Collinsia tinctoria

Annuals 20–60 cm. Stems ascending. Leaf blades usually lanceolate-deltate, margins entire or serrate, abaxial surface densely hairy, adaxial glabrous or glabrate, usually strongly whitish-mottled. Inflorescences glandular; whorls 2–8 on main axis, fewer on lateral branches; nodes 3–10-flowered; flowers crowded; distalmost bracts linear, 5–6 mm. Pedicels ascending to spreading, shorter than calyx, not or scarcely visible. Flowers: calyx lobes linear to lanceolate, surpassing capsule, ape× subacute to rounded; corolla white to yellowish or pale lavender, rarely purple, 12–20 mm, wings usually long-hairy on adaxial surface, keel glandular, hairy; adaxial pouch projecting 2–4 mm from tube base; banner length 0.4–0.5 times wings, lobe base without folds, reflexed portion 2–3.5 mm, equal to basal portion, red-banded; wings usually red-dotted; stamens: abaxial filaments glabrous, rarely hairy, adaxials hairy, basal spur 0 or 1. Seeds 4–8, oval, flattened, 2–2.5 mm, margins thin, not inrolled. 2n = 14.

Phenology: Flowering May–Aug.
Habitat: Rocky habitats, openings in dry mixed pine-oak woodlands or coniferous forests.
Elevation: 100–2500 m.

Calif.

Discussion

Collinsia tinctoria is often on scree slopes and in full sun. Most populations are on the western Sierra Nevada and the Cascade Ranges. There are a few populations in the southern North Coast Ranges (Sonoma County) and at Mount Diablo (Contra Costa County). The reduction of the banner and the rearward projection of the pouch beyond the calyx are two floral traits that distinguish it. The mottled leaves of C. tinctoria are unique in Collinsia.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa