Desert innocence, Red bluet
| Botanical Name | Houstonia (Hedyotis) rubra |
| Common Name | Desert innocence, Red bluet |
| Family | Rubiaceae - Madder |
| Description | This native perennial plant has a small woody taproot. Leaves are .20" - 1" wide. |
| Mature Size | 1" - 4" |
| Bloom | June-August. Flowers are pink and usually have 4 petals. Each flower is 1/3" - 1" long, including a very narrow tube. |
| Interesting Facts | Common along roadsides. |
| Traditional and Medicinal Uses | Puebloan tribes used an infusion of the plant for sore eyes and stomach upsets. Navajos used a decoction of the plant for menstrual problems. |
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Photo for SFBG by Carl Troy
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Photo for SFBG by Janice Tucker
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