Trixis californica is California Trixis. It occurs on rocky desert slopes.

Genus UROPAPPUS
Uropappus lindleyi ______ SD (SW:172) Flowers Mar-Jun. Yellow.
Silverpuffs

Genus VERBESINA
Verbesina encelioides (ph) ______ CD GD SD (NW:116) (SW:173) Flowers Apr-Nov. Yellow.
Golden Crownbeard (or Cowpen Daisy)

Verbesina encelioides is a host plant for the butterfly: Closyne lacinia, the Bordered Patch.

Golden Crownbeard, or Cowpen Daisy
(photo by Doris Potter)

Bordered Patch on a Cowpen Daisy
(photo by Doris Potter)

Genus VIGUIERA
Viguiera parishii ______ MD SD
Parish Goldeneye

Viguiera parishii is most abundant in the Yuma Desert of southwest Arizona.

Genus WYETHIA
Wyethia scabra ______ (NW:121)
Rough Mule's-Ears

Genus XYLORHIZA (with a woody base, "Xylorhiza" means "woody base")

XYLORHIZA is closely related to MACHAERANTHERA. Both were part of the very diverse genus ASTER.
Xylorhiza cognata ______ SD(extreme northwestern) Rare.
Mecca Aster
Xylorhiza orcuttii ______ SD (SW:81) Flowers Mar-Apr. Purple.
Orcutt's Woody Aster
Xylorhiza tortifolia ______ MD SD (NW:146) (SW:82) Flowers Mar-May. Pink-purple.
Mohave Aster
Xylorhiza venusta ______ PD
Cisco Woody Aster

Xylorhiza venusta is endemic to the Painted Desert.
Xylorhiza wrightii ______ CD
Big Bend Aster

Genus ZINNIA (the genus is named for Johann Zinn, an 18th-century German professor who collected seeds in Mexico of Zinnia elegans, from which the Golden Zinnia descends)
Zinnia acerosa ______ CD SD (NW:130) (SW:43) Flowers Apr-Oct. White.
White Zinnia

Another name for Zinnia acerosa is the Desert Zinnia. It ranges westward across Arizona.
Zinnia grandiflora ______ (NW:130)
Little Golden Zinnia (or Showy Zinnia)

Family BERBERIDACEAE (Barberries)

Genus BERBERIS
Berberis fremontii ______
Desert Barberry
Berberis haematocarpa ______ CD SD
Red Barberry

Family BIGNONIACEAE (Trumpet Creepers, Bignonias, Catalpa)

Genus CHILOPSIS (T)
Chilopsis linearis ______ SD (SW:82) Flowers Apr-Aug. Pink.
Desert Willow (or "Desert Catalpa")
S: Mimbre (meaning "wicker"), or Jano

The habitat and resemblance of the leaves of Chilopsis linearis to those of the willows, gives the Desert Willow its common name, but there is no taxonomic relationship between them.

Chilopsis linearis occurs along desert washes.

Genus TECOMA
Tecoma stans ______ SD (SW:173) Flowers May-Oct. Yellow.
Yellow Trumpet Flower

Tecoma stans ranges from southeast Arizona into Texas, but it is seldom abundant.

Family BIXACEAE (Lipstick Tree Family)

Genus AMOREUXIA
Amoreuxia palmatifida ______ SD (SW:174) Flowers Jul-Aug. Yellow.
Mexican Yellowshow

Family BORAGINACEAE (Borages)

Genus AMSINCKIA (Fiddlenecks)
Amsinckia menziesii ______ SD (NW:161) (SW:174) Flowers Mar-May. Yellow.
Common Fiddleneck

Another names for Amsinckia menziesii is Rancher's Fireweed.
Amsinckia tessellata ______
Devil's Lettuce

Genus CRYPTANTHA
Cryptantha sp. ______
"White Cryptantha"

Numerous "White Cryptantha" grow in North American deserts, separable only by technical characteristics. Many are dinky plants with small flowers and go unnoticed, but a few are showy.
Cryptantha angustifolia ______ SD (SW:44) Flowers Feb-Jun. White.
Panamint Cat's-eye
Cryptantha confertiflora ______ MD PD
Golden Cryptantha
Cryptantha flava ______ (NW:160)
Plateau Yellow Cryptantha

Genus HELIOTROPIUM
Heliotropium convulvulaceum ______
Sweet-scented Heliotrope
Heliotropium curassavicum ______ SD (NW:163) (SW:44) Flowers mostly Mar-Oct, but all year. White.
Salt Heliotrope (or "Quail Plant")
S: Cola de Mico (means "monkey tail", describing the coiled flower cluster)

The Quail Plant is so-called after the birds that feed on its fruit. It grows in saline areas, with greasewood and other salt-tolerant shrubs.
Heliotropium greggii ______ CD
Gregg's Heliotrope

Genus LITHOSPERMUM
Lithospermum incisum ______ (NW:161)
Narrow-leaved Puccoon

Other names for Lithospermum incisum are Fringed Gromwell or Fringed Puccoon.

"Puccoon" is a Native American word for plants that yield dye.

Genus MACROMERIA
Macromeria viridiflora ______ (NW:162)
Giant Trumpets

Another name for Macromeria viridiflora is Green-flowered Macromeria.

Genus PLAGIOBOTHRYS
Plagiobothrys nothofulvus ______ (NW:160)
Popcorn Flower

Genus TIQUILIA (or COLDENIA)
Tiquilia canescens (var. canescens) ______ SD (SW:83) Flowers Mar-Sep. Purple.
Wooly Crinklemat
S: Oreja del Perro ("Dog's Ear")
Tiquilia greggii ______ CD
Gregg's Coldenia (or Shrubby Tiquilia)
Tiquilia plicata ______ SD (SW:83) Flowers Mar-Oct. Pink-purple.
Fanleaf Crinklemat

Family BRASSICACEAE (CRUCIFERAE) (Mustards)

Genus ARABIS
Arabis pulchra ______ GD MD PD SD
Prince's Rockcress

Genus BRASSICA
Brassica nigra ______ SD (SW:175) Flowers Feb-Jun. Yellow. (Not native to the southwest US, from Europe)
Black Mustard

Genus CAULANTHUS
Caulanthus inflatus ______ MD (NW:167)
Desert Candle

Caulanthus inflatus is an interesting cabbage-like plant. In the past, it was gathered and eaten by native Americans.
Caulanthus pilosus ______ GD (NW:167)
Hairy Wild-cabbage

Another name for Caulanthus pilosus is Chocolate Drops.

Genus DIMORPHOCARPA (was DITHYREA)
Dimorphocarpa californica ______ SD (NW:170) (SW:46) Flowers Feb-May, sometimes again Oct-Nov. White.
California Spectacle-pod

In the US, the California Spectacle-pod occurs not only in California, but also in southern Nevada and western Arizona.
Dimorphocarpa wislizenii ______ CD GD PD SD (NW:170) (SW:45) Flowers Feb-Oct. White.
Southwestern Spectacle-pod

Genus DRABA
Draba cuneifolia ______ SD (SW:46) Flowers Feb-May. White.
Wedge-leaf Whitlow-grass

Genus ERUCA
Eruca vesicaria sativa ______ SD (SW:47) Flowers Mar-Jul. White.
Garden Rocket

Eruca vesicaria sativa is also called Salad Rocket.

Genus ERYSIMUM
Erysimum capitatum ______ SD (NW:174) (SW:175) Flowers Mar-Apr in SD, later elsewhere. Yellow.
Western Wallflower

The Western Wallflower is one of western North America's most striking wildflowers. It is also one of the most variable species, with a wide ecological tolerance.
Erysimum asperum ______ (NW:174)
Prairie Wallflower

Erysimum asperum has also been called the Plains Wallflower.

Genus LEPIDIUM
Lepidum flavum ______ (NW:168)
Yellow Peppergrass
Lepidum fremonti (var. fremontii) ______ SD (SW:47) Flowers Feb-May. White.
Fremont's Peppergrass

The Fremont's Peppergrass is the most showy of its kind, with white flowers resembling broad hearts.
Another name for it is Bush Pepperwort.
Lepidum montanum ______
Western Peppergrass

There are at least 15 races of Western Peppergrass, but any perennial, rather than bushy mustard with small white flowers is likely to be this species.

Lepidum montanum occurs in dry open areas, among Creosote Bush, sagebrush, pinyon, and juniper.
Lepidum thurberi ______ MD SD
Thurber's Peppergrass

Genus LESQUERELLA
Lesquerella fendleri ______
Fendler's Bladderpod
Lesquerella gordonii ______ SD (SW:176) Flowers Feb-May. Yellow.
Gordon's Bladderpod
Lesquerella tenella ______
Slender Bladderpod
Lesquerella purpurea ______ SD (SW:48) Flowers Jan-May. White.
Western White Bladderpod

Genus LYROCARPA
Lyrocarpa coulteri ______ SD (SW:139) Flowers Dec-Apr, sometimes Aug. Green.
Coulter's Lyre-pod

Genus NERISYRENIA
Nerisyrenia camporum ______ (NW:170)
Bi-colored Fan-mustard

Other names for Nerisyrenia camporum are Mesa Greggia and Velvety Nerisyrenia. It is the most common species of Mustard with large white flowers, occurring on limestone in deserts and arid grasslands.

Genus PHYSARIA
Physaria acutifolia ______ PD (NW:171)
Sharp-leaved Twinpod
Physaria chambersii ______ (grows in desert mountains of Nevada, northeast California, & northern Arizona)

Genus SCHOENCRAMBE (or SISYMBRIUM)
Schoencrambe linearifolia ______
Linear-leaved Sisymbrium

Genus STANLEYA
Stanleya elata ______ GD MD
Desert Plume
Stanleya pinnata ______ GD MD PD SD (NW:165) (SW:176) Flowers Apr-Sep. Yellow.
Golden Prince's Plume

The Golden Prince's Plume occurs in deserts and on plains, often in sagebrush.

Genus STREPTANTHELLA
Streptanthella longirostris ______ MD PD SD (most abundant in the Painted Desert)
Long-beaked Twist-Flower

Genus STREPTANTHUS
Streptanthus carinatus (var. arizonicus) ______ SD (SW:48) Flowers Jan-Apr. White.
Arizona Jewelflower

Genus THELYPODIOPSIS
Thelypodiopsis divaricata ______
Yellow Thelypody
Thelypodiopsis howellii ______
Howell's Thelypody

Genus THYSANOCARPUS
Thysanocarpus curvipes ______ SD (SW:139) Flowers Jan-May. Green.
Lacepod (or Fringepod)

Family BURSERACEAE (Torchwoods)

Genus BURSERA
Bursera microphylla ______ SD
Elephant Tree
S: Torote Blanco, or Copal, or Palo Colorado (meaning "Red Stick")

Family CACTACEAE (Cacti)

With about 140 genera and 2,000 species, nearly all found in warm arid parts of the Americas.

Genus ARIOCARPUS
Ariocarpus fissuratus ______ CD
Living Rock Cactus

Genus ASTROPHYTUM
Astrophytum asterias ______ (US endangered; Texas endangered)
Sea Urchin Cactus (or "Sand Dollar" or "Star Cactus")

Astrophytum asteriae occurs in south Texas and in Mexico in Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas.

Genus BERGEROCACTUS
Bergerocactus emoryi ______ (in southern California & on some of the Channel Islands and in northwestern Baja Califonria)
Velvet Cactus (or "Golden Torch")

Genus CARNEGIEA
Carnegiea gigantea (ph) (*) ______ SD
Saguaro
S: Saguaro

Saguaro, photographed during a FONT tour in Arizona
(photo by Doris Potter)

The White-winged Dove is a major pollinator of the flowers of the Saguaro.

Genus CORYPHANTHA
Coryphantha missouriensis ______
Nipple Cactus
Coryphantha r. ramillosa ______ (US threatened; Texas threatened)
Bunched Cory Cactus
Coryphantha recurvata ______ SD
Santa Cruz Beehive Cactus
Coryphantha robustispina ______ SD
Pineapple Cactus (or Pima Pineapple Cactus)
Coryphantha vivipara ______ GD
Pincushion Cactus

Genus CYLINDROPUNTIA (included in OPUNTIA)

Genus ECHINOCACTUS (Cotton-top Cacti) (NW:182)
Echinocactus conoideus (or Neolloydia texensis) ______ CD
Texas Cactus
Echinocactus erectocentrus ______ CD
White-flowered Cactus
Echinocactus hamatacanthus ______ CD
Turk's Head

Other names for Echinocactus hamatacanthus are Turk's head Cactus, and Eagle Claw or Blue Barrel.
Echinocactus horizonthalonius ______ CD
Devil's Head
Echinocactus intertextus ______ CD
Woven-spine Pineapple Cactus
Echinocactus mariposensis ______ CD
Mariposa Cactus
Echinocactus polycephalus ______ SD
Many-headed Barrel
Echinocactus texensis ______ CD
Devil's Claw (also called Horse Crippler)
Echinocactus tobuschii ______ CD
Tobusch Cactus
Echinocactus unicinatus ______ CD
Catclaw Cactus
Echinocactus wislizeni ______ CD
Southwestern Barrel Cactus
Echinocactus warnocki ______ CD
Warnock's Cactus

Genus ECHINOCEREUS (Hedgehog Cacti, Strawberry Cacti) (NW:183)
Echinocereus bonkerae ______ SD
Bonker Hedgehog Cactus
Echinocereus brandegeei ______ SD
Echinocereus c. chisosensis ______ CD (US threatened; Texas threatened)
Chisos Mountain Hedgehog Cactus (or Chisos Pitaya)
Echinocereus chloranthus ______ CD
Brown-flowered Cactus, Yellow-flowered Cactus (two different subspecies)
Echinocereus davisii (or Echinocereus viridiflorus davisii) ______ (US endangered; Texas endangered)
Davis' Green Pitaya
Echinocereus engelmannii ______ SD
Englemann's Hedgehog Cactus (has also been called Calico Cactus, Strawberry Hedgehog)
Echinocereus enneacanthus ______ CD
Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus

Echinocereus enneacanthus has also been called Warty Hedgehog, Strawberry Cactus. There are various subspecies.
Echinocereus fendleri (var. fasciculatus) ______ SD (SW:84) Flowers Apr-May. Pink.
Pink-flower Hedgehog Cactus

Another name for Echinocereus fendleri is Fendler's Hedgehog Cactus.
Echinocereus ledingii ______ SD
Leding's Hedgehog Cactus
Echinocereus lloydii ______ (was US endangered; was Texas endangered)
Lloyd's Hedgehog Cactus
Echinocereus mojavensis ______
Mojave Hedgehog Cactus
Echinocereus nicholii ______ SD
Golden Hedgehog Cactus
Echinocereus pectinatus ______ CD
Comb Hedgehog Cactus

With other names for Echinocereus pactinatus being; Rainbow Cactus, Ashy-white Pitaya, Slender-spined Pitaya, Rio Grande Pitaya, Texas Rainbow Pitaya, Big Bend Pitaya. There are various subspecies.
Echinocereus reichenbachii albertii ______ (US endangered; Texas endangered)
Black Lace Cactus
Echinocereus triglochidiatus (ph) ______ CD
Claret-cup Cactus

Other names for Echinocereus trigochidiatus are Little Claret-Cup, Southwest Claret-Cup, Texas Claret-Cup, King's Cup. There are various subspecies.

