Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness
Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Plagiobothrys arizonicus (Gray) Greene ex Gray
(Bloodweed, Arizona Popcorn Flower)
Family: Boraginaceae
Status: Native
Synonyms:
Eritrichium canescens Gray var. arizonicum Gray
Plagiobothrys arizonicus is a small herb with tiny white flowers and very pubescent leaves. It grows in lower to mid elevations and easy is to recognize because its stem, roots and leaves exude a purple dye when curshed. The dye is quite persistant and difficult to wash off fingers. It is also quite noticeable on the paper used to press the specimen. Cryptantha micrantha also exudes a purple dye when crushed, but it does not resemble Plagiobothrys arizonicus otherwise.
Please click on an image for a larger file.

Plagiobothrys arizonicus, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, Mar. 22, 2008

Plagiobothrys arizonicus, leaves bleeding a purple dye when crushed, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, Mar. 22, 2008
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