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Nuttall's evolvulus

Also known as: hairy evolvulus, silky evolvulus

Evolvulus nuttallianus J.A. Schultes

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Nuttall's evolvulus
Nutgall's evolvulus flowers
Nuttall's evolvulus
Nuttall's evolvulus
Nuttall's evolvulus habit
Nuttall's evolvulus
Nuttall's evolvulus
Nuttall's evolvulus leaves
Nuttall's evolvulus
Nuttall's evolvulus leaves

Morphology

Stem
Erect or ascending, branched below, very leafy, densely covered with silky gray or rusty-brown hairs; slightly woody at base.
Leaves
Alternate, simple, short stalked or sessile, linear-oblong or narrowly lanceolate, 1/4 to 3/4 inch long, less than 1/4 inch wide, densely pubescent like stems; margins entire; tips rounded or pointed.
Inflorescence
Solitary flowers in leaf axils.
Flower
Sepals 5, lanceolate, silky hairy, tips pointed; corollas wheel or funnel-shaped, about 1/2 inch wide, pale lavender, blue or purple; centers white; stamens 5, anthers oblong.
Fruit
Capsules, small, glabrous, egg-shaped; seeds 1-2, smooth, brown.

Ecology

Habitat
Dry, open sandy or rocky prairies and plains.
Distribution
Throughout, more frequent in west half of Kansas.

Practical Information

Uses
The Navajo sometimes used this plant as a snuff to induce sneezing.

Additional Notes

Comments

This plant is very small and is easily overlooked. It honors botanist Thomas Nutall, 1786-1859.

Quick Facts
Plant Type
Wildflower
Family
Convolvulaceae - Morning-glory Family
Life Span
Perennial
Height
4-6 inches
Last Updated
2007-09-07
Color Groups
Blue, Purple, Lavender & Violet Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blooms: May, June, July