Claret-cup Cactus, photographed in September,
2 months after the bright red flowers were in bloom
(photo by Doris Potter)
Echinocereus virdiflorus ______ CD
Green-flowered Cactus

Other names for Echinocereus viriflorus are Green Pitaya and Hen-and-Chickens Cactus.

Genus EPITHELANTHA
Epithelantha bokei ______ CD
Boquillas Button Cactus
Epithelantha micromeris ______ CD
Button Cactus

Genus ESCOBARIA
Escobaria minima ______ (US endangered; Texas endangered)
Nellie's Cory Cactus
Escobaria s. sneedii ______ (US endangered; Texas endangered)
Sneed's Pincushion Cactus

Genus FEROCACTUS (Barrel Cacti) (NW:182)
Ferocactus cylindraceus (or F. acanthodes) ______ SD
California Barrel Cactus (or Spiny Cactus)

The California Barrel Cactus is more slender (than other Ferocacti), and has more than 4 stout spines per cluster.
Ferocactus emoryi (or F. covillei) (ph) ______ SD (SW:214) Flowers Jun-Sep. Red.
Ferocactus emoryi rectispinus: Straight-spined Barrel Cactus ______ SD
Emory's Barrel Cactus (or Coville Barrel Cactus)

Emory's Barrel Cactus photographed during the August 2010 tour in Arizona
(photo by Marie Gardner)
Ferocactus polycephalus ______ SD
Clustered Barrel Cactus

The Clustered Barrel Cactus has woolly stem tips.
Ferocactus wislizeni (ph) ______ SD (SW:214) Flowers Jul-Sep. Orange.
Southwestern Barrel Cactus

Other names for Ferocactus wislizeni are Fishhook Barrel Cactus or Candy Barrel Cactus.

Southwestern, or Fishhook Barrel Cactus photographed during the August 2010 tour in Arizona
(photo by Marie Gardner)

Genus LOPHOCEREUS
Lophocereus (or Pachycereus) schotii ______ SD
S: Senita (another name is Garambullo)

Senita is extremely common in desert flats and thornscrub habitats throughout much of the Sonoran Desert.

Genus LOPHOPHORA (Peyotes)
Lophophora williamsii ______ CD
Peyote

Genus MAMMILLARIA (Nipple Cacti) (NW:183)
Mammallaria grahamii (var. grahamii) ______ SD (SW:85) Flowers Jun-Jul. Pink.
Graham's Nipple Cactus
S: Cabeza de Viejo

Mammallaria grahamii has been M. microcarpa, M. milleri. Other English names for it have been Fishhook Pincushion, or Fishhook Cactus.
Mammallaria echinus ______ CD
Sea-Urchin Cactus
Mammallaria ramillosa ______ CD
Big Bend Mammalleria
Mammallaria macromeris ______ CD
Long Mamma
Mammallaria vivipara ______ CD
Bisquit Cactus
Mammallaria fragrans ______ CD
Fragrant Cactus
Mammallaria tuberculosa ______ CD
Cob Cactus
Mammallaria dasyacantha ______ CD
Mountain Cob Cactus
Mammallaria albicolumnaria ______ CD
White-spined Cob Cactus
Mammallaria varicolor ______ CD
Varicolored Cactus
Mammallaria duncanii ______ CD
Duncan's Cactus
Mammallaria pottsii ______ CD
Foxtail Cactus
Mammallaria lasiacantha ______ CD
Golf-ball Cactus
Mammallaria heyderi ______ CD
Pancake Pincushion
Mammallaria meiacantha ______ CD
Nipple Cactus

Genus OPUNTIA (includes CYLINDROPUNTIA, GRUSONIA, and CORYNOPUNTIA) (Wildflowers)

CHOLLA: (NW:182)
OPUNTIA: (NW:182)
Opuntia (or Cylindropuntia) acanthocarpa ______ SD (SW:215) Flowers Apr-May. Red.
Buckhorn Cholla
Opuntia (or Cylindropuntia) arbuscula ______ SD
Pencil Cholla
Opuntia atrispina ______ CD
Dark-spined Prickly Pear
Opuntia basilaris ______ GD MD PD SD (SW:85) Flowers Mar-Jun. Deep Pink.
Beavertail Cactus (or Cholla)
Opuntia (or Cylindropuntia) biglovii ______ SD (SW:140) Flowers Feb-May. Green.
Teddy Bear Cholla

Be careful while walking near this plant. Seemingly attractive, it is a cuddly "teddy bear" in appearance only, as the cactus can readily bury its sharp-barbed spines into one's skin.
Removal can be most effective by inserting a comb beneath the stem-point and quickly flicking the cactus away from the skin.
If more firmly embedded, the spines must be cut one by one and pulled with fingers or pliers.

Teddy Bear Cholla
(photo by Marie Gardner)
Opuntia echinocarpa ______ SD(west) (SW:141) Flowers Apr-May. Greenish.
Silver Cholla (or Golden Cholla)
Opuntia engelmanni ______ CD SD (SW:86) Flowers Apr-Jun. Deep Pink.
Engelmann Prickly Pear
S: Nopal, or Abrojo

Opuntia engelmanni has been Opuntia phaeacantha discata. Other English names for it have been Cactus-Apple, and Texas Prickly Pear.
Opuntia erinacea ______ GD MD PD SD (a variable and taxonomically confusing species)
Mojave Prickly Pear
Opuntia fragilis ______ CD
Fragile Prickly Pear, Brittle Cactus
Opuntia fulgida ______ SD (SW:87) Flowers Jun-Aug. Pink-Purple.
Chainfruit Cholla
S: Brincadora

Opuntia fulgida was Cylindropuntia fulgida. Another English name for it has been Jumping Cholla.
Opuntia grahamii ______ CD
Dog Cholla

Opuntia grahamii is a smaller version of Opuntia schottii.
Opuntia imbricata ______ CD SD(extreme east)
Tree Cholla
Opuntia kleiniae ______ CD
Candle Cholla

The flowers of Opuntia kleiniae are greenish.
Opuntia leptocaulus ______ CD SD
Christmas Cholla (or Desert Christmas Cactus)
S: Tasajillo

The flowers of Opuntia leptocaulus are yellow.
Opuntia lindheimeri ______ CD
Chisos Prickly Pear
Opuntia linguiformis ______ CD
Cow's Tingue Prickly Pear
Opuntia macrocentra ______ CD
Purple-tinged Prickly Pear
Opuntia macrorhiza ______ CD
Grassland Prickly Pear
Opuntia phaecantha major (ph) (*) ______ SD
Sprawling Prickly Pear (also called Dusky Prickly Pear and Brownspine Prickly Pear)

Sprawling Prickly Pear
(photo by Doris Potter)
Opuntia polyacantha ______ GD PD
Plains Prickly Pear
Opuntia (or Cylindropuntia) prolifera ______
Coastal Cholla
Opuntia (or Cylindropuntia) ramosissima ______
Diamond Cholla
Opuntia rufida ______ CD
Blind Prickly Pear

Opuntia rufida is one of the few cacti entirely without spines.
Opuntia santa-rita ______ SD (SW:177) Flowers Mar-Apr. Yellow.
Santa Rita Prickly Pear
Opuntia schottii ______ CD
Devil Cholla
Opuntia spinosibacca ______ CD (described as recently as 1956)
Spinyfruit Prickly Pear
Opuntia spinosior ______  SD (SW:88) Flowers May-Jun. Deep Pink.
Walkingstick Cholla

Opuntia spinosior was Cylindropuntia spinosior. That genus Cylindropuntia has been for plants with round stems.
Another name for Opuntia spinosior is Cane Cholla.
Opuntia vaseyi ______ (a formerly described species now thought to be a hybrid)
Vasey Prickly Pear
Opuntia (or Cylindropuntia) versicolor ______ SD
Staghorn Cholla
Opuntia violacea ______ CD
Purple Prickly Pear

Genus PACHYCEREUS
Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum ______ SD (in Mexico in Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, and Sonora)
Hairbrush Cactus
S: Hecho
Pachycereus pringlei (ph) ______ SD
Elephant Cactus
S: Cardon

Pachycereus pringlei is the largest columnar cactus in the Sonoran Desert. It occurs in Mexico along the coast of the Gulf of California in Sonora and on the Baja Peninsula.

Cardon, or Elephant Cactus, during the FONT tour in Sonora, Mexico in August 2010
(photo by Risë Hill; in the photo Armas Hill)

Genus PEDIOCACTUS (Ball Cacti) (NW:184)
Pediocactus simpsonii ______
Simpson's Hedgehog Cactus

Genus PENIOCEREUS (or CEREUS)
Peniocereus greggii (was Cereus greggii) ______ CD SD (SW:49) Flowers Jun-Jul. White.
Desert Night-blooming Cereus (or Queen-of-the-Night)
S: Reina de la Noche

Inconspicuous most of the year, but when in bloom, the Night-blooming Cereus is easily spotted only in the evening and early morning when its spectacular night-blooming flowers are open. It is very popular in desert rock gardens and in the cactus trade; when a population is found, all too often, the large, turnip-like roots are quickly dug up.

Peniocereus greggii occurs in desert flats and washes.

Genus SCLEROCACTUS (or ANCISTROCACTUS)
Sclerocactus brevihamatus tobuschii ______ (US endangered; Texas endangered)
Tobusch Fishhook Cactus
Sclerocactus mariposensis ______ (US threatened; Texas threatened)
Lloyd's Mariposa Cactus
Sclerocactus uncinatus ______ CD
Chihuahua Fish-hook Cactus (or Cat Claw Cactus)
Sclerocactus johnsonii ______ MD
Johnson Devil-Claw
Sclerocactus whipplei ______ PD
Whipple Fishhook Cactus

Genus STENOCEREUS
Stenocereus eruca ______ SD (found only on sandy soils on the central Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, in Mexico)
Creeping Devil
Stenocereus gummosus ______ SD
S: Pitahaya Agria
Stenocereus thuberi ______ SD
Organ Pipe Cactus
S: Pitahaya Dulce

Genus THELOCACTUS
Thelocactus bicolor ______ CD
Straw Spine Cactus (or "Glory of Texas")

Family CAMPANULACEAE (Bellflowers)

Genus NEMACLADUS
Nemacladus glanduliferus ______ SD (SW:50) Flowers Mar-May. White.
Redtip Threadstem

Family CAPPARACEAE (Capers)

Genus CLEOME
Cleome lutea ______ GD MD PD SD (NW:189) (SW:178) Flowers May-Sep. Yellow.
Yellow Bee Plant

The Yellow Bee Plant occurs on desert plains.
Cleonme serrulata ______ GD PD (NW:189)
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant

Genus CLEOMELLA
Cleomella obtusifolia ______ MD SD
Blunt-leaved Stinkweed
Cleomella hillmanii ______ GD
Hillman Stinkweed

Genus ISOMERIS
Isomeris arborea ______ MD SD (SW:178) Flowers most of the year, but mostly Jan-Mar. Yellow.
Bladderpod Bush
S: Ejotillo

The Bladderpod Bush occurs in southern California and in Mexico in Baja California.

Genus POLANISIA
Polanisia dodecandra ______ SD (NW:190) (SW:51) Flowers May-Oct. White.
Red-whisker Clammyweed

Genus WISLIZENIA
Wislizenia refracta ______ SD (SW:179) Flowers Apr-Nov. Yellow.
Jackass Clover

The ill-smelling Jackass Clover is toxic to domestic animals. On the other hand, the flower of the plant produces a fine honey.

Family CARYOPHYLLACEAE (Carnations)

Genus ACHYRONYCHIA
Achyronychia cooperi ______ SD (SW:51) Flowers Jan-May. White.
Onyx Flower

Other names for Achyronychia cooperi are Frostmat and Sandmat.

Genus ARENARIA
Arenaria fendleri ______
Fendler's Sandwort

Genus CERASTIUM
Cerastium arvense ______ (NW:194)
Field Mouse-ear Chickweed

Other names for Cerastium arvense are Meadow Chickweed or Starry Grasswort.

Family CHENOPODIACEAE (Goosefoots)

CHENOPODIACEAE is now said to be a subfamily of AMARANTHACEAE (earlier in this list).

Genus ATRIPLEX
Atriplex canescens ______ SD
Fourwing Saltbush

Atriplex canescens is a host plant for the butterfly: Brephidium exile, the Western Pygmy Blue.
Atriplex corrugata ______
Mat Saltbush
Atriplex confertifolia ______
Shadscale
Atriplex hymenelytra ______ SD (SW:141) Flowers Jan-Apr. Green.
Desert Holly

Atriplex hymenelytra is a host plant for the butterfly: Brephidium exile, the Western Pygmy Blue.

Genus GRAYIA
Grayia spinosa ______
Hopsage

Family CISTACEAE (Rockroses)

Genus HELIANTHEMUM
Helianthemum scopium ______ (NW:197)
Common Rush-rose

Another name for Helianthemum scopium is Peak Rush-rose. It occurs on dry sandy flats and on rocky slopes.

Family CONVOLVULACEAE (Morning Glories) (W)

Genus CONVOLVULUS
Convolulus arvensis ______ SD (SW:52) Flowers May-Oct. White.
Orchard Morning Glory

Another name for Convolulus arvensis is Field Bindweed.

