Erythranthe scouleri
Phytoneuron 2012-39: 44. 2012.
Perennials, rhizomatous, producing long, sparsely leafy runners from basal nodes. Stems erect, simple or few-branched, 15–80 cm, glabrous. Leaves cauline, basal usually not persistent; petiole: proximals and medial 10–25 mm (gradually merging into blade), distals 0 mm; blade palmately (3–) 5–7-veined to subpinnate, (proximal to medial) oblongelliptic to oblong-lanceolate, 25–60 × 8–18 mm, usually 3–4 times longer than wide, base attenuate, margins evenly, shallowly dentate or crenate to mucronate or mucronulate, teeth 10–20 per side, sometimes more deeply toothed at base, apex obtuse to acute, surfaces glabrous. Flowers herkogamous, (1 or) 2–8, from distal nodes. Fruiting pedicels 20–25 mm, glabrous. Fruiting calyces ovoid, inflated, sagittally compressed, 13–14 mm, glabrous, throat closing. Corollas yellow, without red markings, bilaterally symmetric, bilabiate; tube-throat funnelform, 20–24 mm, exserted 10–15 mm beyond calyx margin; limb expanded 22–30 mm. Styles minutely, prominently hirsutulous to villosulous. Anthers included, glabrous. Capsules unknown.
Phenology: Flowering May–Aug.
Habitat: Salt marshes, river banks.
Elevation: 0–20 m.
Discussion
Erythranthe scouleri is distinctive in its oblong-elliptic leaves with long-tapering bases and closely toothed margins, completely glabrous vestiture, long, leafy runners from basal cauline nodes, large corollas with broad limbs, and prominently hairy styles. Several features suggest a close relationship to E. decora, particularly its very large corollas, hairy styles, closely toothed leaf margins, tall, simple, and erect stems, numerous runners, and its geographic range. All collections apparently have been made near the mouth of the Columbia River in Clatsop and Columbia counties, Oregon (G. L. Nesom 2013d). Recent observations (Alexander John Wright, pers. comm.; photos http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/3537008) indicate that it also occurs in Wahkiakum County, Washington, in the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge.
Selected References
None.