Desert Calico
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(Loeseliastrum matthewsii)
Desert Calico (Loeseliastrum matthewsii)
/
Adam J. Searcy
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Adam J. Searcy
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Adam J. Searcy | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Adam J. Searcy | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2010-06-05T05:57:13-07:00 |
Summary
Loeseliastrum matthewsii, commonly known as Desert Calico, is a perennial herb native to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts of western North America, where it thrives in sandy washes, gravelly slopes, and desert scrub environments. It typically grows to a modest height of 4-16 inches (10-40 cm) with a similar spread, and it features narrow, linear leaves with bristle-tipped teeth. The plant is notable for its striking flowers, which bloom from March to May, showcasing a blend of white, lavender, and purple hues streaked with maroon, creating a vivid display in the spring desert landscape.
Desert Calico is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to add color to arid garden settings. It is often used in rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as a border plant in areas with dry, well-draining soils. It requires minimal water once established and prefers full sun exposure. While it is not commonly affected by diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Desert Calico is named after Washington Matthews, a significant figure in the study of Native American languages and cultures.CC BY-SA 4.0
Desert Calico is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to add color to arid garden settings. It is often used in rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as a border plant in areas with dry, well-draining soils. It requires minimal water once established and prefers full sun exposure. While it is not commonly affected by diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Desert Calico is named after Washington Matthews, a significant figure in the study of Native American languages and cultures.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.5-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to sandy washes, gravelly slopes, and desert scrub environments within the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts
Other Names
Common Names: Matthews’ desert calico
Scientific Names: Loeseliastrum matthewsii, Gilia matthewsii, Langloisia matthewsii, Loeselia matthewsii, Navarretia matthewsii, Navarretia matthewsii
GBIF Accepted Name: Loeseliastrum matthewsii