Machaeranthera tortifolia

Has problems with handling rainfall above 15 inches. A somewhat woody perennial to 2ft. high that grows in the Mojave desert from Riverside to Utah. Two inch, light purple flowers that are a stunning contrast to its harsh habitat emerge in spring. You can get a second flowering with pruning again in fall. It needs perfect drainage, summer drought (water until established), and full sun. Not been reliable below 25 F., with higher rainfall; combination of wet and cold not to its liking. Best in desert areas. Grows with Salazaria mexicana, Sphaeralcea ambigua, Encelia farinosa, Physalis crassifolia, Atriplex hymenelytra, Nicotiana obtusifolia, Peucephyllum schottii, and Cucurbita palmata. Syn: Xylorhiza tortifolia