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Prairie fameflower

Also known as: dwarf flameflower, prairie flameflower

Phemeranthus parviflorus (Nutt.) Kiger

[=Talinum parviflorum Nutt. ]

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Prairie fameflower
Prairie fameflower leaves
Prairie fameflower
Prairie fameflower
Prairie fameflower
Prairie fameflower
Prairie fameflower inflorescence
Prairie fameflower

Morphology

Stem
More or less erect, simple or branching, short.
Leaves
Alternate or nearly opposite, sessile, fleshy, circular in cross section, linear, 3/5 to 2 inches long, less than 1/10 inch thick; bases slightly broadened.
Inflorescence
Cymes, terminal, bracted; flowering stalks slender, 1.2 to 6 inches long.
Flower
Showy, usually stalked but sometimes nearly sessile; sepals 2, distinct and free, egg-shaped, 1/8 to 1/6 inch long, deciduous or sometimes persistent, tip sometimes purplish; petals 5, pale pink to purplish, elliptic to eg-shaped, about 1/4 inch long; stamens 4-8; style longer than stamens; stigma head-like.
Fruit
Capsules, ellipsoid, 1/8 to 1/5 inch long; seeds many, smooth, flattened, roundish.

Ecology

Habitat
Bare sandy, acidic soils overlying rocks.
Distribution
Scattered throughout Kansas.

Practical Information

Uses
The Navajo steeped the roots to make a lotion and applied a poultice of root bark to sores.

Additional Notes

Comments

The flowers open late afternoon, evening or when overcast.

Special Notes: See also Rockpink Phemeranthus calycinus.

Synonyms

Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.

Scientific Name: Talinum parviflorum

Full Citation: Talinum parviflorum Nutt.

Quick Facts
Plant Type
Wildflower
Family
Portulacaceae - Purslane Family
Life Span
Perennial
Height
2-8 inches
Last Updated
2007-11-11
Color Groups
Blue, Purple, Lavender & Violet Wildflowers
Pink, Red & Orange Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blooms: April, May, June, July, August