Slendertube Skyrocket
ExplorePlants
Slendertube Skyrocket
ipomopsis tenuituba
The Slendertube Skyrocket (Ipomopsis tenuituba) is a captivating wildflower native to the mountainous regions of the western United States. Standing as a beacon of evolutionary elegance, this perennial herb produces clusters of striking, trumpet-shaped blossoms designed to capture the attention of specific nocturnal pollinators. Growing from a basal rosette of finely divided leaves, its slender stems reach upward in dry, rocky soils where few other plants can thrive. What makes this plant truly fascinating is its specialized relationship with hawkmoths, which has driven the evolution of its exceptionally long, narrow floral tubes. As summer nights fall, these delicate blooms release a sweet fragrance, guiding their long-tongued insect partners to a sugary reward of nectar deep within.
Habitat: Found in dry, gravelly or rocky soils of mountain slopes, canyons, and open coniferous forests at high elevations.
Appearance
The Slendertube Skyrocket is easily recognized by its tall, slender upright stems bearing clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers that range in color from pale pink and lavender to creamy white. Each flower features an exceptionally long, narrow corolla tube, typically measuring 3 to 5 centimeters in length, which flares open into five star-like lobes at the tip. The leaves are deeply lobed into fine, needle-like segments, mostly concentrated in a dense rosette at the base of the plant.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyPolemoniaceaeGenusIpomopsis
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
The long flower tubes of this plant are an evolutionary response to hawkmoths; plants with longer tubes get pollinated more effectively by moths with matching tongue lengths.
The species name 'tenuituba' literally translates from Latin to 'slender tube,' perfectly describing its floral shape.
Unlike its close relative, the Scarlet Gilia, which is pollinated by hummingbirds and has bright red flowers, the Slendertube Skyrocket evolved pale blossoms to be visible in the dark.
Special abilities
Ability
Hawkmoth Magnet
Possesses an exceptionally long, narrow floral tube tailored specifically to the elongated proboscis of nocturnal hawkmoths.
Ability
Drought Tolerant
Develops a deep taproot and thin, needle-like leaves that significantly reduce water loss in arid, high-altitude environments.
Ability
Sticky Armor
Features glandular hairs that secrete a sticky substance, deterring crawling insects from stealing nectar.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 15+ cm
- Lifespan
- 2+ years
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, it generates its own energy from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide while absorbing essential minerals from the soil.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon dioxide
- Soil nutrients
Foraging Method
- Photosynthesis
Ecological connections
mutualism
White-lined Sphinx
Hyles lineata
This nocturnal hawkmoth is a primary pollinator, using its extremely long tongue to drink nectar from the deep floral tubes.
mutualism
Five-spotted Hawkmoth
Manduca quinquemaculata
Another key nocturnal pollinator that visits the flowers at dusk, attracted by their pale color and sweet fragrance.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Slendertube Skyrocket?
The easiest way to identify Slendertube Skyrocket is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Slendertube Skyrocket?
15+ cm
How long does Slendertube Skyrocket live?
2+ years
What does Slendertube Skyrocket eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, it generates its own energy from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide while absorbing essential minerals from the soil.
Where is Slendertube Skyrocket usually found?
Found in dry, gravelly or rocky soils of mountain slopes, canyons, and open coniferous forests at high elevations.
How does Slendertube Skyrocket hunt?
Photosynthesis
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