Annuals, sometimes biennials. Stems erect or ascending, often blue tinged, (3–)5–15(–20) cm, densely hairy. Leaves: blade: proximal ovate to triangular, 5–7 × 3–6 mm, distal 8–18 × 8–18 mm, base rounded, margins (proximal) coarsely crenate or (distal) 3–5(–7)-palmatifid, apex obtuse, surfaces sparsely hairy, often glandular. Racemes 1, terminal, sometimes also 1 or 2 axillary, 30–120(–150) mm, 6–15(–25)-flowered, axis densely eglandular- and glandular-hairy; proximal bracts 5-palmatifid, distal 3-fid, 4–18 mm. Pedicels patent or arcuate-ascending, 4–11(–20) mm, ± equal to subtending bract, length 1–2 times calyx, densely hairy. Flowers: calyx lobes 4–6(–11) mm, apex obtuse, glandular-hairy; corolla deep blue, 5–10 mm diam.; stamens 0.9–1.7 mm; style (0.5–)0.7–1.5(–2) mm. Capsules ± inflated basally, compressed distally in cross section, obcordiform, 4–5(–10) × 4.5–6.5(–8) mm, apex emarginate, glandular-hairy. Seeds 14–22(–35), dark brown or blackish, subglobular, cymbiform, 1–2.2 × 0.7–2 mm, 0.4–0.9 mm thick, ± rugulose to cristate. 2n = 14 (Eurasia).

Phenology: Flowering (Feb–)Mar–May(–Jul).
Habitat: Pine forests, stony pastures, rocky banks, sandy fields, gardens, roadsides, rarely calcareous soils.
Elevation: 100–1000 m.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

Calif., Idaho, Kans., Mo., Okla., Oreg., Wash., Eurasia.

Discussion

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.