Foothills to sub-alpine. Openings, woodlands, shrublands.  Early spring.
Narraguinnep Natural Area, May 10, 2006.

This ubiquitous Snapdragon is so tiny that it is almost always overlooked -- unless it is found in a large colony.  Single flowers are difficult to spot; the plant itself is a bit easier because of the maroon on the stems and on the underside of the leaves, which frequently are angled upward enough to expose the red underside.  

It is common to find Collinsia growing in colonies, very often with tiny, white flowering Microsteris gracilis.  The picture below gives a view from about three feet above the ground and you can see how difficult it is to find these plants.

"Collinsia" was named for Zaccheus Collins, 1764-1831, eminent botanist from Philadelphia.  "Parviflora" is Latin for "small-flowered".

Thomas Nuttall named this genus and David Douglas (of Douglas Fir fame) named the species in 1827.  Douglas shipped seeds of the plant from the Columbia River area to England where it was grown and described.  (More biographical information.)

Foothills to sub-alpine. Openings, woodlands, shrublands.   Early spring.
Narraguinnep Natural Area, May 10, 2006.

The front and side views of the flower are dramatically different.

Foothills to sub-alpine. Openings, woodlands, shrublands.  Early spring.
Prater Ridge Trail, Mesa Verde National Park, May 1, 2006.

One often finds Collinsia parviflora by looking for its red stems and leaves, not its more difficult to discern, minute blue and white flowers.