Sierra Wild Flowers - Lake Tahoe
  wildflower photo    Scientific Name: Streptanthus tortuosus
   Common Name: Mountain Jewelflower or Shieldleaf
   Family: Mustard
   Color: Reddish purple

 

Description: Emerging from the reddish-purple calyx are four delicate, narrow, white and reddish-purple petals. More noticeable are the large, shield-shaped leaves which are bright yellow or green, but turn a shiny maroon as the flower matures.

Habitat: Drying, rocky flats.

Edibility: The seeds of all mustards can be dried and used as seasoning, but large doses can irritate the stomach lining.

Medicinal uses: Mustards are diuretics and have also been used in the treatment of bronchitis.

Comments: Both the genus name and species name allude to the twisting qualities of the flower and sepals.

wildflower photo

wildflower photo

wildflower photo