This tough perennial sinks deep roots—once established, it is very resistant to drought.
It is native to the American southwest.
Plants: This low, bushy species forks into many branches,
forming leafy clumps up to 1½′ (45 cm) high and 3′ (91 cm) wide.
Leaves: Cordate, dark grayish green,
shiny, often pointed, with very fine hairs. They are on short petioles.
(There may be two varieties that are
slightly different.)
Flowers: Very attractive flowers are funnel-shaped, magenta, 1-3″ (2.5-7.6 cm) long and
about 1″ (2.5 cm) around.
The appear at leaf axils and in clumps at the ends of stems, appearing from Apr-Sep, especially
after rain. Four o’clocks are so-named because they bloom in the late afternoon.
Fruits: Fruits are a small, dark seed covered with knobby
or wartlike protuberances, and may feel slimy or sticky when wet.