Ipomopsis rubra (L.) Wherry

Standing Cypress; Scarlet Gilia

Herb

Biennial

Vascular

Standing Cypress is an herbaceous biennial (requires two years to complete its life cycle) in the Phlox family (Polemoniaceae). It is found in the southern half of Alabama on the thin soils of limestone prairies and on sandhills. After germination, the plants spend one year as a one to two inch tall stem. Then in the second year they elongate and flower. The plant has a tap root system, and can grow to a height of six feet. Typically, plants have a single unbranched stem unless damaged. The stems are green in color and pubescent. They have alternate, pinnately dissected leaves. The segments of the leaves are filiform. Flowers are produced in slender terminal panicles. The panicles are elongate and may be ¼ to 1/3 of the total plant height. The flowers are salverform and bright red in color. They begin to open at the top of the inflorescence and progress downwards. The flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and hawk moths. The fruit is a capsule containing many seed. The plant dies when the seed are mature. Standing Cypress does not transplant well, but is easy to grow from seed. It needs an area with excellent drainage and full sun. Plants are subject to root rot in poorly draining soils. Plant the seed in the autumn and only lightly cover them. Mark the spot so you will know to look for seedlings. If plants are grown in areas that have rich soils, or in areas without proper light they will tend to want to fall over and will have to be staked. Seed are available from many wildflower seed companies. Since the plants are biennials, plant a few each year to make sure you have some plants in flower each summer.--A. Diamond

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Native G4G5IPRU2 (Global Rank)

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