Kingdom Plantae Family Onagraceae Scientific name Gaura coccinea Rank Species | Order Myrtales Genus Gaura Higher classification Beeblossom | |
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Similar Beeblossom, Onagraceae, Sphaeralcea coccinea, Oenothera caespitosa, Gaura parviflora | ||
Gaura coccinea is a species of flowering plant in the evening primrose family known by several common names, including scarlet beeblossom, scarlet gaura, and linda tarde.
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Distribution
The plant is native to much of North America, especially the western and central sections. It can be found in many habitats, and is occasionally an urban weed.
Description
Gaura coccinea is a perennial herb growing from a woody base and heavy roots. The stems may reach anywhere from 10 centimeters in height to over a meter and sprawling, and they are often covered in small, stiff hairs. The thin to thick clumps of stems are covered in linear to somewhat oval-shaped leaves one to seven centimeters long. Atop the stems are spike inflorescences of several flowers each. The flower has four long, stiff sepals which open and fall away from the flower to lie reflexed toward the stem. There are four spoon-shaped petals which are white to yellowish and may turn pink with age. Each flower has eight long stamens with large red, pink, or yellowish anthers arranged around a long stigma. The fruit is a woody capsule under a centimeter long.
