About Erythranthe alsinoides (Douglas ex Benth.) G.L.Nesom & N.S.Fraga
Erythranthe alsinoides is an annual herb that grows an erect stem reaching up to approximately 15 centimeters in height. Its oval leaves range in color from green to red-tinged, and have edges that are slightly to obviously toothed. The leaves are less than 2 centimeters long, feature 3 to 5 prominent veins on their upper surface, and are arranged oppositely around the small stem. Each individual flower grows from an erect, reddish pedicel. A slightly hairy red calyx made of sepals surrounds the base of the flower. The flower’s yellow corolla has two lobes on its upper lip and three lobes on its lower lip. The lower lip bears a large red spot, and additional red markings are usually present elsewhere within the corolla. The plant produces fruit in the form of a small capsule. This species is native to western North America, ranging from British Columbia south to the Klamath Mountains of far northern California. It grows in moist and wet wooded habitats, including moss beds and rocky stream banks.
