Quincula lobata
(Chinese Lantern)
Quincula lobata, Picture Canyon, Comanche National Grasslands, Baca Co. 9781-2
Quincula lobata, Picture Canyon, Comanche National Grasslands, Baca Co. 9775
Quincula lobata, Picture Canyon, Comanche National Grasslands, Baca Co. 9777
Quincula lobata, Picture Canyon, Comanche National Grasslands, Baca Co. 9781-1
Quincula lobata, Picture Canyon, Comanche National Grasslands, Baca Co. 9779
| Scientific Name | Quincula lobata (Physalis lobata) | USDA PLANTS Symbol | QULO2 |
| Common Name | Chinese Lantern, Purple Groundcherry | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 504721 |
| Family | Solanaceae (Nightshade) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description | Life zones and habitat: Plains and foothills (3500 to 7100); sandy or gravelly soils in dry, open areas; prairies, roadsides, waste areas, hillsides and canyons. Plant: Prostrate or decumbent perennial, much-branched, very leafy, spreading stems; 2 to 6 inches tall. Leaves: Alternate, oblong to oblanceolate or spatulate tapering to a winged petiole at the base; blades 1-1/2 to 4 inches long, 1/4 to 1-1/4 inches wide; margins entire to lobed; surface with white, spherical hairs. Inflorescence: Solitary blue or violet blossoms 1/2 to 3/4-inch across on short pedicels; 5 united flaring petals, yellow anthers, style twisted and bent to one side. Bloom Period: May to July. Fruit: Greenish-yellow berries up to 3/8-inch in diameter. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, "Wildflowers of Texas" by Geyata Ajilvsgi, Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses and SEINet. |
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