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Western Wetland Flora

Field Office Guide to Plant Species

Scouter Popcorn-flower
Plagiabothrys scouleri (Hook. & Arn.) I. Johnst.

JPG -- Species Photo JPG -- Distribution Map

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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Page Last Modified: Saturday, 02-Feb-2013 06:28:16 EST
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