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Loeseliastrum matthewsii
Loeseliastrum matthewsii (A. Gray) Timbrook
Desert Calico
Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)
Synonym(s): Langloisia matthewsii, Loeselia matthewsii
USDA Symbol: LOMA10
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Small bristly tufts or mats with colorful white to pink or lavender-dotted, bilaterally symmetrical flowers nestled among leaves.
All species in this genus are tufted and rather bristly. Schott's Calico (L. schottii), also bilaterally symmetrical, has a pale lavender corolla with purple spots or a purple, arch-shaped patch. Species of Loeseliastrum were once considered to be part of the larger genus Langloisia. Flower shape and other features distinguish the two genera.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: AnnualHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 4 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink , PurpleBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: CA , NVNative Distribution: Southern California northeast to northwestern Arizona and south to Mexico.
Native Habitat: Open, gravelly or sandy deserts.
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 37 - Calscape (2019) California Native Plant Society
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Loeseliastrum matthewsii in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Loeseliastrum matthewsii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Loeseliastrum matthewsii
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-04-27Research By: TWC Staff