Desert Trumpet
Yellow - Eriogonum inflatum
Desert trumpet (Eriogonum inflatum) is a unique plant of the buckwheat family. It is easily recognized by its odd, balloon-like stems, which give it a "bottle stopper" appearance. This rugged plant inhabits warmer regions from northern Arizona to Baja California. It can survive elevations from 100 to 5,900 feet and thrive in a variety of habitats, including sandy washes, grasslands, saltbush deserts, and juniper and sagebrush at higher elevations.
Main Points
Appearance: This grayish-green plant can grow as tall as 3 feet. Its bottom leaves are egg-shaped and connected to long stems. Small yellow flowers, sometimes tinged with red or green, are grouped in loose airy clusters. The thick stems, which are a special feature of this plant, might help it hold gases for photosynthesis or keep animals from eating it.Habitat: It dwells in sandy to gravelly soils, developing well in desert and semi-desert areas. Blends with landscapes in creosote, mesquite, or pinyon/juniper woodlands.
Ecological Function
Desert trumpet supports a number of butterflies, including the desert metalmark and several rare species like the El Segundo dotted-blue and Lange's metalmark. Its flowers provide nectar to a variety of pollinators, hence it is very important in desert ecosystems.Cultural and Healing Uses
In the past, Indigenous peoples used the plant for practical and medicinal reasons. Hollow stems worked as drinking tubes or pipes, while different parts of the plant helped treat problems like colds, diarrhea, stomach issues, rheumatism, and even syphilis. For example, the Okanagan used it to clean infected cuts; other tribes used it in steam baths to relieve joint and muscle aches.The Eriogonum Family
The desert trumpet belongs to a large family of some 125 species, growing from sea level to high mountains. Some of these species are rare and threatened with extinction, whereas others are considered to be weeds. This diversity has given rise to a keen interest among enthusiasts and resulted in the formation of the Eriogonum Society dedicated to recording, cultivating, and conserving these most fascinating plants.Learning and Saving
Desert trumpet is common, but roughly a third of the species under Eriogonum are in danger or at risk. Scientists and conservationists have been working to protect its habitats, learn about its ecological role, and make sure it stays healthy in nature.The desert trumpet helps butterflies by providing food, encourages people who love plants, and shows how life can adapt in the desert; it is a great example of nature's cleverness, even in tough situations.
A slender, leafless plant growing to over two feet bearing tiny yellow flowers. Blueish stem is inflated at the node giving the plant its "trumpet" shape.
Common throughout the Mojave Desert below 6,000' in gravel flats and sandy washes in creosote bush, blackbush and sagebrush scrub. Also found in similar soils in Joshua tree, and pinon-juniper woodlands.
Flowers - January to May
Buckwheat Family (Polygonaceae)
Native American plant use: Indians would use the inflated stem portion of the plant as a means to smoke tobacco.
Desert Habitat:
-
Desert Trumpet photo taken at Joshua Tree National Park
