General: Broadleaf Gilia (Aliciella latifolia) is an annual forb with broad basal leaves that are green with red edges. The flowers, borne on a stalk have five petals and are purple.

Broad-leaved Gilia is a common component of desert vegetation communities in washes and other gravelly and rocky soils. Around Las Vegas, look for this species in washes at Lake Mead and Death Valley.

Family: Phlox (Polemoniaceae).

Other Names: Broad-leaved Gilia, Gilia latifolia.

Plant Form: Basal leaves with a flower stalk.

Height: To about 15 inches, usually shorter.

Stems: Usually one flowering stalk; glandular.

Leaves: Generally basal, oval with small teeth (holly-like). Red edges on green leaf. Glandular.

Flowers: Blooms during spring. Flowers clustered at the top of the flower stalk; petals 5, purplish.

Seeds: Held inside small fruits.

Habitat: Washes and gravel or rocky soils.

Elevation: To about 5,000 feet.

Distribution: California to Utah and Arizona.

Comments: Strongly scented.