Genus of flowering plants
Purshia (bitterbrush or cliff-rose) is a small genus of 5–8 species of flowering plants in the family Rosaceae which are native to western North America.
Description.
"Purshia" species form deciduous or evergreen shrubs, typically reaching tall. The leaves are long, deeply three- to five-lobed, with revolute margins. The flowers are 1–2 cm in diameter, with five white to pale yellow or pink petals and yellow stamens. The fruit is a cluster of dry, slender, leathery achenes which are 2–6 cm long. The roots have nodules that host nitrogen-fixing "Frankia" bacterium.
Taxonomy.
Taxonomic history.
The genus was originally placed in the subfamily Rosoideae. In the past, the evergreen species were treated separately in the genus Cowania; this genus is still accepted by some botanists.
Modern classification.
The classification of "Purshia" within the family Rosaceae has been unclear. It is now placed in the subfamily Dryadoideae.
Species.
"Purshia" comprises the following species:
Hybrids.
The following hybrid has been described:
Species names with uncertain taxonomic status.
The status of the following species and hybrids is unresolved:
Distribution and habitat.
The genus is native to western North America, where the species grow in dry climates from southeast British Columbia, Canada, south throughout the western United States to northern Mexico.
References.
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