General: Valley Ringstem (Anulocaulis annulatus) is a perennial forb that might look more like a spindly shrub. Broad, hairy leaves are concentrated low, but stems support some leaves. The spindly stems have sticky, yellow-brown bands that serve to catch small insects, which are absorbed through the stem and provide nutrients for the plant.

Valley Ringstem is an uncommon component of vegetation communities in dry, well-drained gravelly areas on bajadas into the lower mountains in the Upper Sonoran (Mojave Desert Scrub) life zone.

Around Las Vegas, look for this species in the hills and washes on the east edge of town around Sunrise and Frenchman mountains or out in Death Valley National Park.

Family: Four O'clock (Nyctaginaceae)