Stems simple or with 1–6 decumbent to ascending branches proximally, (2–)4–15(–30) cm, glabrous proximally, retrorsely short-strigose distally. Leaves puberulent; proximal cauline: blade linear, 5–30 mm; cauline: blade ± ovate to obovate, 5–30 mm, base sessile, margins pinnatifid, rarely bipinnatifid, lateral lobes 2–8, threadlike. Spikelike racemes interrupted, open distally, (1.5–)2.5–15 cm; peduncle absent; bracts pinnatifid, rarely bipinnatifid, ± obovate, 5–19 mm, lateral lobes 2–6(–10), threadlike. Pedicels 0.3–1 mm, glabrous. Flowers: calyx (3–)5–7 mm, puberulent, tube 2–3 mm, lobes triangular to narrowly lanceolate, (1.5–)2–3.5 × 1.5–2 mm; corolla dark purple, rarely yellow, 4–7 mm, glabrate, beak dark purple, hooked, abaxial lobes spreading, 0.5–1 mm, throat not abruptly indented, not forming a fold under abaxial corolla lip, adaxial lobes projecting; stamens included, pollen sac yellow, 0.7–0.8 mm, glabrous, dehiscing longitudinally; style 2.5–5 mm, glabrous; stigma filiform or subcapitate. Capsules 3.5–5 × 2.5–3.5 mm, glabrous. Seeds 10–30, ovoid to ellipsoid, 0.7–1.2 mm. 2n = 22.

Phenology: Flowering Apr–Jun.
Habitat: Grasslands, lawns, pastures, roadsides, edges of vernal pools, woodlands.
Elevation: 0–1400 m.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

B.C., Calif., Oreg., Wash., introduced in Asia (China).

Discussion

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.