Tomentose Amsonia (Woolly Amsonia)
Amsonia tomentosa Family: Apocynaceae – Dogbane Family Perennial herbs; 7.9” to 2' (2 to 6 dm) tall Leaves: alternate; simple; 0.04” to 0.48” (1 to 12 mm) wide Flowers: 5 bluish-white tube-shaped partly united petals borne in terminal clusters; 5 parted sepals; 5 stamens; bisexual; corolla tube is 0.28” to 0.48” (7 to 12 mm) long Pollinators: other genera in this family are pollinated by moths and butterflies Fruits: pair of follicles Blooms in Arches National Park: April, May Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub communities Location seen: Cache Valley in Arches National Park; outside Arches National Park on Corona Arch trail Other: The genus name, “Amsonia”, honors Dr. Charles Amson, an 18th century American physician from Virginia. The species name, “tomentosa”, means “covered with fine, matted hairs” referring to the wool-like covering created by many small, matted, intermingled hairs. Most plants in this family have milky sap and many are poisonous. |
Did You Know?
Lizards, including the colorful collared lizard, are one of the most frequently seen animals at Arches. When not chasing flies or basking in the sun, they are often seen doing what appears to be push-ups. This odd dance might enhance their stereoscopic vision, helping them see what's looking back at them.