Genus EVOLVULUS
Evolvulus arizonicus ______ SD (NW:200) (SW:120) Flowers Apr-Oct. Blue.
Wild Dwarf-Morning Glory

Other names for Evolvulus arizonicus are Arizona Blue-eyes or False Flax. It is with beautiful sky-blue flowers.
Evolvulus nuttallianus ______ CD PD (NW:200)
Shaggy Dwarf-Morning Glory
Evolvulus sericeus ______ CD (NW:200)
Silver Dwarf-Morning Glory

Another name for Evolvulus sericeus is Silky Evolvulus

Genus IPOMOEA
Ipomoea barbatisepala ______ SD (SW:121) Flowers Aug-Sep. Blue.
Canyon Morning Glory
Ipomoea coccinea (var. hederifolia) ______ SD (SW:216) Flowers May-Oct. Red.
Redstar

Another name for Ipomoea coccinea is Star-glory. It is the only morning glory in the Sonoran Desert with scarlet flowers.
Ipomoea cristulata ______ (NW:204)
Trans-Pecos Morning Glory

Other names for Ipomoea cristulata are Scarlet Creeper or Star Glory. It occurs on brushy hillsides and in canyons.
Ipomoea hederacea ______ SD
Ivyleaf Morning Glory
Ipomoea leptophylla ______
Bush Morning Glory
Ipomoea nil ______ SD (SW:88) Flowers Jul-Sep. Purple.
Ivy Morning Glory
Ipomoea purpurea ______ SD
Common Morning Glory

Ipomoea purpurea is commonly cultivated and, especially in the garden, may have reddish or white flowers.
Ipomoea ternifolia (var. ternifolia) ______ SD (SW:89) Flowers Jun-Oct. Purple.
Three-leaved Morning Glory

Family CRASSULACEAE (Stonecrops)

Genus DUDLEYA
Dudleya collomae ______ SD (SW:179) Flowers Mar-May, also Oct. Yellow.
Gila Live-forever
Dudleya pulverulenta arizonica ______ SD
Chalky Live-forever

The Chalky Live-forever occurs in western Arizona and southern California.
Dudleya saxosa ______
Rock Dudleya

Family CROSSOSOMATACEAE (Rock-flowers)

Genus CROSSOSOMA
Crossosoma bigelovii ______ SD (SW:53) Flowers Dec-May, sometimes also in Sep. White.
Ragged Rockflower

Family CUCURBITACEAE (Cucumbers)

Genus APODANTHERA
Apodanthera undulata ______ SD (NW:208) (SW:180) Flowers Jun-Sep. Yellow.
Melon Loco
S: Melon Loco (Plants with the word "loco" in their common names are usually poisonous to some degree; several contain behavior-altering toxins.)

Genera CUCURBITA, CURBITA
Cucurbita digitata ______ SD
Fingerleaf Gourd
Cucurbita palmata ______ SD (SW:181) Flowers Apr-Sep. Yellow.
Coyote Melon
Curbita foetidissima ______ SD (NW:208) (SW:180) Flowers May-Aug. Yellow.
Buffalo Gourd
S: Calabazilla

The fruit of the Buffalo Gourd is easily dried and often brightly painted for decorative use. It is foul-tasting, inedible, and somewhat poisonous when mature.
The plant occurs in open areas of deserts.

Genus IBERVILLEA
Ibervillea tenuisecta ______ (NW:208)
Cut-leaf Globe Berry

The Cut-leaf Globe Berry occurs along shallow gullies and on rocky slopes in deserts.

Genus TUMAMOC
Tumamoca macdougalii ______ SD
Tumamoc Globe Berry

Family CUSCUTACEAE (Dodders)

Genus CUSCUTA
Cuscuta umbellata ______ SD (SW:53) Flowers Aug-Oct. White.
Flat-globe Dodder

Family EPHEDRACEAE (Ephedras)

Various species have been used extensively as a medicinal tea, a tonic.

Genus EPHEDRA
Ephedra fasciculata ______ MD SD
Mojave Ephedra
Ephedra nevadensis ______ CD GD MD PD SD
Nevada Tea (or Nevada Ephedra)
Ephedra torreyama ______
Mormon Tea
Ephedra viridis ______ GD PD
Green Ephedra

Family EUPHORBIACEAE (Spurges)

Genus BERNARDIA
Bernardia myricifolia ______
Mouse-eye

Genus CHAMAESYCE
Chamaesyce albomarginata ______ SD (NW:223) (SW:54) Flowers Feb-Oct. White.
White-margin Sandmat
S: Golondrina

Other names for Chamaesyce albomarginata are White-margin Spurge and Rattlesnake-weed. It is one of the showiest of the low spurges. It was once thought useful for the treatment of snakebite, hence one of its names.
Chamaesyce florida ______ SD (SW:55) Flowers Aug-Oct. White.
Chiricahua Milk-Spurge

Genus CNIDOSCOLUS
Cnidoscolus angustidens ______ SD (SW:56) Flowers May-Sep. White.
S: Mala Mujer (means "bad woman", referring to its sting)

Genus CROTON
Croton californicus ______ (NW:224)
California Croton

Croton californicus has also been called Desert Croton.
Croton pottsii ______ CD
Leatherleaf

Genus EUPHORBIA
Euphorbia antisyphilitica ______ CD (NW:222)
Candelilia
Euphorbia melanodenia ______
Black-gland Spurge
Euphorbia polycarpa ______
Small-seeded Spurge

Genus JATROPHA
Jatropha cardiophylla ______ SD
Limberbush (or Dragon's Blood) (both names also applied to several other species)
Jatropha dioica ______ CD
Leather Stem
S: Sangre de Grabo

Genus MANIHOT
Manihot angustiloba ______ SD (SW:142) Flowers Jun-Sep. Green.
Desert-Mountain Manihot

Family FABACEAE (Legumes. or Peas)

In the FABACEAE family, 3 genera of spiny desert shrubs (ACACIA, MIMOSA, and PROSOPSIS, the mesquites) resemble each other and can easily be confused.

Genus ACACIA (Acacias) (T)
Acacia angustissima ______ (NW:249)
Prairie Acacia

Acacia angustissima has been called Fern Acacia.

Acacia angustissima is a host plant for the butterflies: Eurema mexianca, the Mexican Yellow, Hemiargus ceranus, the Ceraunus Blue, Hemiargus isola, the Reakirt's Blue, Hemiargus ceraunus, the Ceraunus Blue.
Acacia constricta ______ SD
Whitethorn Acacia

Acacia constricta is a host plant for the butterflies: Eurema nice, the Mimosa Yellow, Hemiargus isola, the Reakirt's Blue.
Acacia farnesiana ______ CD (native to high deserts in Arizona, Texas, and Mexico; introduced in California)
S: Huisache
Acacia greggii ______ CD SD
Catclaw Acacia

Acacia greggi is a host plant for the butterfly: Leptotes marina, the Marine Blue.
Acacia rigidula ______ CD
Black Brush
S: Chaparro Brieto

Genus ASTRAGALUS
Astragalus allochrous (var. playanus) ______ SD (SW:142) Flowers Mar-May. Green.
Halfmoon Milk-vetch
Astragalus amphioxys ______
Crescent Milk-vetch

The Crescent Milk-vetch occurs in sand or gravelly soil in deserts.
Astragalus argillosus ______
Clay Locoweed
Astragalus arizonicus ______ SD (SW:90) Flowers Mar-May. Purple.
Arizona Milk-vetch
Astragalus coccineus ______ SD (NW:239) (SW:216) Flowers Mar-May. Red.
Scarlet Milk-vetch

Red flowers, a rare color in the genus, makes Astragalus coccineus favorable to hummingbirds.
Other names for the plant are Scarlet Locoweed and Crimson Woolly Pod.
Astragalus crotalariae ______ SD (SW:90) Flowers Jan-Apr. Purple.
Salton Milk-vetch
Astragalus insularis ______
Sand-flat Locoweed
Astragalus layneae ______ MD
Layne Locoweed
Astragalus lentiginosus ______ SD (NW:238) (SW:182) Flowers Mar-May. Yellow.
Freckled Milk-vetch

The Freckled Milkvetch is the most widespread and variable species of Astragalus, with more than 20 recognized varieties. Another name for it is Maricopa Milkvetch.

Astragalus lentiginosus occurs in deserts and on salt flats, but also higher on open slopes in mountains. It is a host plant for the butterfly: Colias alexandra, Queen Alexander's Sulphur.
Astragalus mollissimus ______
Woolly Locoweed
Astragalus praelongus ______
Stinky Milk-vetch
Astragalus preussii ______
Desert Milk-vetch
Astragalus purshii ______ (NW:239)
Pursh's Milk-vetch (or Pursh's Locoweed)

Genus CAESALPINIA
Caesalpinia virgata ______ SD (SW:182) Flowers Mar-May, sometimes Oct. Yellow.
Wand Holdback

Genus CALLIANDRA
Calliandra eriophylla ______ SD (SW:91) Flowers Feb-May, and again Aug-Sep after good rains.
Fairy Duster
S: Mesquitilla

Genus CASSIA (see SENNA)

Genera CERCIDIUM, PARKINSONIA (Palo Verdes) (T)
Parkinsonia aculeata ______ SD
Mexican Palo Verde
Cercidium floridum ______ SD (SW:183) Flowers Mar-May. Yellow.
Blue Palo Verde
S: Palo Verde Azul

"Palo Verde" is Spanish for "green tree'. Even when leafless, Cercidium species are conspicuously green in the brown desert, Photosynthesis occurs mostly in the bark rather than in the leaves, which conserve water through the reduction of surface area.
Cercidium microphyllum ______ SD
Foothill Palo Verde

Other names for Cercidium microphyllum are Little-leaved Palo Verde and Yellow Palo Verde.
Cercidium texanum ______ CD
Texas Palo Verde
S: Retoma China

Genus CERCIS
Cercis occidentalis (or Cercis canadensis orbiculata) ______
Western Redbud

Western Redbud is one of the handsomest shrubs in the foothills of the western US. It is commonly used as an ornamental, enjoyed for its masses of rose-pink flowers and its dense dark-green foliage that turns reddish in the fall.
Native Americans made baskets from the shredded bark, and extracts from the bark have been used medicinally.

Genus DALEA
Dalea (formerly Petalostemon) candida ______ (NW:243)
White Prairie Clover
Dalea albiflora ______
White Dalea

Dalea albiflora is a host plant for the butterfly: Colias cesonia, the Southern Dogface.
Dalea flavescens ______ PD
Navajo Prairie Clover
Dalea formosa ______
Feather Peabus (or Feather Plume)
Dalea mollis ______ SD(west) (SW:92) Flowers Jan-Apr. Pink-Purple.
Hairy Prairie Clover

Another name for Dalea mollis is Silk Dalea.
Dalea mollissima ______ SD(west)
Soft Prairie Clover
Dalea neomexicana ______ SD(east) (SW:56) Flowers Dec-Aug. White.
Downy Prairie Clover
Dalaea purpurea ______ CD (NW:243)
Purple Prairie Clover

Genus ERYTHRINA
Erythrina flabelliformis ______ SD (NW:234) (SW:217) Flowers Apr-May, sometimes Sep.
Western Coral Bean (or Indian Bean)
S: Chilicote

Erythrina flabelliformis is leafless and rather unattractive throughout the winter and into the early spring. It usually flowers on bare stems in early spring, and the leaves emerge in late spring.
The bright seeds, often used in Mexican necklaces, are deadly poisonous.

Plants in Erythrina are pollinated by the Lucifer Hummingbird, Calothorax lucifer.

Genus HOFFMANSEGGIA
Hoffmanseggia glauca ______ SD (NW:249) (SW:183) Flowers Apr-Sep. Yellow.
Waxy Rush-pea

Other names for Hoffmanseggia glauca are Hog Potato or Pig Nut..
S: Camote de Raton (means: "mouse's sweet potato")
Hoffmanseggia repens ______
Creeping Rush-Pea

Genus LOTUS
Lotus greenei ______ SD (SW:184) Flowers Mar-May, sometimes Aug. Yellow.
Greene's Bird's-foot Trefoil
Lotus rigidus ______ SD (SW:184) Flowers Feb-May. Yellow.
Broom Bird's-foot Trefoil

Other names for Lotus rigidus are Shrubby Deer-vetch, Desert Rock Pea or Bush Trefoil.
Lotus scoparius (var. brevialatus) ______ SD (SW:185) Flowers Mar-Aug. Yellow.
California Broom
Lotus strigosus (var. tomentellus) ______ SD (SW:186) Flowers Mar-Jun. Yellow.
Desert Bird's-foot Trefoil

Another name for Lotus strigosus is Desert Lotus.

Genus LUPINUS (Bluebonnets)
Lupinus argenteus ______ (NW:235)
Silvery Lupine

Lupinus argenteus is a host plant for the butterflies: Strymon melinus, the Gray Hairstreak, Lycaeides melissa, the Melissa Blue, Glaucopsyche lygdamus, the Silvery Blue, and Vanessa cardui, the Painted Lady.
Lupinus arizonicus ______ SD (SW:92) Flowers Jan-May. Magenta.
Arizona Lupine
Lupinus bicolor ______ (NW:235)
Miniature Lupine

Lupinus bicolor is a host plant for the butterflies: Colias eurytheme, the Orange Sulphur, Everes comyntas, the Eastern Tailed-Blue.
Lupinus brevicaulis ______
Short-stem Lupine
Lupinus concinnus ______ SD (SW:93) Flowers Mar-May. Purple.
Bajada Lupine

The Bajada Lupine occurs at sandy places below 5,000 feet elevation throughout the southwestern US and northwestern Mexico.
"Bajadas" are outwash fans, spreading from mountainsides downward. They are often sandy.
Lupinus havardii ______ CD (occurs only in the Big Bend region of west Texas)
Chisos Bluebonnet
Lupinus hirsutissimus ______ SD (NW:236)
Stinging Lupine

In a genus of lovely wildflowers, the Stinging Lupine is an unpleasant exception. Its stiff yellow hairs sting like nettles.
Lupinus pusillus ______
Dwarf Lupine
Lupinus sparsiflorus ______ SD (NW:235) (SW:121) Flowers Jan-May. Blue.
Arroyo Lupine

Other names for Lupinus sparsiflorus are Coulter's Lupine and Mojave Lupine.

