ID Characteristics
This plant is in the Brassicaceae - the mustard family.
Arizona jewel flower initially has a clump of basal foliage. The petioles and leaves are often tinged with purple. The white veins stand out against the color of the leaves.
The flower stalk has many flowers and can grow to over 3 feet with ample moisture, though it is typically shorter.
The basal leaves of Arizona jewel flower are lobed and can be 8 inches long (lowest leaf in photo). The alternate leaves on the flower stalk, however, are smaller and usually unlobed (leaves center left). The whole plant may have a purple tinge.
The flowers of Arizona jewel flower are 0.5 inches long and quite showy. The 4 sepals are white and curved and the flower looks as if it is puffed out. The 4 curling petals are marked with maroon and extend beyond the sepals.
Each flower produces a 3 inch, thin fruit typical of the mustard family, to which this plant belongs. Allow the plant to die back and the fruit to open and release seed to ensure the plants will grow again next year.