Flowers of the Southwest Deserts

by Natt N. Dodge

PURPLE

Heliotropium curassavicum

Common names: WILD-HELIOTROPE, QUAILPLANT, CHINESE-PUSLEY Arizona, California and Texas deserts: (Heliotropium curassavicum). Purple. March-April. Borage family. Size: Spreading, weak stems up to 18 inches.

Widely distributed on salty and alkaline soils throughout the warmer parts of the Western Hemisphere, there are several species and varieties of Wild-heliotrope. The flowers, which are almost white, shading to a pale purple in the corolla throat, open as the spike uncoils, perfuming the desert air with their fragrance. The name “Pusley” which is applied to this plant in some localities is possibly a corruption of “Purslane.”

Pima Indians are reported to powder the dried roots of these plants, applying the dust to wounds or sores. The name “Wild-heliotrope” is also applied to another desert flower, Phacelia crenulata ([which see]), causing no little confusion.

PURPLE

Pluchea sericea

Common names: ARROWWEED, MARSH-FLEABANE Arizona, California, and Texas deserts: (Pluchea sericea). Roseate purple. Spring. Sunflower family. Size: Perennial, 3 to 10 feet tall.