In a year with ample fall and winter rains, the Arroyo Lupine carpets the floor of the southern Arizona desert, combining with Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata) for mile after mile of blue-violet, brick red, and brilliant yellow.

When traveling west along Interstate 8, near Gila Bend, one can notice a change from the blue of the Arroyo Lupine to the magenta of the Arizona Lupine, Lupinus arizonicus (above).

Genus MARINA
Marina parryi ______ SD (SW:122) Flowers Mar-Jun, and often Sep-Oct. Blue.
Parry's False Prairie-Clover

Genus MIMOSA
Mimosa biuncifera (ph) ______ CD SD
Cat's-Claw Mimosa
Mimosa dysocarpa ______ SD (SW:93) Flowers May-Sep. Pink-Purple.
Velvet-pod Mimosa
S: Gatuno

Mimosa dysocarpa occurs in dry, open areas from 3,300 to 6,500 feet above sea level, from southern Arizona to western Texas and in northern Mexico, including where the photograph below was taken in Sonora.

Velvet-pod Mimosa photographed during the FONT tour in Sonora, Mexico in August 2010
(photo by Marie Gardner)

Genus OLNEYA
Olneya tesota _______ SD
Ironwood (or Desert Ironweed)

Genus PARKINSONIA
Parkinsonia aculeata ______ SD
Mexican Palo Verde (or Jerusalem Thorn, Retama)

Genus PHASEOLUS
Phaseolus filiformis ______ SD (SW:94) Flowers mostly Jul-Sep, but all year.
Slim-Jim Bean

Genus PROSOPIS (Mesquites) (T)

Plants of the PROSOPIS genus are host plants for the butterflies: Leptotes marina, the Marine Blue. Apodemia palmeri, the Palmer's Metalmark.
Prosopis glandulosa (or Prosopis juliflora torreyana) ______ CD,SD
Honey Mesquite

Prosopis glandulosa is a host plant for the butterfly: Hemiargus ceraunus, the Ceraunus Blue.
Prosopis pubescens ______ CD
Screwbean
S: Tornillo

Prosopis pubescens is a host plant for the butterfly: Hemiargus ceranus, the Ceraunus Blue.
Prosopis velutina (or Prosopis juliflora velutina) ______ SD
Velvet Mesquite

Prosopis velutina is a host plant for the butterfly: Ministrymon leda, the Leda Ministreak.

Genus PSOROTHAMNUS
Psorothamnus arborescens ______
Mohave Indigobush
Psorothamnus emoryi ______ SD (SW:94) Flowers Mar-May. Pink-Purple.
White Indigobush

Another name for Psorothamnus emoryi is Emory's Smokebush. It is also known as the Dyebush.

A very small parasitic plant (an endoparasitic herb), the Thurber's Stemsucker, Pilostyles thurberi, in the family APODANTHACEAE, can be found with Psorothamnus emoryi.
Psorothamnus fremontii ______
Fremont Indigobush
Psorothamnus polydenius ______
Nevada Indigobush
Psorothamnus schottii ______ SD (SW:122) Flowers Mar-May. Blue.
Mesa Indigobush

Another name for Psorothamnus schottii is Schott's Smokebush.
Psorothamnus scoparius ______
Broom Indigobush

Psorothamnus scoparius is a host plant for the butterfly: Hemiargus isola, the Reakirt's Blue.
Psorothamnus spinosus ______ SD (SW:123) Flowers Apr-Jun. Blue.
Smoke Tree
S: Palo Cenizo

From a distance, a Smoke Tree looks gray and fluffy, like a puff of smoke.

Genus SENNA (or CASSIA)
Senna armata ______ SD (SW:186) Flowers Feb-May, sometimes Oct-Nov. Yellow.
Spiny Senna
Senna bauhinioides ______ (NW:248)
Two-leaf Senna

Another name for Senna bauhinioides is "Twinleaf".
Senna covesii ______ SD (SW:187) Flowers Apr-Oct. Yellow.
Desert Senna (also called Coue's Senna)
S; Daisillo Hojasen

Senna covesii is a host plant for the butterflies: Phoebis sennae, the Cloudless Sulphur, Eurema nicippe, the Sleepy Orange.
Senna durangensis ______
Two-leaved Senna
Senna hirsuta (var. glaberimma) ______ SD (SW:188) Flowers Jul-Sep. Yellow.
Slim-pod Senna
Senna lindheimeriana ______ (NW:248)
Lindheimer's Senna

Another name for Senna lindheimeriana has been the Chihuahua Senna.

Senna lindheimeriana is a host plant for the butterflies: Phoebis sennae, the Cloudless Sulphur, Eurema nicippe, the Sleepy Orange.
Senna roemeriana ______
Texas Senna

Family FONQUIERIACEAE (Ocotillos) (S)

Genus FOUQUIERIA
Fouquieria columnaris (or Idria columnaris) ______ SD
Boojum

Fouquieria columnaris grows up to 60 feet tall. It is endemic to central Baja California. Mexico.
Fouquieria splendens (ph) (*) ______ CD SD (SW:217) Flowers Mar-Jun, sometimes Oct-Nov. Red.
Ocotillo (or Coachwhip because it looks like many buggywhips stuck into the ground)

Fouquieria splendens is the most widespread species in its family.
It is a nectar source for the Costa's Hummingtbird, Calypte costae.

Above: a "forest" of Ocotillo, photographed during a FONT tour in the Sonoran Desert,
obviously when not in bloom
(photo by Doris Potter)

When Ocotillos are in full bloom, they have brilliant red flowers on the top of each stalk.

Below: at Ocotillo in bloom, an Anna's Hummingbird (photo by Dwight Molotsky)

Family FUMARIACEAE (Fumitory Family)

Genus CORYDALIS
Corydalis aurea ______ SD (SW:188) Flowers Feb-Jun. Yellow.
Scrambled Eggs

Family GENTIANACEAE (Gentians)

Genus CENTAURIUM
Centaurium calycosum ______
Centaury
S: Rosita

The brilliant pink corolla of Centaurium calycosum resembles that in the PHLOX species.

Family GERANIACEAE

Genus ERODIUM
Erodium cicutarium ______ SD (SW:93) Flowers Feb-Apr, to Jul at higher and more-northerly places.
Filaree
S: Alfilerillo

Another name for Erodium cicutarium is Redstem Stork's-bill. It is not native to North America, being from Europe. But in the southwest US, where there is spring moisture, it can be very common.
Erodium texanum ______ SD (SW:96) Flowers Feb-Apr. Purple.
Desert Stork's-bill

Other names for Erodium texanum are Heron's Bill, and Texas Storksbill. The plant is dependent on winter rains for good germination and growth.
In the Sonoran Desert, it is less common in the west than in the east.

Family HYDROPHYLLACEAE (Waterleaves)

Genus EMMENANTHE
Emmenanthe penduliflora ______ MD SD (NW:267) (SW:189) Flowers Mar-May. Yellow.
Whispering Bells

The dried-up corolla of Emmenanthe penduliflora remains on the plant as a tissue-paper-like bell that rustles in gentle breezes.

Emmenanthe penduliflora occurs in foothills.

Genus EUCRYPTA
Eucrypta micrantha ______ SD (SW:96) Flowers Feb-May. Purple.
Dainty Desert Hideseed

Eucrypta micrantha is common after winters with sufficient rain, but it is inconspicuous.

Genus HESPEROCHIRON
Hesperochiron pumilus ______ (NW:269)
Dwarf Hesperochiron

Genus NAMA
Nama aretioides ______ (NW:266)
Ground Nama

Other names for Nama aretiodes are Great Basin Nama and Purple Fiddleleaf.
Nama demissum ______ SD (NW:266) (SW:97) Flowers Feb-May. Purple.
Purple Mat
S: Morada

Another name for Nama demissum has been Desert Mat.
Nama havardii ______
Havard Nama
Nama hispidum ______ SD (SW:98) Flowers Feb-Jun, sometimes Oct.
Sandbells
S: Morada

Genus NEMOPHILA
Nemophila menziesii ______ (NW:268)
Baby Blue-eyes

Genus PHACELIA (a large, mostly western American, genus distinguished by bluish or purplish flowers in coils, usually with protruding stamens)
Phacelia calthifolia ______
Caltha-leaved Phacelia
Phacelia campanularia ______ SD (NW:264) (SW:124) Flowers Feb-Apr. Blue.
Desert Bell

In a spring following a wet winter, thousands of Desert Bells bloom, forming masses of deep rich blue.

Another name for Phacelia campanularia is Bluebell Phacelia.
Phacelia crenulata (var. ambigua) ______ SD (SW:99) Flowers Feb-Jun. Purple.
Notch-leaved Scorpion-weed

Another name for Phacelia crenulata is Notch-leaved Phacelia.
Phacelia distans ______ SD (NW:264) (SW:124) Flowers Feb-Jun. Blue.
Blue-eyed Scorpion Weed

Other names for Phacelia distans are Lace-leaved Phacelia or Wild Heliotrope.
Phacelia fremontii ______ (NW:265)
Fremont's Phacelia
Phacelia integrifolia ______
Scalloped Phacelia

Phacelia integrifolia occurs in rocky and sandy places in deserts and among pinyons and junipers.
Phacelia minor ______
California Bell

Phacelia minor occurs in southern California and northern Baja California.
Phacelia pedicellata ______ SD (SW:99) Flowers Mar-May. Purple.
Pinstalk Scorpionweed
Phacelia robusta ______
Robust Phacelia
Phacelia rotundifolia ______
Round-leaved Phacelia
Phacelia tanacetifolia ______
Tansy-leaved Phacelia

Genus PHOLISTOMA
Pholistoma auritum (var. arizonicum) ______ SD (SW:125) Flowers Feb-Apr, Blue
Arizona Fiesta Flower

Family KRAMERACEAE (Ratanies)

KRAMERIA is the only genus in this small family of 15 species.

Genus KRAMERIA
Krameria grayi ______ CD MD SD
White Ratany
Krameria erecta ______ SD (SW:100) Flowers Apr-Oct. Pink-Purple.
Pima Ratany

Other names for Krameria erecta are Range Ratany and Purple Heather.

Family LAMIACEAE (Mints)

Genus HYPTIS
Hyptis emoryi ______ (NW:278)
Desert Lavender

The Desert Lavender is generally an insect-pollinated plant, but it is also a nectar source for the Costa's Hummingbird, Calypte costae.

Genus MONARDELLA
Monardella macrantha ______
Red Monardella

Monardella macrantha occurs in southern California and Baja California. Monardella species are also called Mountain-balm.

Genus POLIOMINTHA
Poliomintha incana ______ CD MD PD (NW:290)
Hoary Rosemary-mat

Other names for Poliomintha incana are Purple-sage and Bush Mint.

Poliomintha incana is common in the Painted Desert. There are isolated populations in the Chihuahua and Mohave Deserts.

Genus SALAZARIA
Salazaria mexicana ______ GD SD (NW:288) (SW:126) Flowers Mar-Jun, often again Oct.
Mexican Bladder-sage

Salazaria mexicana occurs in deserts, commonly in washes.

Genus SALVIA
Salvia carduacea ______ SD (NW:288)
Thistle Sage

Salvia carduacea occurs in southern California and Baja California.
Salvia columbariae ______ SD (NW:288) (SW:126) Flowers Mar-May. Blue.
California Sage, or Chia (also a common name for several SALVIA species)

From the Chia, Native Americans made pinole, a meal ground from parched seeds. The seeds were also steeped in water to produce a thick sticky drink.
Salvia dorrii ______ GD (NW:288)
Purple Sage (or Gray-ball Sage. or Desert Sage)

It is Gray-ball, or Desert, Sage, not sagebrush, that is referred to in Zane Grey's classic western "Riders of the Purple Sage". It is a handsome plant, attractive in leaf as well as in flower.
Salvia funerea ______ SD (in hills & mountains around Death Valley, California & in adjacent Nevada)
Death Valley Sage
Salvia greggi ______ CD
Autumn Sage

The bright, vibrant, nearly red flowers of the Autumn Sage make it a favorite in the Big Bend region in western Texas.
The species is also popular in the Southwest US in cultivation, as its nectar-laden flowers attract hummingbirds into yards to feed.
Salvia henryi ______
Crimson Sage
Salvia lemmonii ______
Lemmon's Sage

Genus STACHYS
Stachys coccinea ______ SD (SW:218) Flowers Mar-Oct. Red.
Scarlet Hedge Nettle

Another name for Stachys coccinea is Texas Betony.

Scarlet Hedge Nettle does well in cultivation, blooming throughout the summer, and attracting hummingbirds.

Genus TRICHOSTEMA
Trichostema arizonicum ______ SD (SW:127) Flowers Jul-Oct. Blue.
Arizona Blue-curls

Family LENNOACEAE (Lennoas)

Genus PHOLISMA
Pholisma arenarium ______ SD (NW:295) (SW:101) Flowers Apr-Jul, sometimes Oct. Purple.
Scaly-stem Sand-plant

Other names for Pholisma arenarium are Desert Christmas-tree or Purple Pop-ups.
Pholisma sonorae ______ (NW:295)
Sand-food

Pholisma sonorae is mushroom-shaped, or mound-shaped if the stalk is buried in sand.

Family LILIACEAE (Lilies) (Agaves, Nolinas, and Yuccas have been included in this family.)

Genus ALLIUM
Allium macropetalum ______
Desert Wild Onion

Genus ANDROSTEPHIUM
Androstephium breviflorum ______
Small-flowered Hyacinth

Genus CALOCHORTUS
Calochortus ambiguus ______ SD (SW:57) Apr in Sonoran Desert, as late as Aug at higher elevations to the north. White.
Arizona Mariposa Lily
Calochortus gunnisonii (ph) ______
Gunnison's Mariposa Lily

The Gunnison's Mariposa Lily is one of the more widespread of the 70 or so species of Calochortus lilies.
It occurs in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and further north in Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota, Montana, and Idaho.
The flower in the photo below was photographed in Colorado.

Gunnison's Mariposa Lily
(photo by Sally Brady)
Calochortus kennedyi ______ SD (SW:219) Flowers Mar-May. Red.
Desert Mariposa Lily

Calochortus kennedyi occurs in open or brushy areas from Creosote Bush deserts to places with pinyons and junipers.

Genus DICHELOSTEMMA (or BRODIAEA)
Dichelostemma capitatum ______ SD (SW:102) Flowers Feb-May. Purple.
Desert Hyacinth
S: Coveria
Dichelostemma pauciflorum ______
Few-flowered Hyacinth

Genus EREMOCRINUM
Eremocrinum albomarginatum ______
Sand Lily (or Lonely Lily)

Eremocrinum albomarginatum is found in sandy soil. This plant occurs in some of the most sparsely populated parts of North America.

Genus HESPEROCALLIS (this genus name means "western beauty")
Hesperocallis undulata ______ SD (SW:58) Feb-May. White.
Desert Lily (or Ajo Lily)

The Desert Lily resembles a small commercial Easter Lily, and grows in harsh arid environments in the Southwest US.
These plants are conspicuous and easily seen as one drives along roads in the desert. the bulbs were once used by native Americans for food.
The Desert Lily is the only member in its genus.

Family LINACEAE (Flaxes)

Genus LINUM
Linum aristatum ______
Broom Flax
Linum pratense ______ SD (SW:128) Flowers Feb-Mar. Blue
Meadow Flax
Linum perenne ______
Blue Flax
Linum puberulum ______
Orange Flax
Linum vernale ______ CD (in rocky, limestone soil in deserts)
Chihuahua Flax

The Chihuahua Flax is a common species in parts of the Chihuahuan Desert. Only the very bases of the petals are joined, and when the corolla falls from the flower, breezes blow it across the ground like a fragile saucer.
This species is one of a number of western yellow-flowered species, most slender and wiry, and many without maroon centers in the flowers.

Family LOASACEAE (Stickleaves)

Genus CEVALLIA
Cevallia sinuata ______
Cevallia

Genus EUCNIDE
Eucnide urens ______ MD SD (SW:190) Flowers Apr-Sep. Yellow.
Desert Rock Nettle

Another name for Eucnide urens is Desert Stingbush.

Genus MENTZELIA
Mentzelia albicaulis ______
White-stemmed Blazing Star
Mentzelia desertorum ______
Desert Blazing Star
Mentzelia involucrata ______ SD (SW:190) Flowers Jan-May. Yellow.
Sand Blazing Star

Other names for Mentzelia involucata are Silver Blazing-Star and White-bracted Stickleaf.
Mentzelia jonesii ______ SD (SW:191) Flowers Feb-May. Yellow.
Jones' Blazing Star
Mentzelia multiflora ______ SD (SW:192) Flowers Feb-Oct. Yellow.
Adonis Blazing-Star
Mentzelia nitens ______ (sometimes included in Mentzelia albicaulis)
Venus Blazing Star
Mentzelia tricuspis ______ SD
Spiny-hair Blazing Star

The Spiny-hair Blazing Star occurs in southeastern California and western Arizona.
Mentzelia veatchiana ______
Small-flowered Blazing Star

Genus PETALONYX
Petalonyx thurberi ______
Sandpaper Plant

Family KOEBERLINIACEAE

Genus KOEBERLINIA
Koeberlinia spinosa ______ CD SD
Allthorn

Family MALPIGHIA

Genus JANUSIA
Janusia gracilis ______ SD (SW:192) Flowers Apr-Oct. Yellow.
Slender Janusia
S: Fermina

Another name for Janusia gracilis is Desert Vine. It may be so entangled in shrubs that it is nearly impossible to extricate.
Desert Tortoises feed on the plant.

A Desert Tortoise photographed during a FONT tour in southern Arizona
(photo by Marie Gardner)

Family MALVACEAE (Mallows) (W)

Genus ABUTILON
Abutilon malacum ______ SD (SW:193) Flowers Aug-Oct. Yellow.
Yellow Indian-Mallow

Genus ERIMALCHE

"Erimalche" means "lonely mallow", referring to the desert habitat.
Erimalche rotundifolia ______ MD SD (SW:102) Flowers Mar-May. Deep Pink.
Desert Five Spot

Genus GOSSYPIUM
Gossypium thurberi ______ SD (SW:59) Flowers Aug-Oct. White.
Thurber's Cotton
S: Algodoncillo

Genus HERISSANTIA
Herissantia crispa ______ SD (SW:193) Flowers Feb-Oct. Yellow.
Curly Bladder Mallow

Genus HIBISCUS (Rose Mallows)
Hibiscus coulteri ______ SD (SW:194) Flowers mostly Jul-Sep, but also other times. Yellow.
Desert Rose Mallow
Hibiscus denudatus ______ SD (SW:103) Flowers Jan-Oct. Deep Pink.
Rock Hibiscus

Other names for Hibiscus denudatus are Rock Rose Mallow and Pale Face.
Hibiscus trionum ______ (not-native to the US Southwest, from central Africa)
Flower-of-an-hour

Genus HORSFORDIA
Horsfordia alata ______ SD (SW:103) Flowers Mar-Oct. Pink.
Pink Velvet Mallow

Genus MALVELLA
Malvella leprosa ______ SD (SW:59) Flowers Mar-Oct. White.
Alkali Mallow

Another name for Malvella leprosa is Dollarweed. That name notwithstanding, the plant is considered a troublesome weed.

Genus SIDA
Sida abutifolia ______ SD (SW:195) Flowers Apr-Oct. Yellow.
Spreading Fanpetals
S: Buen Dia

Genus SPHAERALCEA Approximately 60 species of SPHAERALCEA globemallows are common on ranges in the western US. As a genus, they are easy to identify with their five commonly bright orange-red petals. But identification of particular species can be another matter.
Sphaeralcea ambigua ______ SD (SW:219) Flowers Mostly Mar-Apr, but much of the year.
Apricot Globemallow (or Desert Globemallow)

Sphaeralcea ambigua is a host plant for the butterfly: Vanessa cardui, the Painted Lady.
Sphaeralcea coccinea (ph) ______ GD
Caliche Globemallow (or Scarlet Globemallow)

Caliche Globemallow (or Scarlet Globemallow)
(photo by Doris Potter)
Sphaeraicea coulteri ______ SD (SW:220) Flowers Jan-May. Red.
Coulter's Globemallow

The Coulter's Globemallow is the only Sphaeraicea that is unquestionably an annual. It occurs on sandy desert flats.
Sphaeraicea leptophylla ______
Scaly Globemallow
Sphaeraicea polychroma ______
Polychrome Globemallow

Family MARTYNIACEAE (Unicorn Plants)

MARTYNIACEAE has been merged into PEDALIACEAE, the Seseme Family.

Genus PROBOSCIDEA (There are several species in the Southwest US, some with pink or magenta colored flowers)
Proboscidea althaeifolia (or altheaiefolia) ______ CD SD (SW:200) Flowers Jul-Sep. Yellow.
Desert Unicorn Plant
S: Una de Gato

Other names for Proboscidea althaeifolia are "Yellow Devil's Claw" and "Elephant Tusks".

As the plump fruit matures, it divides into halves, and its outer, fleshy layer peels off, revealing the hard inner portion of the fruit, the single horn of which splits into two "devil's claws".
Proboscidea louisianica ______ (NOT common west of Texas)
Common Unicorn Plant
Proboscidea parviflora ______ SD (SW:109) Flowers Apr-Oct. Pink-Purple.
Devil's Claw
S: Aguaro, or Cuernero

Other names for Proboscidea parviflora are Double Claw, and Unicorn Plant.

Family NYCTAGINACEAE (Four O'Clocks) (W)

Genus ABRONIA
Abronia angustifolia ______ SD(east) Flowers vibrant pink.
Narrow-leaf Sand Verbena
Abronia carnea ______
Winged Sand Verbena
Abronia elliptica ______
Snowball (or Sweet Sand Verbena)
Abronia fragrans ______
Fragrant Sand Verbena (or "Heart's Delight")
Abronia villosa ______ SD (SW:104) Flowers Feb-May. Purple.
Sticky Sand Verbena (or Desert Sand Verbena)

Genus ACLEISANTHES
Acleisanthes longiflora ______
Angel Trumpets

Angel Trumpets occur in dry rocky soil, sand, deserts.

Genus ALLIONIA
Allionia incarnata (var. villosa) ______ CD SD (SW:105) Flowers Apr-Oct. Purple.
Trailing Four O'Clock
S: Hierba de la Hormiga

Other names for Allionia incarnata are Trailing Windmills, Trailing Allionia, Umbrella-wort.

Allionia incarnata (var. incarnata) often grows in the same area as Allionia incarnata (var. villosa).
Allionia incarnata (var. incarnata) has smaller flower clusters.

Genus ANULOCAULIS
Anulocaulis leiosolenus ______
Southwestern Ringstem

Genus BOERBARVIA
Boerbarvia coccinea ______ SD (SW:106) Flowers Apr-Nov. Purplish.
Scarlet Spiderling

Genus MIRIBILIS
Miribilis bigelovii ______
Wishbone Four o'Clock
Miribilis coccinea ______
Red Four o'Clock
Miribilis froebelii ______
Desert Four o'Clock

Miribilis froebelii occurs in desert scrub, dry grasslands, and pinyon woods.
Miribilis laevis (var. villosa) ______ SD (SW:60) Flowers Mar-Oct. White.
Desert Wishbone-bush

Miribilis laevis (var. retrorsa) ______
Nevada Wishbone-bush

Flowers of Miribilis laevis open in the evening, close in the morning, each lasting only 1 night.
Miribilis longiflora ______
Sweet Four o'Clock
S: Maravilla (meaning "marvelous", which the flowers certainly are)
meaning "marvelous", which the flowers certainly are)
Miribilis melanotricha ______
Mountain Four o'Clock
Miribilis mulitflora ______ SD (SW:106) Flowers Apr-Sep. Pink-Purple.
Showy Four o'Clock
S: Maravilla (meaning "marvelous" as also noted above for Miribilis longiflora)

Other names for Miribilis multiflora are Large Four o'Clock, Colorado Four o'Clock, Desert Four o'Clock.

Genus NYCTAGINIA
Nyctaginia capitata ______
Scarlet Muskflower

Family OLEACEAE (Olives)

Genus MENODORA
Menodora scabra ______ CD MD SD (SW:195) Flowers Mar-Sep. Yellow.
Rough Menodora

Other names for Menodora scabra include Broom Menodora and Twinberry.

\
Menodora spinescens ______
Ground-Thorn

Family ONAGRACEAE (Evening Primroses)

Genus CALYLOPHUS
Calylophus hartwegii ______ CD
Calylophus

Genus CAMISSONIA
Camissonia brevipes ______ SD (SW:196) Flowers Feb-May. Yellow.
Golden Suncup

Other names for Camissonia brevipes are Desert Primrose, or simply Suncup.
Camissonia boothii ______
Booth Evening Primrose
Camissonia californica ______ SD (SW:196) Flowers Mar-May. Yellow.
California Suncup
Camissonia cardiophylla ______ SD (SW:197) Flowers Feb-May. Yellow.
Heartleaf Suncup
Camissonia claviformis ______ GD MD PD SD (SW:60) Flowers Feb-Apr, sometimes also Oct-Nov. White.
Club-fruited Evening Primrose
Camissonia eastwoodiae ______ PD (often grows with Mat Saltbush)
Painted Desert Evening Primrose
Camissonia graciliflora ______ GD MD (on upper slopes of hills)
Hill Suncap
Camissonia refracta ______ MD(mostly northern) SD (SW61) Flowers Mar-May. White.
Narrow-leaved Evening Primrose

Another name for Camissonia refracta is Narrowleaf Suncup.
Camissonia strigulosa (dentata) ______ MD SD
Tooth-leaved Evening Primrose

Genus EPILOBIUM
Epilobium canum (was Zauschneria canum) ______ SD (SW:221) Flowers Jun-Dec. Red.
Hummingbird's Trumpet

Another name for Epilobium canum is California Fire Chalice. It is also called California Fuchsia because its flowers resemble Fuchsia, a popular ornamental in the same family.

Genus GAURA
Gaura coccinea ______
Scarlet Gaura
Gaura lindheimeri ______ CD
Prairie Gaura

Genus OENOTHERA Recent studies have shown that many of the species in the once-larger OENOTHERA genus are better placed in smaller closely-related genera. Thus, some are now in CAMISSONIA. Those plants with four style branches forming a cross remain in OENOTHERA.)

Flowers of most OENOTHERA species are fragrant and open in the late afternoon, remaining open through the night. Nocturnal HAWKMOTHS are attracted by the sweet fragrance and hover over the flowers while probing for the abundant nectar concealed at the base of the long floral tube. Only the HAWKMOTHS with their long proboscis can reach the nectar.
Oenothera albicaulis ______ CD PD
White-stemmed Evening Primrose
Oenothera caespitosa ______
Fragrant Evening Primrose
Oenothera californica ______ MD(mostly) SD (SW:61) Flowers Feb-May. White.
California Evening Primrose
Oenothera deltoides ______ MD SD (SW:62) Flowers Feb-Jun. White.
Dune Evening Primrose

Other names for Oenothera deltoides are Basket Evening Primrose, Birdcage Evening Primrose, Devil's Lantern, "Lion-in-a-Cage".
It occurs in sandy deserts.
Oenothera pallida ______ GD
Pale Evening Primrose
Oenothera primiveris ______ SD (SW:198) Flowers Feb-May. Yellow.
Yellow Desert Evening Primrose

Another name for Oenothera primiveris is Early Evening Primrose.

Family OROBANCHACEAE (Broomrapes)

Genus CASTILLEJA (Paintbrushes) this genus was in the family SCROPHULARIACEAE

Most Paintbrushes are partial parasites on other plants, their roots connecting with roots of other species. For this reason, they usually cannot be transplanted and are difficult to grow from seeds.
Most Paintbrushes are bright red, but a few are yellow.

Plants in Castilleja are pollinated by the Lucifer Hummingbird, Calothorax lucifer.
Castilleja angustifolia (by some combined with Castilleja chromosa) ______ GD
Narrow-leaf Paintbrush

Castilleja angustifolia is found in dry, open soil, often in sagebrush.
Castilleja chromosa ______ GD MD PD SD(north) (SW:224) Flowers Mar-Apr, at higher places until Aug. Red.
Desert Paintbrush

The Desert Paintbrush occurs in rocky areas, up to 8,000 feet above sea level in the western US.

