Firecracker Bush

Bouvardia ternifolia

Firecracker Bush, Bouvardia ternifolia, photo © by Michael Plagens

This shrub was found growing in partial shade along Florida Canyon, Pima Co., Arizona, USA. 30 July 2013.

LEAVES: The stem leaves are whorled, i.e. there are often three leaves, but sometimes two, attached at each node. Margins are entire and color is dark green. Stipule sheath where leaves affix to stem.

RANGE: In Arizona this attractive shrub is restricted to the canyons of the Sky Island Mountains in the southeast. Ranges into New Mexico and western Texas mountains. Also found in nursery trade.

SHRUB: A woody shrub with rather slender, flexible branches. Mostly about a meter to two meters tall.

FLOWERS: Tubular red flowers have four lobes and four stamens. Visited heavily by hummingbirds from June through September.

FRUIT: Dry capsules with many flattened seeds inside.

UNARMED

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More Information:


Arizona Naturalist
Sycamore Canyons
The Flora of Arizona's Sycamore Canyons


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Copyright Michael J. Plagens, page created 7 March 2012,
updated 14 August 2014