Lilac Sunbonnet
Langloisia setosissimaLilac Sunbonnet is a petite and eye-catching spring wildflower native to the deserts of the American Southwest. Though small, it adds bursts of color to the sandy flats and slopes where it grows.
Appearance:
This plant usually stays under 6 inches tall and forms a low mound or loose cluster. The flowers are star-shaped and vary in color from pale lavender to deep violet, often with darker purple markings and a yellow or white center. The leaves and stems are bristly, giving the plant a slightly prickly texture.
Habitat:
Grows in dry, sandy or gravelly soils, usually on desert flats, washes, and open slopes. It thrives in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts.
Bloom Time:
Flowers appear in early spring, generally from March to May, depending on rainfall.
Pollinators:
Attracts native bees and small insects. Its bold markings help guide pollinators into the flower.
Note:
Lilac Sunbonnet may be small, but it stands out in the desert with its vivid colors and starburst shape. It’s one of those spring bloomers that proves the desert can be both harsh and beautiful.
Found in creosote bush scrub, washes and dry sandy places to 3500'
Blooms April to June
It is an annual plant, growing to 4-20 cm tall.
The flowers are white to light blue or pale purple in color, 1.5-2 cm diameter.