Diplacus pulchellus (Drew ex Greene) G.L.Nesom

Growth Habit

Diplacus pulchellus is a small annual herb that grows in low small tufts or patches on the ground, with almost no visible stem.

Leaf Characteristics

Its leaves are arranged oppositely, are linear in shape, and reach up to 3.5 centimeters in length.

Flower Shape

The flower of this species is 2 to 4 centimeters long, with a funnel shape: it has a very narrow tubular base and a very wide opening at the mouth. The flower is split into an upper lip with two lobes and a lower lip with three lobes.

Flower Coloration

It is bicolored: the upper lip ranges from lavender to purple, and the lower lip is golden yellow; in some cases, only the wide middle lobe of the lower lip is yellow. The hairy mouth of the flower is usually marked with purple spots and speckles.

Endemic Range

Diplacus pulchellus is endemic to the Sierra Nevada foothills of California.

Habitat

In this region, it grows in vernal pools, meadows, and other open wet habitats.