Oenothera suffrutescens
(Scarlet Gaura)
Oenothera suffrutescens, Lathrop State Park, Huerfano Co. 7393
Oenothera suffrutescens, Lathrop State Park, Huerfano Co. 7396
Oenothera suffrutescens, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7832
Oenothera suffrutescens, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7840
Oenothera suffrutescens, Lathrop State Park, Huerfano Co. 6828
Oenothera suffrutescens, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7845
| Scientific Name | Oenothera suffrutescens (Gaura coccinea) | USDA PLANTS Symbol | OESU3 |
| Common Name | Scarlet Gaura, Scarlet Beeblossom | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 836008 |
| Family | Onagraceae (Evening Primrose) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (3500 to 9500 ft.); sandy and calcareous soils in prairies, meadows, disturbed areas and a variety of environments. Plant: Erect, somewhat hairy multi-stemmed perennial, usually up to 20 inches tall, but may be taller. Leaves: Alternate, stalkless, narrow, linear to linear-oblanceolate leaves, 1/2 to 2-1/2 inches long, crowded along the stems; margins entire to somewhat dentate. Inflorescence: Densely-flowered terminal spike 2 to 6 inches long elongating with age, often lax or nodding at the tip; small flowers about 5/8-inch across; 4 sepals less than 1/4 to 3/8-inch long; 4 short, white to pink petals 1/4-inch long becoming red to dark-red with age; 8 stamens with long white filaments and red anthers. Bloom Period: May to August. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and SEINet; Gaura coccinea in "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, "Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country" by Marshall Enquist and "Wildflowers of Texas" by Geyata Ajilvsgi. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2024
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains