Dichelostemma capitatum subsp. pauciflorum
Four Seasons 9(2): 30. 1992.
Basionym: Brodiaea capitata var. pauciflora Torrey in W. H. Emory, Rep. U. S. Mex. Bound. 2(1): 218. 1859
Synonyms: Brodiaea pulchella var. pauciflora (Torrey) C. V. Morton Dichelostemma pauciflorum (Torrey) Standley Dichelostemma pulchellum var. pauciflorum (Torrey) Hoover Dipterostemon pauciflorus (Torrey) Rydberg Hookera pauciflora (Torrey) Tidestrom Milla capitata var. pauciflora (Torrey) Baker
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 26. Mentioned on page 330.
Inflorescences 2–5-flowered; bracts whitish or streaked purple. Flowers: perianth lobes widely spreading; pedicel 6–35 mm, longer than bracts. 2n = 18, 36, 54.
Phenology: Flowering time highly variable with elevation.
Habitat: Deserts, xeric grasslands, open scrub
Elevation: 300–2100 m
Distribution
Ariz., Calif., Nev., N.Mex., Utah, n Mexico (Sonora).
Discussion
The characterisics listed for subsp. pauciflorum may be found to some degree also in subsp. capitatum, intergrading especially along distributional boundaries. However, the adaptation of subsp. pauciflorum to a desert-type environment usually distinguishes it from most populations of subsp. capitatum, which typically is found in more mesic habitats. Since the two taxa are not clearly distinct, G. Keator (1991) concluded that subspecific status is appropriate for them.
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
None.