Characteristics:
Parentucellia is a somewhat weedy annual species with erect stems from 10-70 cm high. The stems are unbranched with a coarse herbage of spreading hairs which may become glandular on the upper stem. The leaves are ovate or lanceolate in shape with wavy and toothed margins. The leaves range from 1-4 cm long and are up to 2 cm wide. The upper leaves are alternate or offset from one another.
The flowers are subsessile, arising from the axils of leafy bracts on the upper stem. The corollas are yellow and tubular, ranging from 1.5-2 cm long with the distal end being two-lipped (See photo above.). The upper lip consists of two joined petals which form a hood, the lower lip is longer and is three-lobed.
Parentucellia is weed in disturbed areas with moist, low ground.
Parentucellia is a plant of Mediterranean origin which has become established west of the Cascade Mts. from Washington south to northern California. It has also become established in western South America.
In the Columbia River Gorge, it may be found between the elevations of 0'-100' from Troutdale, OR east to near Stevenson, WA.
