Symphoricarpos longiflorus

Family: Caprifoliaceae – Honeysuckle Family

Symphoricarpos longiflorus is the only species from this family represented at Arches National Park.

Shrubs; 1.65' to 3.3' (0.5 to 1 m) tall

Leaves: opposite; simple; 0.24” to 1” (6 to 25 mm) long, 0.08” to 0.36” (2 to 9 mm) wide

Flowers: 5 lobed salverform pink petals which flare open at the mouth; 5 lobed sepals; 4 or 5 stamens; flowers solitary or in pairs; 0.4” to 0.72” (10 to 18 mm) long

Pollinators: other Symphoricarpos species are pollinated by bees and hummingbirds

Fruits: 2 seeded white berry

Blooms in Arches National Park: April, May, June

Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub, pinyon-juniper, grassland and hanging garden communities

Location seen: upper Delicate Arch Viewpoint

Other: The genus name, “Symphoricarpos”, comes from the Greek “symphorein” meaning “borne together” and “karpos” meaning “fruit” referring to the closely clustered berries. The species name, “longiflorus”, means “long flower.