Herbs 0.4–2.3 dm. Inflorescences 2–12.5 cm; bracts: distal apices pink, light purple, or yellow- or orange-spotted, 4–5.5 mm, (3–)5(–7)-lobed; lobes linear to narrowly spatulate, 2 × 0.8–1.2 mm. Calyces 16–19 mm; abaxial clefts 6.5–9.5 mm, adaxial 9–13 mm, clefts 40–70% of calyx length, lateral 5.5–8 mm, 34–45% of calyx length. Corollas 20–27 mm; tube 13–15 mm; beak 7–10 mm; abaxial lip deep red-purple proximally, distal 1/4 bright yellow to yellow-orange, becoming orange or red after anthesis, 4–7 mm.

Phenology: Flowering (Mar–)Apr–May(–Jul).
Habitat: Dry sand, desert washes, creosote scrub, saltbush flats.
Elevation: 300–1500 m.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Calif.

Discussion

Variety venusta is endemic to the western Mojave Desert region of southern California. Typical var. exserta is found east and west of it, in less arid grasslands. In var. venusta, the corolla is consistently different in color pattern and intensity from var. exserta.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.