What is a Desert Trumpet

Below is a transcription of the above sign found at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.

Desert Trumpet – Eriogonum inflatum

COMMUNITY

Creosote Bush Shrub and Arroyo Woodland

BLOOMS

March-July

HABITAT

Sandy or rocky ground

ELEVATION

1000 to 2000 ft (320 to 800 cm)

TYPE OF SOIL

Sand/gravel; disturbed areas

SOURCE OF WATER

Surface rain/snow

HEIGHT

8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm)

POLLINATION

Wildlife, wind, insects

ADAPTATION FOR SURVIVAL

Small leaves in rosette close to ground; tall, green stalk raises flowers high above, where wind can pollinate them and carry away seeds.

COMMENTS

Over 100 species of Eriogonum are found in the Southwest.

In late summer and early fall, these plants turn red and are commonly seen on disturbed soils such as roadsides.

The desert trumpet’s distinctive inflated stalk was dried by Indians to use as pipe stems.

Also an important food for bighorn sheep, and a species of wasp deposits eggs in the inflated stem.