About Phoenicaulis cheiranthoides Nutt.
Common Name & Growth Form
This plant, which has the common name daggerpod, is a perennial herb.
Stem Characteristics
It grows one or more stems from a caudex, reaching heights of 25 to 30 centimetres, or 9+7⁄8 to 11+3⁄4 inches.
Basal Leaf Features
Its basal leaves range from narrowly lance-shaped to teardrop-shaped, are up to 10 cm long, and have a woolly texture.
Upper Stem Leaf Features
Leaves located higher on the stem are shorter and typically less hairy.
Inflorescence & Flower Traits
The inflorescence is a raceme of flowers with purple or pink petals that measure up to around 1.5 cm long.
Fruit Characteristics
The fruits are narrow, hairless siliques that grow up to 9 cm long, project out from the stem on pedicels, and are shaped like a dagger, which gives the species its common name.
Common Habitat Type
This plant grows across many habitat types, most commonly rocky areas.
Specific Habitat Examples
Its documented habitats include sagebrush scrub, scree, exposed volcanic and clay slopes, rock outcrops, hills, banks, and meadows.
Southern Range Habitat
In the southern portion of its range, it also grows in the alpine climate of high mountains.
Elevation & Bloom Period
It occurs at elevations up to 3200 meters and blooms early in spring.
