78. MOUNTAIN BLUEBELLS Borage Family _Mertensia ciliata_
A fairly tall perennial growing to be from 2 to 3 feet high and found only in moist places at high elevations of the plateaus. It is common at and near Cedar Breaks along the streams or in the swampy meadows. The small clusters of drooping, delicate-blue flowers come mostly in May and June or even later at the higher elevations of Brian Head Peak near Cedar Breaks. Before maturing the flowers may be pinkish to white in color.
79. NARROWLEAF PUCCOON Borage Family _Lithospermum incisum_
This member of the Borage Family is well adapted to the dry habitats. The plants are commonly found in clumps, but they are generally widely scattered rather than in dense growths as in the case of the Bluebells or Mertensias that belong to the same Family. Its showy trumpetlike yellow flowers attract many insects as they bloom during April and May. The seeds are hard, white and shiny, hence the name Lithospermum, meaning stone seed.
80. DESERT SAGE Mint Family _Salvia carnosa_
Although looking very much like a clump of Sagebrush, this small shrub is a member of the Mint Family and not closely related to the Common Sagebrush. The clusters of bright purple flowers, as they come on in May or June, certainly add brilliant adornment to this sage-green plant. It is fairly common in the Sonoran Zones and well scattered throughout much of the Southwest. This is the plant referred to in the storied Land of the Purple Sage. One of the best places to look for this plant is along the Emerald Pool Trail in Zion National Park.
81. MULLEIN Figwort Family _Verbascum thapsus_
This rather unusual-appearing plant is not a native but rather an introduced species from Europe that has spread over most of Western America. It is fairly common along the roads and trails.
The Hopi Indians are said to dry and smoke the leaves, and this is thought to cure people who are mentally unbalanced.
Early Greeks and Romans dipped dried mullein stalks in tallow to make lampwicks. The English named it “Torchweed” and the Spanish called it “Candelaria.”
82. ROYAL PENSTEMON Figwort Family _Penstemon speciosus_
This species, also known as Purple Penstemon, is found in much the same habitats as the Blue Penstemon. It is generally abundant along roadsides at elevations above 4,500 feet. It is fairly common at Cedar Breaks and at Bryce Canyon. The flowers vary in color from deep blue to dark purple, and the stalks vary in height from 12 to 20 inches.