Western Wetland Flora
Field Office Guide to Plant Species
Plagiabothrys scouleri (Hook. & Arn.) I. Johnst.
- Family: Borage (Boraginaceae)
- Flowering: May-August
- Field Marks: This species differs from others in the genus by having the leaves toward the base of the stem opposite and with oppressed hairs, petals less than 1/4 inch long, and symmetrical sepals.
- Habitat: Moist, poorly drained soil, including alkaline habitats.
- Habit: Prostrate annual with a taproot or fibrous roots.
- Stems: Usually prostrate but turning upward at the tip, up to 8 inches long, usually with appressed hairs.
- Leaves: Lower leaves opposite, upper leaves alternate, linear, up to 3 inches long, up to 1/4 inch wide, with appressed hairs, without teeth.
- Flowers: Borne on one side of the upper end of the stem, the stem usually upturned and even slightly coiled at the tip.
- Sepals: 5, symmetrical, green, united below, hairy, up to 1/6 inch long.
- Petals: 5, white, united below, usually a little longer than the sepals.
- Stamens: 5.
- Pistils: Ovary superior, 4-parted, hairy.
- Fruits: Nutlets usually 4, ovoid to lanceoloid, up to 1/8 inch long, wrinkled, usually somewhat bristly.
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