Hackelia velutina


Hackelia velutina is a species of flowering plant in the borage family known by its common name, velvet stickseed.

Distribution

It is endemic to California, growing in the Sierra [Nevada (U.S.)|Sierra Nevada] in red fir and lodgepole pine forest habitats.

Description

Hackelia velutina is a lush, hairy perennial herb reaching a maximum height between. Most of the lance-shaped leaves are located around the base of the erect stems, the longest to about.
Atop the stems are cyme inflorescences of bright blue to lavender flowers. Each small tubular flower has five lobes with a petallike appendage at the base of each.
The fruit is a nutlet covered in long prickles.