Al Schneider's Rocky Mountains Plant Descriptions

Silverleaf Phacelia
Phacelia hastata
Waterleaf family (Hydrophyllaceae)

The silver-hairy leaves and prominent veins distinguish Silverleaf Phacelia from other phacelias. The Varyleaf Phacelia (P. heterophylla) is a similar species, that some taxonomists consider to be the same species; it is taller with 1 main stem and generally pale white flowers. All phacelias have bottlebrush-appearing flowers due to protruding beyond the petals.


©2014 Susan McDougall, Trees Live Here.

Description

, 6-15" tall, with -hairy leaves and stems that are trailing or almost erect. are , short-petioled, with margins and prominent veins, often at base. Stem leaves are smaller. Purple-lavender to dull-white flowers are arranged in tight coil; 5-parted with 5 broad petal , 5 hairy and 5 long expending past petals. are 2-chambered each containing 2 or more seeds.

Field Marks

Purple flowers with long in tight coils; -hairy, leaves.

© Al Schneider

stamen -- the pollen-producing reproductive organ of a flower; The stamen consists of an anther supported by a filament.

silky -- Covered with fine soft hairs, with a lustrous sheen. Satiny to the touch.

An entire leaf has smooth edges. Not toothed or lobed.

A perennial plant lives and blooms for many years.

lobe -- A rounded parts of a leaf (or other organ).

A herb is a plant whose stems die back to the ground in the winter.

Usually green, sepals typically function as protection for the flower in bud, and often as support for the petals when in bloom.

capsule -- a type of simple, dry fruit produced by many species of flowering plants. In most cases the capsule splits apart to release seeds.

fruit -- any seed-bearing structure in flowering plants. It is formed from the ovary after flowering.

filament -- The stalk of a stamen. Other very narrow, thread-like structures.

basal leaves -- a leaf that grows lowest on the stem of a plant.

lanceolate -- Lance-shaped. Long, wider in the middle.

lobe -- Being divided by clefts.