Ipomopsis rubra is a flowering plant of the phlox family native to North America in the state of Texas and the southeastern United States, commonly known as standing cypress, scarlet gilia, Texas plume, flame flower, and indian spur. This classification is synonymous with Gilia rubra. This flower is noteworthy for its bright, upturned flowers.[1][2][3]

Identification

Ipomosis rubra has very short, filament leaves attached to long stems, upwards of five feet long in some cases.[4] Ipomosis rubra flowers are about an inch long with a number of small stamen inside. The tubular flowers grow in spears and all point upwards. The flowers have small yellow dots inside, and have five lobed petals. Ipomosis rubra also has a very long taproot to survive droughts.[5]

Uses

This flower has found use in gardens as a hummingbird attractant for its hardy qualities and self-seeding nature. Ipomosis rubra is also attractive for low water requirements.[6]

References

  1. ^ "Ipomopsis rubra - Plant Finder". missouribotanicalgarden.org.
  2. ^ "Plants Profile for Ipomopsis rubra (standing-cypress)". usda.gov.
  3. ^ "Ipomopsis rubra (Polemoniaceae): Distribution and habitat" (PDF).
  4. ^ "PlantFiles: Detailed information on Standing Cypress, Scarlet Gilia Ipomopsis rubra". Dave's Garden.
  5. ^ "Ipomopsis rubra (Standing Cypress) Wildflower Seed". Everwilde Farms.
  6. ^ "Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin". wildflower.org.