Castilleja chromosa is a host plant for the butterfly: Euphydryas chalcedrona, the Variable Checkerspot.
Castilleja exserta (was Orthocarpus purpurascens) ______ SD (NW:539) (SW:114) Flowers Mar-May. Purple.
Purple Owl's-clover (or Common Owl-clover)
S: Escobita (means "little broom", describing the flower cluster)

Castilleja exserta is found in fields, deserts, and open wooded areas.

The coloration of the lower corolla lobes of Castilleja exserta varies. Some races may ahve white tips, others purple. Occasionally plants have white bracts.
Castilleja lanata ______ SD (SW:225) Flowers Nov-Mar, and at higher elevations in the summer and early fall. Red.
Woolly Indian Paintbrush

Another name for Castilleja lanata is White-felted Paintbrush.

Castilleja lanata is a host plant for the butterflies: Euphydryas chalcedrona, the Variable Checkerspot, Chlosyne theona, the Theona Checkerspot, Chlosyne fulvia, the Fulvia Checkerspot, Chlosyne leanira, the Leanira Checkerspot.
Castilleja sessiliflora ______ (NW:537)
Great Plains Paintbrush

Another name for Castilleja sessiliflora is Downy Indian-paintbrush.

Genus OROBANCHE
Orobanche cooperi latiloba ______ SD (SW:107) Flowers Jan-May. Purple.
Desert Broomrape
S: Flor de Tierra

Another name for Orobanche cooperi is Cooper's Spike Broomrape.

Family PAPAVERACEAE (Poppies) (W)

Genus ARCTOMECON
Arctomecon merriamii ______
Great Desert Poppy (or Great Bear Poppy, White Bear Poppy)

Arctomecon merriamii has 6 white petals, and many yellow stamens.
Arctomecon humilis ______
Little Desert Poppy

Arctomecon merriamii has 4 white petals. it occurs in southwest Utah & northwest Arizona.
Arctomecon californica ______
Yellow Desert Poppy

Arctomecon californica has 6 yellow petals. It occurs in southern Nevada & northwest Arizona.

Genus ARGEMONE
Argemone albiflora (ph) ______ GD MD PD SD (SW:63) Flowers mostly Jul-Sep, but much of the year. White.
White Prickly Poppy
S: Chiclote

White Prickly Poppy photographed during a FONT tour in Arizona in August 2010
(photo by Marie Gardner)
Argemone polyanthemos ______
Prickly Poppy
Argemone sanguinea ______ Flowers Feb-Apr.
Red Prickly Poppy
Argemone squarrosa ______ CD
Rough Prickly Poppy

Genus ESCHSCHOLZIA
Eschscholzia californica ______
California Gold Poppy

Eschscholzia californica mexicana (ph) ______ SD (SW:198) Flowers Jan-May. Yellow.
Mexican Gold Poppy
S: Amapola del Campo (means "poppy of the countryside")

Generally said to be a subspecies of the California Gold Poppy, the Mexican Gold Poppy is sometimes considered a desert-inhabiting species. The two are exceedingly similar.
When there are ample winter rains in the desert, the Mexican Gold Poppy grows in profusion, covering gravelly outwash fans and arid flats with a golden carpet.

Mexican Gold Poppy, photographed during a FONT tour in southern Arizona
(photo by Risë Hill)
Eschscholzia glyptosperma ______ SD (SW:199) Flowers Feb-May. Yellow.
Desert Golden-poppy
Eschscholzia minutiflora ______ SD (SW:199) Flowers Feb-May. Yellow.
Pygmy Golden-poppy (or Little Golden-poppy)
Eschscholzia parishii ______
Parish Poppy

Genus PLATYSTEMON (only 1 species)
Platystemon californicus ______ GD MD SD (SW:63) Flowers: Mar-May. White.
Creamcups

Platystemon californicus occurs in fine, gravelly soils of desert mountains.

Family PASSIFLORACEAE

Genus PASSIFLORA

Some members of the PASSIFLORA genus are host plants for the butterfly: Agraulis vanillae, the Gulf Fritillary.
Passiflora foetida ______ SD (SW:108) Flowers Aug-Sep. Pink-Purple.
Scarlet-fruit Passionflower
S: Corona de Cristo

The spectacular flowers of Passiflora foetida open before dawn and close early in the morning.
Passiflora mexicana ______ SD (SW:143) Flowers Jul-Sep. Green, red, yellow.
Mexican Passionflower

The Mexican Passionflower may festoon trees, and when in flower they may fill the air with the delicate scent of mothballs.
Passiflora tenuiloba ______
Green Passionflower

The Green Passionflower is a vine that climbs over shrubs and grasses on hillsides. Its stems reach 7 feet in length.

Family PLANTAGINACEAE (Plantains)

Genus PLANTAGO
Plantago ovata ______
Blond Plantain

Plantago ovata is common at lower elevations in deserts than Plantago patagonica (below).
Plantago patagonica (purshii) ______ SD (SW:144) Flowers Feb-May. Green.
Woolly Plantain

Other names for Plantago patagonica are Pursh Plantain and Woolly Indianwheat.

Family POLEMONIACEAE (Phloxes)

Genus ALICIELLA
Aliciella latifolia (was Gilia latifolia) ______ SD (SW:110) Flowers Mar-May. Pink.
Broad-leaved Gilia

Genus ERIASTRUM
Eriastrum diffusum ______ SD (SW:128) Flowers Mar-Jun. Blue.
Miniature Woolstar

Another name for Eriastrum diffusum is Diffuse Eriastrum.
Eriastrum eremicum ______ SD (SW:129) Flowers Mar-Jun. Blue.
Desert Woolstar

Another name for Eriastrum eremicum is Desert Eriastrum.
Eriastrum pluriflorum ______
Many-flowered Woolstar

Genus GILIA
Gilia brecciarum ______
Great Basin Gilia
Gilia cana ______
Mohave Gilia
Gilia flavocincta flavocinta ______ SD (SW:111) Flowers Feb-May. Purple.
Arizona Yellow-throat Gilia
Gilia gunnisonii ______
Gunnison Gilia
Gilia latiflora ______
Broad-flowered Gilia
Gilia scopulorum ______ SD (SW:111) Flowers Mar-Apr. Purple.
Rock Gilia
Gilia subnuda ______
Carmine Gilia

Genus IPOMOPSIS (or GILIA)
Ipomopsis longiflora (ph) ______ GD SD Flowers Mar-Oct.
Ipomopsis longiflora australis ______ SD (SW:129)
Ipomopsis longiflora longiflora ______ GD northern and eastern subspecies with capsule much longer than calyx
Pale Trumpets

Other names for Ipomopsis longiflora are Paleflower Skyrocket and Long-flowered Gilia.

Pale Trumpets
(photo by Doris Potter)

Genus LANGLOISIA
Langloisia punctata ______ MD
Lilac Sunbonnet
Langloisia setoissima setoissima ______ SD (SW:112) Flowers Feb-Jun. Purple.
Bristly Calico

Other names for Langloisia setoissima are Spotted Langloisia, Lilac Sunbonnet, or Bristly Gilia.

Genus LEPTODACTYLON
Leptodactylon californicum ______ (in southern California)
Prickly Phlox

Genus LINANTHUS
Linanthus aurens ______ CD GD MD SD (SW:201) Flowers Mar-Jun. Yellow.
Golden Desert Trumpets

Other names for Linanthus aurens are Desert Gold and Golden Gilia. It occurs on desert floors and sandy slopes. It may be so common as to color broad swatches of ground a brilliant yellow.

The subspecies Linanthus aurens decorus is found in the same area as Linnanthis auren aurens, but usually not mixed with it. Decorus has white or cream corollas with the tube maroon in the upper part.
Linanthus demissus ______ SD (SW:64) Flowers Mar-May. White.
Desert Snow

Another name for Linanthus demissus has been Humble Gilia.

Genus LOESELIASTRUM (or LANGLOISIA)
Loeseliastrum matthewsii ______ MD SD (SW:112) Flowers Apr-Jun. Purple.
Desert Calico
Loeseliastrum schottii ______ SD (SW:64) Flowers Mar-May. White.
Schott's Calico

Another name for Loeseliastrum schottii has been Schott's Gilia.

Genus PHLOX
Phlox longifolia ______
Long-leaved Phlox
Phlox nana ______
Dwarf Phlox
Phlox tennifolia ______ SD (SW:65) Flowers Mar-Apr, sometimes also Oct. White.
Santa Catalina Mountain Phlox

Another name for Phlox tennifolia is Slender-leaved Phlox.

Family POLYGALACEAE (Milkworts)

Genus POLYGALA
Polygala alba ______
White Milkwort
Polygala macradenia ______ CD SD (SW:113) Flowers Apr-Jul, sometimes again in Sep. Purple.
Gland-leaf Milkwort

Another name for Polygala macradenia is Gland-spotted Milkwort. It occurs on rocky slopes.
Polygala subspinosa ______ GD PD
Spiny Milkwort

Family POLYGONACEAE (Buckwheats)

Genus CHORIZANTHE ("Spine-Flowers")
Chorizanthe brevicornu ______ SD (SW:145) Flowers Mar-May. Green.
Brittle Spineflower
Chorizanthe rigida ______ SD (SW:146) Flowers Mar-May. Green.
Devil's Spineflower

Another name for Chorizanthe rigida is Spiny-herb.

Genus ERIOGONUM
Eriogonum abertianum (var. abertianum) ______ SD (SW:65) Flowers Mar-Sep. White.
Abert's Wild Buckwheat
Eriogonum annum ______ CD
Annual Buckwheat

Eriogonum annum is the showiest of the Eriogonum species. In the Chihuahuan Desert, it replaces the Desert Trumpet.
Eriogonum bicolor ______ PD
Bicolored Buckwheat
Eriogonum deflexum ______ SD (SW:66) Flowers mostly Jul-Sep, but most of the year. White.
Flat-topped Buckwheat

Another name for Eriogonum deflexum is Flat-topped Skeleton-weed.
Eriogonum fasciculatum ______ SD (SW:67) Flowers Apr-Dec. White.
California Buckwheat

Another name for Eriogonum fasciculatum is Mohave Buckwheat.

Eriogonum fasciculatum is a host plant for the butterflies: Euphilotes battoides centralis, the Square-spotted Blue, Lycaena heteronea, the Blue Copper, Apodemia mormo mejicana, the Mormon Metalmark.
Eriogonum inflatum ______ GD MD PD SD (SW:201) Flowers Mar-Jul, sometimes Sep-Oct. Yellow.
Desert Trumpet
S: Guinagua

Other names for Eriogonum inflatum are Bladder Stem, Indianpipe Weed, Skeleton Weed.

Eriogonum inflatum is a host plant for the butterfly: Apodemia mormo mejicana, the Mormon Metalmark.

The Desert Trumpet is the best known of the Eriogonum species.
Eriogonum ovalifolium ______ GD
Cushion Buckwheat
Eriogonum wrigthtii ______ SD
Wright's Wild Buckwheat

Genus POLYGONUM
Polygonum lapathifolium ______ SD (SW:67) Flowers Apr-Oct. White.
Willow Weed

Genus RUMEX
Rumex hymenosepalus ______ CD GD MD PD(where most abundant) SD (SW:221) Flowers Mar-Apr. Red.
Desert Rhubarb (or Canaigre)
S: Cana Agria

Another name for Rumex hymenosepalus is Sand Dock.

Rumex hymenosepalus is a host plant for the butterflies: Lycaena rubidus, the Ruddy Copper, Lycaena helloides, the Purpish Copper.

Family PORTULACACEAE (Purslanes)

Genus CALANDRINA
Calandrina ciliata ______ SD (SW:113) Flowers Feb-Apr. Reddish-purple.
Red Maids

Genus PORTULACA

Occurs worldwide, in temperate and tropical regions, with about 200 species.
Portulaca oleracea ______ SD (SW:202) Flowers Jul-Sep. Yellow.
Purslane
S: Verdolaga

Another name for Portulaca oleracea is Little Hogweed.
Portulaca mundula ______ CD
Chisme

Portulaca mundula is very similar to the Western Sea Purslane, Sesuvium verrucosum.
Portulaca suffrutescens ______ SD (SW:222) Flowers Jul-Sep. Orange-red.
Copper Purslane

Of the native Portulaca, the Copper Purslane has the largest flowers, which open as the morning warms and close about mid-day.

AN EDIBLE PLANT:
Indigenous people in the American Southwest once used seeds from Portulaca suffrutescens and others in the genus to make mush and bread.
Portulaca umbraticola (var. coronata) ______ SD (SW:223) Flowers Aug-Sep. Red.
Crownpod Purslane

Although it can be common, the Crownpod Purslane is often overlooked. The plant germinates and matures rapidly after summer rains, and the small but showy flowers open in the morning and close by mid-day.

Genus TALINUM
Talinum aurantiacum ______ SD (SW:202) Flowers Jul-Sep. Yellow-orange.
Orange Flameflower
Talinum brevifolium ______
Pygmy Talinum

Family RANUNCULACEAE (Buttercups)

Genus ANEMONE
Anemone tuberosa ______ SD (SW:68) Flowers Feb-Apr. White.
Desert Anemone

Genus AQUILEGIA
Aquilegia chrysantha ______ SD (SW:203) Flowers Apr-Sep. Yellow.
Golden Columbine

Genus CLEMATIS
Clematis drummondii ______ SD (SW:68) Flowers Mar-Sep. White.
Texas Virgin's Bower
S: Barba de Chivato
Clematis hirsutissima ______
Vase Flower (or Sugar Bowls, Leather Flower)
Clematis ligusticifolia ______
White Virgin's Bower (or Pipestems, Traveler's Joy)

Genus DELPHINIUM
Delphinium a. andersonii ______ GD
Delphinium abdersonii scaposum ______ MD PD SD
Anderson Larkspur
Delphinium parishii ______ SD (SW:130) Flowers Feb-Apr, to Jun in higher elevations. Blue.
Parish's Larkspur

Delphinium parishii has been called Desert Larkspur.

