Physaria rectipes is typical of many other members of this genus, forming small clusters of four-petaled yellow flowers, borne at the ends of sparsely-leafed, reddish-green stems - typically 4 to 8 - that branch from the base of the plant. Stems tend to lie along the ground or rise at a low angle. Most leaves are basal, oblanceolate in shape, growing in a rosette; stem leaves are more spatulate, smaller, and fewer in number. Leaves, stems and buds have a rough surface, due to a covering of short, branched hairs - the hairs are split into 4 to 6 branches, each partly divided.
Flowers are formed of four elliptic sepals, and four larger, obovate petals, somewhat narrower (clawed) at the base. The stamens and pistil are also yellow.
Common name:
Straight bladderpod
Family:
Scientific name:
Physaria rectipes
Synonym:
Lesquerella rectipes
Main flower color:
Range:
The Four Corners states
Height:
Up to 12 inches; angled or prostrate
Habitat:
Sandy locations, rocky hillsides, washes, pinyon-juniper woods; up to 8,500 feet
Leaves:
Oblanceolate to elliptic, around 3 inches long. Entire or toothed margins
Season:
April to July
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