Leucophyllum minus
Rep. U.S. Mex. Bound. 2(1): 115. 1859.
Shrubs erect, intricately branched, compact, 2–8(–15) dm, often appearing thorny. Young stems densely and evenly silvery stellate, hairs closely and tightly appressed, overlapping, appearing stellate, actually compressed-dendritic with radii extending from multiple levels, typically with one series of radii at tip. Leaves alternate, crowded in axillary fascicles or on compressed lateral shoots; petiole (0.5–)1–3(–4) mm; blade oblanceolate or spatulate to obovate-orbiculate, (2–)3–10(–16) mm, base cuneate-attenuate, surfaces equally silvery gray, hairs stellate, closely and tightly appressed, overlapping. Flowers: calyx lobes linear to oblong-lanceolate, (2–)3–4.5 mm; corolla lavender to purple or blue, rarely white, campanulate, (12–)18–25 mm, abruptly ampliate distal to narrow tube. 2n = 34.
Phenology: Flowering (May–)Jun–Aug(–Nov).
Habitat: Limestone ridges, slopes, and ledges, gravel, clayey, sandy hills, gravelly washes.
Elevation: 900–1700 m.
Distribution
N.Mex., Tex., Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila).
Discussion
In Texas, Leucophyllum minus is known from the Big Bend region westward through the Trans-Pecos.
Selected References
None.