Boraxweed

Nitrophila occidentalis often occurs with Distichlis, Juncus, and Sarcobatus.

Stems sometimes prostrate and stolon- or rhizomelike with scaly leaves, 7-20(-30) cm; above-ground stem not densely leafy. Leaves of main stems clasping at base, leaves of main stem sometimes connate, arched-spreading; blade linear, terete or subterete, at least in distal ¹/2, 5-20(-30) × 0.7-1.5 mm, apex sharply acute or apiculate, sometimes retuse. Inflorescences solitary, sessile flowers, or if 2-3-flowered, additional flowers short-pedicelled. Flowers: perianth segments erect, pinkish to yellowish brown, 1-veined, ovate, 2-3.3 mm; stamens included; filaments shortly connate basally; style longer than stigmatic branches. Utricles concealed by persistent calyx. Seeds brown, ca 1.2 mm. 2n = 18.

Calif., Nev., Oreg., Utah.

Flowering spring-summer.

Relatively moist, alkaline flats or meadows, 400-1900m.

Banalia occidentalis Moquin-Tandon in A. P. de Candolle and A. L. P. P. de Candolle, Prodr. 13(2): 279. 1849