Firecracker Bush
Bouvardia ternifolia
This shrub was found growing in partial shade along Florida Canyon, Pima Co., Arizona, USA. 30 July 2013.
LEAVES: The stem leaves are whorled, i.e. there are often three leaves, but sometimes two,
attached at each node. Margins are entire and color is dark green. Stipule
sheath where leaves affix to stem.
RANGE: In Arizona this attractive shrub is restricted to the canyons of
the Sky Island Mountains in the southeast. Ranges into New Mexico and western
Texas mountains. Also found in nursery trade.
SHRUB: A woody shrub with rather slender, flexible branches. Mostly
about a meter to two meters tall.
FLOWERS: Tubular red flowers have four lobes and four stamens. Visited
heavily by hummingbirds from June through September.
FRUIT: Dry capsules with many flattened seeds inside.
UNARMED