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| Eriastrum densifolium ssp. elongatum |
| Family: Polemoniaceae (Phlox) |
| Flowers — color: blue, size: 1/2", type: 5 petals |
Woolystar has a showy blue flower. The tubular part extends 3/4" then spreads into five lobes 1/2" wide. The pale blue petals have darker blue veins. Several stamens project past the throat having large anthers shaped like cleft arrowheads.
A dozen buds cluster at a branch terminus, each covered in wooly fuzz.
Habit:
Woolystar is a perennial with woody stems. It grows as a mound about twelve inches diameter. The gray green leaves are narrow, spike-shaped and may have narrow lateral lobes.
The background of the last photo holds a mat of reddish California spineflower. Woolystar may form colonies of dozens in open sunny areas when they have little competition.
Obs: For years I have enjoyed these blue clumps along the north shoulder of Oak Hill Drive.