Semi-desert.  Openings. Spring, summer.
Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area, April 23, 2006.

Stems of Allionia incarnata spread radially from a central root crown.  The sandy appearance of the leaves is due to small dirt and sand particles which are held by the sticky hairs that cover the plant.   Despite the dirt, this is a lovely plant which brightens open, sandy areas in Canyon Country.

Linnaeus named this genus in 1753 and species in 1759.  "Allionia" is for Carlo Allioni, 1705-1804, Italian botanist.  "Incarnata" is Latin for "flesh colored".  (More biographical information.)

Semi-desert.  Openings. Spring.
Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area, April 23, 2006.