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Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Phemeranthus brevifolius (Pygmy flameflower)
Cressler, Alan

Phemeranthus brevifolius

Phemeranthus brevifolius (Torr.) Hershkovitz

Pygmy Flameflower, Pygmy Fameflower, Pygmy Talinum

Portulacaceae (Purslane Family)

Synonym(s): Talinum brevifolium

USDA Symbol: PHBR16

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

A low plant with crowded, narrow, succulent leaves and comparatively large, deep pink flowers in upper leaf axils.

The bright pink flowers seem to sit on the ground, often obscuring the short erect stems. This species is representative of several others, most more open and spindly but all with white to rose flowers. In one, Spiny Talinum (Phemeranthus spinescens), found in central Washington, the midribs persist as spines as the leaves wither and dry.

 

From the Image Gallery

1 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 3 inches tall, sometimes mat-forming.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Bloom Notes: Rose pink to lavender, rarely white.

Distribution

USA: AZ , NM , UT
Native Distribution: Southern Utah and northern Arizona east to New Mexico.
Native Habitat: On rocky slopes, especially limestone sites.

Web Reference

Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-05-02
Research By: TWC Staff

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