Native Plants
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Ipomopsis thurberi
Ipomopsis thurberi (Torr. ex A. Gray) V.E. Grant
El Paso Skyrocket, Thurber's Skyrocket, Thurber's Gilia
Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)
Synonym(s): Gilia thurberi
USDA Symbol: IPTH2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
El Paso Skyrocket or Thurber's Gilia is a showy 12-36 in. plant with attractive bluish-purple to claret-colored flowers clustered on one side of the sparsely leaved stem. The flowers are tubular with back-turned petals.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: BiennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Red , Blue , PurpleBloom Time: Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , TXNative Distribution: S. NM, AZ & n. Mex.
Native Habitat: Open slopes; canyons; 4000 to 6500 ft.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Well-drained, rocky soil.
Propagation
Propagation Material: SeedsDescription: Sow seed in fall two years in a row to get flowers every year.
Web Reference
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona ChapterAdditional resources
USDA: Find Ipomopsis thurberi in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Ipomopsis thurberi in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Ipomopsis thurberi
Metadata
Record Modified: 2026-06-30Research By: TWC Staff