Caulanthus simulans

Annuals; hispid. Stems erect, usually branched distally, 1–7 dm. Basal leaves rosulate; petiole 0.2–1 cm; blade oblanceolate, 1–7 cm × 4–18 mm, margins coarsely dentate or pinnately lobed. Cauline leaves (median) sessile; blade ovate to oblong, 2–8 cm × 5–20 mm, (smaller distally, base amplexicaul to sagittate), margins coarsely dentate or entire. Racemes (densely flowered), without a terminal cluster of sterile flowers. Fruiting pedicels reflexed, 2–5 mm. Flowers: sepals erect, (yellow), lanceolate, 3–6.5 × 1.5–2 mm (equal, keeled); petals creamy white or pale yellow (sometimes with purple midvein), 10–14 mm, blade 4–5 × 1.5–2 mm, not crisped, claw oblanceolate or oblong, 5–9 × 1–1.7 mm; filaments tetradynamous, median pairs 3–5 mm, lateral pair 2–4 mm; anthers oblong, equal, 1–3 mm. Fruits usually reflexed, rarely divaricate (often straight), terete, 3–7.5 cm × 1.2–1.5 mm; valves each with obscure midvein; ovules 48–62 per ovary; style 0–3 mm; stigma 2-lobed. Seeds 1–2 × 0.9–1.1 mm. 2n = 28.

Phenology: Flowering Mar–Jun.
Habitat: Chaparral, scrub, pinyon-juniper woodlands
Elevation: 400-2100 m

Calif.

Discussion

Caulanthus simulans is restricted to Riverside and San Diego counties.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa