Common Bearpoppy

Description

Arctomecon humilis is a rare species of poppy called Bearclaw Poppy or Dwarf Bearclaw-poppy. It is endemic to Washington County, Utah, in the United States of America. It is a federally listed endangered species limited to barren, heavily gypsiferous soils in the immediate vicinity of St. George, Utah. Only a half-dozen populations are known, several of which are adjacent to or even within the urbanized area.A. humilis is a taprooted perennial herb producing stout, waxy stems that grow 15 to 25 centimeters tall. Waxy blue-green leaves with rounded teeth are located around the base of the plant. Each scape-like stem has one or two ivory-white flowers that have orange-yellow stamens. The ovoid shaped fruits produce up to 30 or sometimes more, shiny black seeds.It is pollinated by the rare solitary bee species Perdita meconis.