The Genus Ipomopsis
The Skyrockets
Family: Polemoniaceae
This is a genus of 29 species of annual and perennial herbs native to the Americas, particularly North America, largely native to arid and high-elevation areas of the Great Plains and western North America.
The are best in part sun, especially in the low desert, with moderate water and good drainage. Plants are only rarely for sale. Sometimes seed can be found.
Many species are used medicinally by various people.
Flowers are used by native bees, butterflies, and sometimes hummingbirds. Larval host for Darker-spotted Straw Moth (Heliothis phloxiphaga).
The genus name, Ipomopsis, comes from the Greek ipo, "to strike," and opsis, "appearance," thus of striking appearance.
Photo of the Scarlet Gilia Ipomopsis aggregata, by Sue Carnahan, SEINET
Scarlet Gilia Ipomopsis aggregata Perennial plant, found in open coniferous forests, from 5,000-8,500'. Photo by Max Licher, SEINET
Arizona Ipomopsis (Ipomopsis arizonica) Perennial plants, found in rocky places in the desert, as well as washes 5000-10,000', photo by Max Licher, SEINET
Flaxflowered Ipomopsis (Ipomopsis longiflora) Annual plants, found in open sites, washes, desert and sagebrush shrublands, and woodlands, from 1,500-7,000', photo by Max Licher, SEINET
Macomb's Skyrocket (Ipomopsis macombii) Perennial plants, found on sandy to gravelly soils in openings in coniferous forests, oak woodlands, and on rocky slopes, from 4,500-9,000', photo by Liz Makings, SEINET
Manyflowered Skyrocket (Ipomopsis multiflora) Perennial plants, found in open sites from desert shrublands up into woodlands and in montane forests, from 2,000-8,500', photo by Max Licher, SEINET
El Paso Skyrocket (Ipomopsis thurberi) Perennial plants, found on sandy to rocky soils, in canyons and on open slopes, in desert shrublands, woodlands, and coniferous forest from 4,000-8,000', photo by Jillian Cowles