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Anderson, Wynn

Giliastrum rigidulum

Giliastrum rigidulum (Benth.) Rydb.

Bluebowls, Blue Gilia

Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)

Synonym(s): Gilia rigidula, Gilia rigidula ssp. rigidula

USDA Symbol: GIRI3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

A low, often tufted plant with violet-blue flowers borne singly or few in a loose cluster near dense, rigid, prickly, divided leaves often hidden by flowers.

The violet-blue flower with the bright yellow center is unique. The "eye" serves to guide insects to the nectar.

From the Image Gallery

48 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Annual
Habit: Subshrub
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 10 inches tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow , Blue , Purple , Violet
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AZ , CO , KS , NM , OK , TX
Native Distribution: Eastern Arizona east to western Texas and north to southeastern Colorado and western Kansas; also in northern Mexico.
Native Habitat: Found in dry, rocky caliche soils mostly in South and West Texas.

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Conditions Comments: Small mounding plant with flowers resembling Persian Violet, but deeper blue. Likes caliche soil.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Fredericksburg Nature Center - Fredericksburg, TX
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX

Herbarium Specimen(s)

NPSOT 0205 Collected Apr 7, 1992 in Comal County by Mary Beth White
NPSOT 0508 Collected Apr 11, 1992 in Kendall County by Lottie Millsaps

2 specimen(s) available in the Digital Herbarium

Bibliography

Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, Sally

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Web Reference

Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Giliastrum rigidulum in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Giliastrum rigidulum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Giliastrum rigidulum

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-02-13
Research By: TWC Staff

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