Polemoniaceae

Non-woody (herbaceous) annuals or perennials. Leaves along stem or mostly basal, alternate or opposite, simple or compound; if compound, one leaflet at tip of leaf, the others in pairs along leaf stalk; stipules none.

Flowers showy, in cymes, sometimes headlike. Each flower producing both pollen and seeds; radially symmetric. Sepals 5, fused at base to form a tube, the tube with green ribs that extend into the lobes, the part of the tube between the ribs thin, papery and often transparent or nearly so. Petals 5, fused at base to form a tube, with separate lobes at top; tubular part often very slender. Stamens 5, alternating with petals; stamen stalks attached to petals. Carpels 3, fused to form 1 pistil; ovary 1, with 3 chambers; ovary located above point of attachment of other flower parts (superior); style 1; stigma wiith 3 lobes. Fruit a capsule with 3 chambers.