SafePlants

Arizona Desert Foxglove (Brachystigma wrightii)

The plant commonly known as Arizona Desert Foxglove, is scientifically named Brachystigma wrightii. It's a perennial herb found in specific regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the plant bears erect stems and produces tubular flowers, which may present a risk if ingested by pets or children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Brachystigma wrightii (A. Gray) Pennell
• Common Names: Arizona desert foxglove, Wright's brachystigma
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape Family)
• Synonym: Agalinis wrightii (A. Gray) Tidestr.

Distribution and Habitat

• This plant is found in southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and parts of Mexico, specifically the Sierra de los Ajos near Cananea, Sonora, and Miller Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains, Cochise County, Arizona.
• It is often found on mountain slopes and in desert environments.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Brachystigma wrightii is described as a perennial herb with a large, woody caudex.
• It has retrorsely hispidulous stems.
• The plant is a subshrub forb/herb.
• It typically develops an erect form, with a bare stem at the base and many ramifications developing higher up.

Ecological Role and Interactions

• The foxglove aphid (Aulacorthum solani) is mentioned as a pest that infests this plant, particularly in desert lettuce production in Arizona. It was first found in the Arizona desert in 2002, suggesting it is a relatively new occurrence in that region.

Resources and Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Brachystigma wrightii.
• The New Mexico Rare Plant Technical Council (NMRPTC) provides an online fact sheet with species information and distribution details.
• The Desert Botanical Garden (http://www.dbg.org/) and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum are potential resources for more information on desert plants, including the Arizona desert foxglove.