Epixiphium wislizeni [Plantaginaceae]

Click on the images below to see larger versions.

Scientific Name Epixiphium wislizeni (Maurandya wislizeni) USDA PLANTS Symbol EPWI2
Common Name Balloonbush, Snapdragon Vine ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 502335
Family Plantaginaceae (Plantain) SEINet
Reference
Click Here
Description Habitat: Sandy soils in desert grasslands, brushlands and canyons from 4000 to 6000 ft.
Plant: Twining, climbing perennial vine with smooth, slender, much-branched stems up to 8 feet (or much more) long.
Leaves: Smooth hastate or triangular leaves with pointed or rounded tips and side lobes, 3/4 to 2-3/8 inches long, alternate to subopposite on petioles about the same length as the leaves.
Inflorescence: Showy two-lipped, snapdragon-like blossoms on pedicels 3/8 to 1-1/2 inch long arising from leaf axils; blossoms about 1 inch long; two-lobed upper lip and three-lobed lower lip blue/purple with darker veins; white throat; 5 long-pointed sepals.
Bloom period: May to September.
References: "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, "Wildflowers of Texas" by Michael Eason and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map

Texas Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2022