Streptanthus tortuosus

Streptanthus tortuosus is a biennial or short lived perennial plant in the mustard family (Brassicaceae) known by the common names shieldplant,[1] shieldleaf, and mountain jewelflower.[2]

Streptanthus tortuosus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Streptanthus
Species:
S. tortuosus
Binomial name
Streptanthus tortuosus

Range and habitat

It is native to the mountains of northern and central California, its distribution extending just into Oregon and Nevada. It grows in rocky and sandy areas in forests and woodland habitat.

Growth pattern

It is highly variable in appearance and some authors divide it into many subtaxa. In general, it is a biennial or perennial herb growing a few centimeters to over a meter tall. It is hairless and often waxy in texture.

Leaves and stems

The basal leaves have oval blades borne on winged petioles, and leaves higher on the stem may be longer and narrower, sometimes clasping the stem at the bases. Leaves turn yellow with age.[2]

Inflorescence and fruit

Flowers occur at intervals along the upper stem, and there is usually a leaflike bract below them. Each flower has an urn-shaped calyx of sepals in shades of purple or greenish yellow with four petals emerging from the tip. The fruit is a long, thin, curving silique up to 12 to 16 centimeters long.

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References
  1. "Streptanthus tortuosus". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 4 December 2015.
  2. Sierra Nevada Wildflowers, Karen Wiese, 2nd Ed. 2013, p. 30


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