Needleleaf navarretia (Navarretia intertexta, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 75 (1837))

Family: Polemoniaceae

Author: (Benth.) Hook.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 75 (1837)

Year: 1837

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Navarretia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canada to Mexico (Baja California Norte)

Description

Needleleaf navarretia, scientifically known as Navarretia intertexta, is a distinguished member of the Polemoniaceae family. Originally described in 1837 in the second volume of “Flora Boreali-Americana,” this plant is attributed to the botanist George Bentham and classified by William Jackson Hooker.

This annual herbaceous plant is noted for its distinctive needle-like leaves, a feature which contributes to its common name. The foliage, slender and sometimes prickly, forms dense, mat-like clusters. These clusters often provide a stark contrast to the plant’s delicate, vibrant flowers, which exhibit shades ranging from pale blues to deep purples.

Needleleaf navarretia thrives in a variety of environments, stretching from the cool, temperate regions of Canada down through the diverse landscapes of the United States, and extending as far south as Baja California Norte in Mexico. This wide range suggests a remarkable adaptability to different climates and soil types, though it favors open, sunny habitats such as grasslands, meadows, and chaparral regions.

During its blooming period, typically from late spring to early summer, Needleleaf navarretia becomes a point of interest in the ecosystems it inhabits. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, playing a crucial role in the local ecological web. Beyond its ecological contributions, its unique appearance makes it a plant of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

In maintaining the health of its native habitats, Needleleaf navarretia often serves as an indicator species, helping ecologists monitor ecosystem integrity and biodiversity. Despite its subtle presence, this plant holds significant ecological value and continues to be a subject of study and admiration in the botanical world.

Common Names

Eng: needleleaf navarretia, needle-leaved navarretia
Fra: navarrétie à aiguilles
Swe: nätnavarretia
En: Needleleaf navarretia, Needle-Leaf Pincushion-Plant, Needleleaf pincushion plant, Needle-leaved navarretia
Fi: Villaneulio
Fr: Navarrétie à aiguilles
Sv: Nätnavarretia

Synonyms

• Navarretia minima var. intertexta ((Benth.) B.Boivin)
• Gilia intertexta ((Benth.) Steud.)
• Aegochloa intertexta (Benth.)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Tennessee (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 20, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 8, 2011 by EOL − Ryan Batten (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2015 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2015 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Stephanie Thompson (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2015 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 24, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 24, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 18, 2007 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 18, 2007 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927682)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:689538-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Navarretia intertexta (Benth.) Hook.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth