About Pholistoma auritum (Lindl.) Lilja ex Lindl.
Pholistoma auritum is an annual herb. It has a brittle, fleshy, bristly stem that branches profusely, sometimes forming a tangled growth. Its leaves are deeply lobed, toothed, and grow from winged petioles. All foliage is covered in hairs and bristles. The inflorescence holds one or more widely bell-shaped flowers, reaching up to 1.5 centimeters long and 3 centimeters wide. The flowers are lined with hairs, range in color from blue to purple, and have darker markings in their centers. The purple Arizona fiestaflower, Pholistoma auritum var. arizonicum, is classified as a subspecies of this plant. This species is native to California, southern Nevada, and Arizona. It grows in a wide variety of habitat types, including mountain talus, coastal bluffs, and desert scrub.