Family RHAMNACEAE (Buckthorns)

Genus CEANOTHUS
Ceanothus greggi ______ PD
Desert Mountain Lilac

Ceanothus greggi is a host plant for the butterfly: Satyrium saepium, the Hedgerow Hairstreak.
Ceanothus intergerrimus ______
Deer Brush

Ceanothus intergerrimus is a host plant for the butterflies: Celastrina ladon, the Spring Azure, Nymphalis californica, the California Tortoiseshell.
It occurs on dry slopes in chaparral and open forests.

Genus CONDALIA
Condalia warnockii ______ CD SD
Mexican Crucillo
S: Abrojo

Genus ZIZIPHUS (closely related to CONDALIA)
Ziziphus obtusifolia ______ CD MD SD
Graythorn

Family ROSACEAE (Roses)

Genus CERCOCARPUS
Cercocarpus intricatus ______
Dwarf Mountain Mahogony

Genus COLEOGYNE
Coleogyne ramosissima ______ PD
Blackbrush

Genus FALLUGIA
Fallugia paradoxa ______
Apache Plume

Genus PURSHIA (or Cowania)
Purshia mexicana ______
Cliff Rose

Family RUBIACEAE (Madder, or Coffee Family)

Genus BOUVARDIA
Bouvardia ternifolia ______ SD (SW:224) Flowers May-Oct. Red.
Fire-cracker Bush
S: Trompetilla

Another name for Bouvardia ternifolia is Scarlet Trumpet.

Bouvardia tenifolia is found by the upper limits of the Sonaran Desert, on cooler, brushy slopes in mountains.
In southern Arizona, western Texas, and northern Mexico, it occurs between 3,000 and 9,000 feet above sea level.

Genus HEDYOTIS (or HOUSTONIA)
Hedyotis acerosa ______
Needle-leaf Hedyotis

Family RUTACEAE (Citrus, or Rue)

Genus THAMNOSMA
Thamnosma montana ______ SD (SW:131) Flowers Feb-Apr. Blue.
Turpentine Broom

Family SAURURACEAE (Lizard Tails)

Genus ANEMOPSIS
Anemopsis californica ______ SD (SW:69) Flowers May-Aug. White.
Yerba Mansa (taken from the Spanish name)
S: Yerba Mansa

MEDICINAL PLANT:
The aromatic Yerba Mansa root has been put to many medicinal uses: treatment of abrasions, cut, and burns; a cure for a variety of gastrointestinal upsets; a poultice for rheumatism; and a tonic for blood purification.

Anemopsis california occurs in low, moist, saline, or alkaline places.

Family SAPINDACEAE (Soapberries)

Genus DODONAEA
Dodonaea viscosa angustifolia (or Dodonaea angustifolia) ______ SD
Hopbush

Genus SAPINDUS (T)
Sapindus drummondii ______ CD (in canyons, along streambanks, & on dry limestone outcrops)
Western Soapberry

Family SCROPHULARIACEAE (Snapdragons, or Figworts)

Genus ANTIRRHINUM
Antirrhinum coulterianum ______
White Snapdragon

White Snapdragon is found on brushy flats and on slopes with loose soil.
Antirrhinum filipes ______
Yellow Twining Snapdragon

Yellow Twining Snapdragon occurs in sandy deserts.

Genus COLLINSIA

There are about 20 species in this genus.
Collinsia heterophylla ______ (occurs in sandy soil on shaded flats or slopes)
Purple Chinese Houses (or Innocence)

Few of California's spectacular wildflowers are as charming as the Purple Chinese Houses. The flowers grow in perfect rings around the stem, together forming a fairy-tale pagoda, the "Chinese Houses".

Genus CORDYLANTHUS
Cordylanthus wrightii ______ PD
Wright Bird's -beak

Genus KECKIELLA
Keckiella antirrhinoides ______ SD (SW:204) Flowers Mar-May. Yellow.
Chaparral Bush-beardtongue

Another name for Keckiella antirrhinoides is Bush Penstemon.

Keckiella antirrhinoides is a host plant for the butterfly: Euphydryas chalcedona, the Variable Checkerspot.

Genus LEUCOPHYLLUM
Leucophyllum frutescens ______ (in rocky, limestone plains, brushlands, and deserts)
Texas Silver Leaf, Purple Sage
S: Cenizo

As one travels across Texas near the Mexican border, the olive-green of the Creosote Bush gives way to the gray of the Texas Silver Leaf, with its display of bright pink-lavender flowers. They burst into bloom for only a few days at a time, in the summer and fall, depending on rainfall.
Leucophyllum unius ______ CD
Big Bend Silver Leaf

Genus MAURANDELLA

A member of this genus, the Little Snapdragon Vine, that occurs in or near desert areas is in the list that follows of Trees, Shrubs, & Plants at Higher Places, "Islands in the Sky".
Maurandella antirrhiniflora ______ SD (SW:115) Flowers Apr-Oct. Purple.
Violet Twining Snapdragon

Another name for Maurandella antirrhiniflora is Roving Sailor.
Maurandella wislizenii ______ CD (ranging west into Arizona) (among shrubs & on dunes)
Dune Snapdragon Vine (or Net-cup Snapdragon Vine)

Genus MIMULUS
Mimulus bigelovii ______ SD (SW:115) Flowers Mar-Jun. Purple.
Yellow-throat Monkey-flower

Another name for Mimulus bigelovii is Bigelow Monkey Flower.
Mimulus cardinalis ______ SD (SW:225) Flowers Mar-Oct. Red.
Crimson Monkey-flower
Mimulus guttatus ______ SD (SW:204) Flowers Mar-Sep. Yellow.
Yellow Monkey-flower

Mimulus guttatus is also called the Common Monkey-flower.
Mimulus parryi ______
Parry Monkey-flower

Genus MOHAVEA
Mohavea breviflora ______ MD
Short-flowered Mohavea
Mohavea confertiflora ______ MD SD (SW:205) Flowers Feb-Apr. Yellow.
Ghost Flower

Mohavea confertiflora is also called the Mohave Flower. It occurs in desert washes and on rocky slopes.

As true for so many desert annuals, the occurrence and abundance of the Ghost Flower varies with rainfall.

Genus NEOGAERRHINUM
Neogaerrhinum filipes ______ SD (SW:206) Flowers Feb-May. Yellow.
Yellow Twining Snapdragon

The Yellow Twining Snapdragon is extremely inconspicuous, but once it is noticed among shrubs in a wash, others can often be found nearby.

Genus NUTTALLANTHUS
Nuttallanthus canadensis ______
Blue Toadflax (or Old-field Toadflax)
Nuttallanthus texanus ______ SD (SW:131) Flowers Feb-May. Blue.
Texas Toadflax

The Texas Toadflax is similar to the Blue Toadflax, but it is less common in the Southwest US.
Its flowers and seeds are larger.

Genus PENSTEMON
Penstemon accuminatus ______
Sand-dune Penstemon
Penstemon clevelandii ______
Cleveland Penstemon
Penstemon confusus ______
Mistaken Penstemon
Penstemon eatonii ______ SD (SW:226) Flowers Feb-Jun. Red.
Firecracker Penstemon

Another name for Penstemon eatonii is Eaton's Firecracker.
Penstemon palmeri ______
Scented Penstemon
Penstemon parryi ______ SD (SW:116) Flowers Feb-Apr. Purple.
Parry's Beardtongue

Another name for Penstemon parryi is Parry Penstemon.

The Parry Penstemon, a handsome species, is commonly included in highway seeding mixes. And so, its range has expanded. Along highways, it's possible to see spectacular splashes of color from this species, against grasses still brown from winter.
Penstemon parryi occurs on grassy or brushy slopes and flats.
Penstemon pseudospectabilis ______ SD (SW:116) Flowers Feb-May. Reddish-purple.
Rosy Desert-Beardtongue

Another name for Penstemon pseudospectabilis is High-Desert Penstemon. The plant occurs on arid slopes and in washes, up to 7,000 feet above sea level.
Penstemon speciisus ______
Showy Penstemon
Penstemon subulatus ______ SD (SW:226) Flowers Feb-May. Red.
Arizona Scarlet-bugler
Penstemon superbus ______ in southeast Arizona
Superb Beardtongue
Penstemon utahensis ______
Utah Penstemon

Family SIMMONDSIACEAE (Jojobas)

Genus SIMMONDSIA
Simmondsia chinensis ______ SD
Jojoba
S: Jojoba

Family SOLANACEAE (Nightshades)

Genus CHAMAESARACHA
Chamaesarachia coronopus ______ SD (SW:69) Flowers Apr-Sep. White.
Green-leaf Five-Eyes

Another name for Chamaesarachia coronopus has been False Nightshade.

EDIBLE PLANT:

The tiny berries of Chamaesarachia coronopus were eaten by native Americans.
Chamaesaracha sordida ______
Hairy Five-eyes

Another name for Chamaesaracha sordida has been Dingy Chamaesaracha.

Chamaesaracha species generally are common but not conspicuous. The corollas are dull, and the foliage often has an earthen hue.

Genus DATURA (Thornapples) (W)
Datura wrightii (or Datura meteloides) (ph) ______ GD SD (SW:70) Flowers May-Oct. White.
Sacred Thornapple
S: Toloache

Another name for Datura wrightii has been Downy Thornapple.

The Sacred Thornapple is unusual in its genus in that it is a perennial.

Two photographs of the Sacred Thornapple. Below, in bloom.
(both photos by Doris Potter)
Datura innoxia ______
Thornapple

Some botanists consider Datura innoxia as part of Datura wrightii. Extracts from both of these plants, and their other relatives, are narcotic and, when improperly prepared, lethal. The narcotic properties have been recorded throughout history. They once figured importantly in religious ceremonies of Native Americans in the Southwest US.
Datura discolor ______ SD (an annual)
Desert Thornapple
Datura stramonium ______ SD (an annual)
Jimson Weed (This common name is a corruption of "Jamestown Weed", so named because the plant grew near the homes of the Jamestown (Virginia) colonists.)

The Jimson Weed was originally from Mexico. The plant was carried throughout much of the world for medicinal use.
The fruit has many small spines and does not hang. The corolla is only about 3 inches long.

Genus LYCIUM
Lycium andersonii ______
Anderson Wolfberry
Lycium fremontii ______ SD
Fremont Desert-Thorn (or Wolfberry, Boxthorn)
Lycium p. pallidum ______ CD GD PD SD
Lycium pallidum oligospermum ______ MD
Pale Desert-Thorn
Lycium torreyi ______
Torrey Wolfberry
S: Tomatilla

Genus NICOTIANA

All of these "Tobaccos" are poisonous. They are so strong-smelling and distasteful that livestock, and other animals, usually avoid them.
Nicotiana glauca ______ SD (SW:207) Flowers mostly May-Sep, but throughout the year. Yellow.
Tree Tobacco
S: Tabaco Amarillo, or Don Juan

The Tree Tobacco is a native plant of South America; now widespread in parts of the western US & into Mexico.
Nicotiana obtusifolia ______ SD (SW:71) Flowers mostly Mar-Apr and Aug-Oct, but throughout the year. White.
Desert Tobacco
S: Tabaquillo (meaning "little tobacco"), also called Punche ("a punch")

The Desert Tobacco smoked, still to this day, by Native Americans in traditional ceremonies.
Nicotiana attenuata ______
Coyote Tobacco

Genus PHYSALIS (Ground Cherries) (W)
Physalis acutifolia ______ SD (SW:71) Flowers Jun-Sep. White.
Sharp-leaf Groundcherry
Physalis crassifolia ______ SD (SW:207) Flowers Mar-May. Yellow.
Yellow Groundcherry
S: Tomatillo del Desierto

Another name for Physalis crassiflia is Thick-leaf Groundcherry.
Physalis hederifolia ______ SD (SW:146) Flowers Apr-Aug. Green.
Ivyleaf Groundcherry
Physalis lobata ______
Lobed Groundcherry

Genus QUINCULA

Formerly PHYSALIS, but the purple flower and the flat, scale-like hairs on the leaves are considered distinctive.
Quincula lobata ______ SD (SW:132) Flowers Mar-Oct. Blue-purple.
Purple Groundcherry

Another name for Quincula lobata is Chinese Lantern.

The berry of the Purple Groundcherry is edible, but caution is advised, for the flower resembles some of those in the genus that follows here, SOLANIUM with both edible and deadly berries.

Genus SOLANUM

Potatoes and Eggplants are among the nonpoisonous and economically important plants in this huge genus. (W)
Solanum americanum ______
Black Nightshade
Solanum elaeagnifolium (ph) ______ GD SD (SW:133) Flowers May-Oct. Blue-purple.
Silverleaf Nightshade

Silverleaf Nightshade
(photo by Doris Potter)

The Silverleaf Nightshade has also had the common English names of Silver Horsenettle and White Horsenettle.
The star-like flowers of the plant are bluish-violet, violet, or lavender in color. Large patches of it, when in full bloom, are striking.
However, the. plant is an aggressive poisonous weed, that spreads steadily from deep rootstocks. In some US states, it is classified as a "noxious weed".
Solanum carolinense (ph) ______ GD
Carolina Horsenettle

Carolina Horsenettle
(photo by Doris Potter)
Solanum dulcamara ______
Bittersweet Nightshade
Solanum rostratum ______ SD (SW:208) Flowers May-Aug. Yellow.
Buffalo Bar
S: Mala Mujer

Abundant prickles help to discourage livestock from grazing on Buffalo Bar, which is a highly toxic plant.

Family VERBENACEAE (Vervains, Verbenas)

Genus ALOYSIA
Aloysia gratissima ______
Common Bee Bush
Aloysia wrightii ______ SD
Oreganillo

Genus GLANDULARIA
Glandularia hipinnatifida ______ (in open fields & weedy areas)
Western Pink Vervain
S: Moradilla (coming from "morado" meaning "purple", this Spanish name means "little purple one")

Genus PHYLA
Phyla nodiflora ______ SD (SW:72) Flowers Jun-Sep. White.
Common Frog-fruit

Another name for Phyla nodiflora is Turkey Tangle.

Genus TETRACLEA
Tetraclea coulteri ______ SD (SW:72) Flowers Apr-Aug. White.
Coulter's Wrinkle-fruit

Flowers of Tetraclea coulteri open in the night and close quickly as the day warms.

