About Hesperidanthus linearifolius (A.Gray) Rydb.
Hesperidanthus linearifolius (A.Gray) Rydb. is a perennial herb. It grows as a tall, slender plant reaching up to approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall, with one or more erect stems that frequently branch near the top. First-year plants form a basal rosette of oblanceolate leaves 5–10 centimeters (2.0–3.9 inches) long before blooming. Stem leaves are alternate, hairless, short-petiolate, with smooth margins and pointed tips. Lower stem leaves are oblanceolate, while upper stem leaves are more linear, measuring around 3.5–5 centimeters (1.4–2.0 inches) long and 6 millimeters (1⁄4 inch) wide. This species produces a raceme of purple flowers, each bearing four spoon-shaped petals. Its fruit is a long, slender straight silique capsule, which is typically 4–9 centimeters (1.6–3.5 inches) long. This mustard species grows at elevations ranging from 700–3,100 meters (2,300–10,200 ft) in dry climates, most often in sandy or rocky soils. It can be found on disturbed sites such as roadsides, as well as in desert shrub, pinyon-juniper, and montane conifer forest plant communities. Its flowering period runs from mid-spring to late fall. The Ramah Navajo have used infusions made from the leaves of this plant as a ceremonial eyewash and as a treatment for sore gums.
