Annuals, rarely biennials. Stems 6–200 cm, not self-supporting, glandular-hairy; branches twining. Leaves opposite proximally, alternate distally; blade ovate, 2–60 × 1–50 mm, surfaces glandular-hairy. Inflorescences axillary, flowers solitary. Pedicels 2–20(–25) mm. Flowers cleistogamous and chasmogamous; calyx lobes equal, glandular-hairy, adaxial lobe 3–6 × 1–3.5 mm; corolla pale purple to purple, sometimes dark-veined, 7–12 mm, base slightly gibbous, mouth 2.5–3.5 mm diam., palate white, purple-veined, rounded, 2.5–6 mm diam., puberulent. Capsules ovoid, 3–11 mm, glandular-hairy, abaxial locule with 1 pore. Seeds brown, 0.5–1 mm, ridged longitudinally. 2n = 32.

Phenology: Flowering Mar–Aug.
Habitat: Stabilized coastal dunes, rocky or disturbed areas.
Elevation: 0–1300 m.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Ariz., Calif., Mexico (Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora).

Discussion

Plants of Sairocarpus nuttallianus are unique in having gold-colored hairs in the mouth of the corolla. D. M. Thompson (1988) recognized two intergrading subspecies based on degree of hairiness and slight differences in seed sculpturing, but the differences are minor and inconsistent.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.