Genus VERBENA
Verbena gooddingii ______ SD (SW:117) Flowers mostly Mar-Sep, but throughout the year. Pink-purple.
Goodding's Vervain

Another name for Verbena goodingii is Southwestern Verbena.
Verbena neomexicana ______
Hillside Vervain
Verbena perennis ______
Pinleaf Vervain
Verbena wrightii ______
Desert Verbena

Family VISCACEAE (or LORANTHACEAE) (Mistletoes)

Genus PHORADENDRON


Some members of the PHORADENDRON genus are host plants for the butterflies: Atlides halesus, the Great Purple Hairstreak, Callophrys spinetorum, the Thicket Hairstreak.
Phoradendron californicum ______ SD (in the desert from Nevada & southern California south to central Baja California & southern Sonora in Mexico)
Desert Mistletoe
Phoradendron macrophyllum (ph) (*) ______ GD SD
Big-leaf Mistletoe

Big-leaf Mistletoe
(photo by Doris Potter)

Family ZYGOPHYLLACEAE (Caltrops)

Genus FAGONIA
Fagonia laevis ______ MD SD (SW:117) Flowers Jan-Apr, sometimes Oct.
California Fagonia

California Fagonia occurs on rocky slopes and in washes in deserts.

Genus KALLSTROEMIA
Kallstroemia grandiflora ______  SD (SW:227) Flowers Feb-Sep. Orange-red.
Desert Poppy

Other names for Kallstroemia grandiflora are Arizona Poppy, Mexican Poppy, Summer Poppy, and Orange Caltrop. It occurs in open sandy areas in deserts.

The Desert Poppy, and other species in the same genus, are not true poppies, nor even are they close relatives. But they resemblance is there. Large patches provide a display as brilliant and spectacular as those of the California Poppy, Eschscholzia californica.
Kallstroemia parviflora ______ SD (with smaller flowers than K. grandiflora, that are orange)
Small-flowered Carpetweed
Kallstroemia californica ______ SD (with smaller flowers than K. grandiflora, that are yellow)
California Carpetweed

Genus LARREA (S)
Larrea tridentata ______ CD MD SD
Creosote Bush
S: Gobernadora

Creosote Bushes are adapted to desert living. Where they are the dominant plants, they often grow in evenly spaced rows - a "self-imposed" method of rationing water. A strong-smelling resin coats the leaves, reducing moisture loss.

Larrea tridentata is the most common and widespread shrub in 3 of the 4 North American deserts. Cold winters exclude it from the Great Basin Desert. It is especially common in well-drained soils of "bajadas" or alluvial fans, and on flats.

The Creosote Bush is generally an insect-pollinated plant, but it is a nectar source for the Costa's Hummingbird, Calypte costae.

Larrea tridentata was conspecific with Larrea divaricaa of South America.

Genus TRIBULUS
Tribulus terrestris ______ SD (SW:209) Flowers Mar-Oct. Yellow. (Not native to America, from the Mediterranean)
Goat Head
S: Torito, or Tobosco

Another name for Tribulus terrestris is Puncture Vine.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Trees, Flowers, & Other Plants in Higher Country near the Deserts:

THE FLORA OF "ISLANDS IN THE SKY"

Family APIACEAE (Carrots)

Genus ERYNGIUM
Eryngium heterophyllum ______ (in sandy soil in grasslands, open woods, and along watercourse, usually in mountains)
E: Mexican Thistle

Family BERBERIDACEAE (Barberries)

Genus BERBERIS
Berberis aquifolium ______ (in open pine forests)
E: Oregon Grape

Family BRASSICACEAE (Mustards)

Genus DRABA
Draba oligoperma ______
E: Comb Draba

Family CAMPANULACEAE (Bellflowers)

Genus LOBELIA
Lobelia anatina ______
E: Southwestern Blue Lobelia
Lobelia cardinalis ______ CD
E: Scarlet Lobelia, Cardinal Flower

The Scarlet Lobelia attracts hummingbirds, that feed on the insects and pollinate the flowers.

Family COMMELINACEAE (Spiderworts)

Genus COMMELINA
Commelina dianthifolia ______ (occurs among pinon, other pines, and junipers)
E: Western Dayflower
Commelina erecta ______
E: Slender Dayflower
S: Hierba de Pollo (means "herb of the chicken")

Genus TRADESCANTIA
Tradescantia pinetorium ______
E: Pine Spiderwort

Family CUPRESSACEAE (T)

Genus CUPRESSUS (Cypresses)
Cupressus arizonica ______ CD,SD
E: Arizona Cypress

Genus JUNIPERUS (Junipers)
Juniperus flaccida ______ CD
E: Drooping Juniper (also called Weeping Juniper)
Juniperus deppeana ______ CD
E: Alligator Juniper
Juniperus pinchotii ______ CD
E: Redberry Juniper
Juniperus osteosperma _____ GD
E: Utah Juniper, Bigberry Juniper
Juniperus scopulorum (ph) (*) ______ GD
E: Rocky Mountain Juniper

Rocky Mountain Juniper
(photo by Doris Potter)

Family FABACEAE (Legumes, Peas)

Genus LOTUS
Lotus wrightii ______ GD (found mainly among Ponderosa Pine and among pinyon and juniper)
E: Wright's Deer Vetch

Wright's Deer Vetch is a favored browse for deer and domestic livestock.
As with many species in the pea family, it has an intricate method of pollination that generally requires the aid of insects.

Genus THERMOPSIS
Thermopsis rhombifolia montana ______ (in meadows and coniferous forest openings)
E: Yellow Pea, Golden Pea, Buck Bean

Genus TRIFOLIUM
Trifolium wormskioldii ______
E: Cow Clover

Family FAGACEAE (Beeches) (T)

Genus QUERCUS (Oaks)
Quercus grisea ______ CD
E: Gray Oak
Quercus emoryi ______ CD
E: Emory Oak
Quercus gravesii ______ CD
E: Graves Oak
Quercus intricata ______ CD (in the US known only in the Eagle & Chisos Mountains of west Texas)
E: Coahuila Scrub Oak
Quercus pungens vaseyana ______ CD
E: Vasey Oak
Quercus graciliformis ______ CD (endemic to Chisos Mountains of west Texas)
E: Chisos Oak
Quercus tardifolia ______ CD (occurs only locally in the Chisos Mountains of west Texas)
E: Lateleaf Oak

Family GENTIANACEAE

Genus GENTIANELLA
Gentianella amarella ______ (In meadows and moist areas in mountains)
E: North Gentian

Genus SWERTIA (this genus has been merged with FRASERA)
Swertia radiata (formerly Frasera speciosa) ______
E: Monument Plant, Deer's Ears

Family IRIDACEAE (Irises)

Genus SISYRINCHIUM
Sisyrinchum cernuum ______
E: Yellow-eyed (or Golden-eyed) Grass
Sisrinchum longipes ______
E: Yellow-eyed (or Golden-eyed) Grass
Sisrinchum arizonicum ______
E: Arizona Golden-eyed Grass

Family LILIACEAE (Lilies)

Genus ALLIUM
Allium acuminaum ______ (in open country, often on rocky slopes among brush and pines)
E: Hooker's Onion
Allium cernuum ______ (in moist soil in sagebrush and woods)
E: Nodding Onion

Genus CALOCHORTUS
Calochortus nuttallii ______ (in dry soil in sagebrush and in open pine woods)
E: Sego Lily

Family LINACEAE (Flaxes)

Genus LINUM
Linum perenne ______ (found in prairies and meadows, and on open mountain slopes)
E: Wild Blue Flax (or Western Blue Flax)

Several Native American tribes used Wild Blue Flax to make rope.

Family MALVACEAE (Mallows)

Genus SIDALCEA
Sidalcea neomexicana ______
E; Checkermallow

Family MONOTROPACEAE

Genus MONOTROPA
Monotropa uniflora ______
E: Indian Pipe

Genus PTEROSPORA
Pterospora andromedea ______ (especially common in the western US under Ponderosa Pines)
E: Pinedrops

Family ONAGRACEAE (Evening Primroses)

Genus CHAMERION
Chamerion angustifolium ______ (in disturbed and cool areas; frequently along highways, and in burned areas)
E: Fireweed

Genus GAURA
Gaura coccinea ______ (in sandy soil among pinyons and junipers)
E: Scarler Gaura

Family ORCHIDACEAE (Orchids)

Genus HEXALECTRIS
Hexalectris warnockii ______ CD (the most common Hexalectris in Big Bend National Park; also occurs in southeastern Arizona)
E: Texas Purple Spike

The Texas Purple Spike is one of 5 Hexalectris orchids in the Southwest US.

Genus LISTERA
Listera convallarioides ______ (in southern Arizona, in addition to other places in much of North America; also in Asia)
E: Broad-leafed Twayblade

Genus SPIRANTHES
Spiranthes romanzoffiana ______
E: Hooded Ladies' Tresses

Family OXALIDACEAE (Wood Sorrels)

Genus OXALIS
Oxalis violacea ______
E: Violet Wood Sorrel
Oxalis alpina ______ (from northern New Mexico & central Arizona south to Guatemala)
E: Mountain Wood Sorrel
Oxalis decaphylla ______ (in the Southwest US & Mexico)
E: Ten-leaved Wood Sorrel

Family PINACEAE (T)

Genus PINUS (Pines & Pinyons)
Pinus ponderosa ______ CD
E: Ponderosa Pine
Pinus cembroides ______ CD
E: Mexican Pinyon

Family POLEMONIACEAE (Phloxes)

Genus GILIA
Gilia rigidula ______
E: Blue Gilia

Genus LINANTHUS
Linanthus nuttallii ______
E: Nuttall's Linanthus

Family POLYGONACEAE (Buckwheats)

Genus POLYGONUM
Polygonum bistortoides ______ (in moist mountain meadows & streamsides)
E: Western Bistort, Smokeweed

Family PRIMULACEAE (Primroses)

Genus DODECATHEON
Dodecatheon alpinum ______
E: Alpine Shooting Star
Dodecatheon dentatum ______
E: White Shooting Star (or Dentate Shooting Star)
Dodecatheon pulchellum ______
E: Few-flowered Shooting Star

Family ROSACEAE

Genus POTENTILLA
Potentilla thurberi ______ (in rich soil in coniferous forests, damp meadows, and along streams)
E: Red Cinquefoil

Family RUBIACEAE (Madders)

Genus BOUVARDIA
Bouvarddia ternifolia ______
E: Scarlet Bouvardia
S: Trompetilla (means "little trumpet", referring to the shape of the corolla)

The spectacular red corolla of the Scarlet Bouvardia attracts, and provides nectar for, hummingbirds.

Family SAXIFRAGACEAE (Saxifrages)

Genus HENCHERA
Henchera sanguinea ______ (found in moist, shaded, rocky places)
E: Coral Bells

Genus SAXIFRAGA
Saxifraga rhomboidea ______ (in moist places in hills with sagebrush)
E: Diamondleaf Saxifrage

Family SCROPHULARIACEAE (Snapdragons, or Figworts)

Genus CORDYLANTHUS (Birdbeaks - nearly 40 species occur in the western US)
Cordylanthus wrightii ______
(on open sandy areas on plains & in pine forests)
E: Wright's Birdbeak

Genus MAURANDYA
Maurandya antirrhiniflora ______ (in sandy and gravelly soil in deserts, at times on rock walls and among pinyons & junipers)
E: Little Snapdragon Vine, Violet Twining

Genus PENSTEMON: a huge genus, with several having beautiful blue-violet flowers and narrow leaves)
Penstemon barbatus ______ (on dry rocky slopes in open forests)
E: Goldenbeard Penstemon
Penstemon linarioides ______ (in open, often rocky soil at moderate elevations)
E: Narrowleaf Penstemon

The Narrowleaf Penstemon is a common member of the genus in dry open woodlands in the Southwest US.
Penstemon palmeri ______ (in open, rocky areas among sagebrush, pinyons & junipers, and pinewoods)
E: Balloon Flower

Family STERCULIACEAE (Cacaos)

Genus FREMONTODENDRON
Fremontodendron californicum ______ (on dry slopes in brush or pine forests)
E: Flannel Brush, Fremontia
Fremontodendron mexicanum ______
E: Mexican Fremontia

Family VERBENACEAE (Verbenas)

Genus VERBENA

There are several species in the VERBANA genus that are tall and with either thick or slender spikes of flowers.
These Vervains are not easy to distinguis from one another.
Verbena macdougalii ______
E: New Mexico Vervain

The New Mexico Vervain resembles members of the Mint Family (LAMIACEAE), but it lacks the aromatic odor.
It has relatively thick spikes.

Family VIOLACEAE (Violets)

In this family totally, there are about 16 genera and 800 species, found nearly throughout the world.

Genus VIOLA
Viola adunca ______ (in meadows & on open slopes from sea level to the timberline)
E: Blue Violet

_____________________________________________________________________________________

DESERT GRASSES
(native)

Genus MUHLENBERGIA
Muhlenbergia emersleyi ______ SD
E: Bull Grass

Genus BOTHRIOCHLOA
Bothriochloa (formerly Andropogon) barbinodis ______ SD
E: Cane Beardgrass

Genus BOUTELOUA (HILARIA)
Bouteloua chondrosioides
Bouteloua eriopoda
Bouteloua gracilis
Bouteloua hirsuta
Hilaria belangeri ______ SD
E: Curly Mesquite Grasses, Gramas
Bouteloua breviseta ______ CD
Bouteloua eriopoda ______ CD
E: Black Grama

Genus SETARIA
Setaria macrostachya ______ SD
E: Plains Bristlegrass

Genus ERAGROSTIS
Eragrostis intermedia ______ SD
E: Plains Lovegrass

Genus ELYMUS
Elymus elymoides (formerly Sitanion hystrix) ______ SD
E: Squirrel Tail

Genus DIGITARIA
Digitaria californica ______ SD
E: Arizona Cottontop

Genus STIPA
Stipa speciosa ______ SD
E: Desert Needlegrass

Genus HETEROPOGON
Heteropogon contortus ______ SD
E: Tanglehead

Genus ARISTIDA (Threeawns)
Aristida purpurea ______ SD
E: Purple Threeawn
Aristida parishii ______ SD
E:
Aristida ternipes ______ SD
E:
Aristida californica ______ SD
E:

Genus CENCHRUS (Sandburs)
X ______
X

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