About Phemeranthus spinescens (Torr.) Hershk.
Phemeranthus spinescens (Torr.) Hershk. is a small, ground-hugging species. It bears succulent sausage-shaped leaves that grow up to 2.5 cm long, arranged in tight clusters at the tips of multiple crown branches. The leaves are green, usually shiny, and sometimes have a red tinge; they often turn bright red during late summer or autumn. When leaves wither, their central midrib typically remains to form a short spine, which is the source of the species epithet spinescens. The plant produces magenta flowers with yellow anthers that measure 2 to 3 cm across, borne on a branched raceme. Each individual flower opens only for a short time, but multiple buds on a single raceme may open over the course of several days. This species grows on the Columbia Plateau, in central Washington, and central and eastern Oregon. It most often occurs in dry, very rocky soil that supports only sparse vegetation.
