Scorpionweed (Crenulate Phacelia; Corrugate Phacelia)
Phacelia crenulata var. corrugata Family: Hydrophyllaceae – Waterleaf Family Annual herbs; 1.2” to 2.7' (0.3 to 8.3 dm) tall Leaves: leaves mostly alternate, the basal ones sometimes opposite; deeply lobed; often rough-hairy or with gland-tipped hairs Flowers: 5 united tubular purple petals, sometimes basally whitish, 0.16” to 0.28” (4 to 7 mm) long; 5 united sepals; 5 stamens; 1 pistil; flowers are along an axis that curls like a scorpion's tail giving this plant it's common name Pollinators: other Phacelia species are pollinated by bees Fruits: capsule Blooms in Arches National Park: April, May, June Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub and pinyon-juniper communities Location seen: park road mile 0 to 2.5, Park Avenue trail, park road near Petrified Dunes mile 7.7, Windows trail, upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint trail, park road at mile 14.5, Fiery Furnace Other: The genus name, “Phacelia”, is from the Greek “phakelos”, means “shallow rounded teeth” which refers to the leaf margin. The variety name, “corrugata”, means “wrinkled”. This plant is strong-smelling (somewhat onion-like). |
Did You Know?
Pinyon pines do not produce pine nuts every year. These delicious nuts can only be harvested every three to seven years. This irregular schedule prevents animals from adapting to an abundance of pine nuts and guarantees that at least some nuts will become new pine trees instead of a quick meal.