Common names:
Sharpleaf twinpod, Rydberg twinpod, double bladderpod
Family:
Scientific name:
Physaria acutifolia
Main flower color:
Range:
Arizona and northwest New Mexico, north to (far south) Montana
Height:
Between 2 and 8 inches
Habitat:
Dry, open, well-drained areas in many environments, including semi-deserts, woodland and mountains
Leaves:
Greyish-green, spatulate, up to 4 inches long, with a slightly irregular surface
Season:
June to August
The inflorescence of physaria acutifolia grows on unbranched stems that may stay vertical, reaching a height of 8 inches, or (more usually) recline close to the ground. The yellow flowers are half an inch in diameter, with four spatula-shaped petals enclosing a small central tube containing the yellow-tipped stamens. The yellowish-green sepals are linear to oblong in shape and, like the stems and leaves, are covered in short, branched hairs.
The silvery-green basal leaves provide one way of distinguishing the plant from several similar species that inhabit the same region; they are spoon-shaped, narrow at the base becoming much wider towards the tip, with edges curved upwards slightly. Stem leaves are similar in shape, or more oblanceolate, and about half as long.
The silvery-green basal leaves provide one way of distinguishing the plant from several similar species that inhabit the same region; they are spoon-shaped, narrow at the base becoming much wider towards the tip, with edges curved upwards slightly. Stem leaves are similar in shape, or more oblanceolate, and about half as long.
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