Eriastrum densifolium – “Blue Mantle”

Also Known As: Perennial Eriastrum, Shrubby Eriastrum
Other Botanical Names: Gilia densifolium
Family: Phlox (Polemoniaceae)
Bloom Period: May-Sep
Form: Perennial herb
Habitat: Sandy soils
Leaves: Pinnately-divided, leaflets linear; alternate
Translation: “Eriastrum” is Greek for “woolly star,” which refers to the fuzzy foliage and star-shaped flowers; “densifolium” is Latin for “densely-leaved.”
Native American Uses: The Kawaiisu made a salve from the pounded flowers and roots to treat venereal sores.