PlantFiles: Narrowleaf Goldshower
Galphimia angustifolia

I have not grown this plant; however. I have observed it in its native habitat.

Narrowleaf Goldshower (Galphimia angustifolia) is a native plant that is endemic to Texas. It usually grows in rocky limestone soils from the Edwards Plateau Region south to Mexico in open or lightly wooded areas and open rocky slopes. Preferring to be sheltered from the hot afternoon sun, it requires some morning sun to prosper so it can be found at the edges of woodlands. It typically occurs in very small colonies. A subshrub that has a semi-woody base, it has a hard woody root, numerous erect stems and attains a height between 6 and 12 inches. Being a plant that is small in stature and having small blooms, it is easily overlooked.

The 25-50 mm long, linear lanceolate, opposite leaves are sessile (lacking stems) or nearly so. The racemes are about 15 cm long and produce 5-petalled, windmill-like blooms that are about 1/2 inch in size. They each may be one of the following colors: yellow, orange, gold, red, red-orange or yellow-orange. The blooms appear to turn red with age. This variety of bloom colors which frequently occur on the same raceme adds interest to the plant. The blooming period begins in April and continues through September or so. The blooms are followed by tiny (3-4 mm), roundish in shape, 3-lobed capsules which split when dried to release the seed.

This plant would make an interesting addition to wildscapes, xeriscapes and rock gardens. It is a very interesting looking plant.

Update: 1/26/09 Before I could save a few of these beautifully blooming plants I observed, they were killed by machinery as the roadside was being widened. I had been waiting for rain so that the plants could be dug up more easily from the rocky limestone soil. No rain has fallen in a long time due to being in a severe, prolonged drought. I should have taken lots of jugs of water to the site. I am saddened that these plants as well as may others that I had never observed before in my area are now gone. :o(