| Wine-cup's stems are widely spread, vine-like, and measure between 2-3 feet long. It is considered a low, sprawling or trailing plant. The flower is deeply cupped and dark purplish-red or wine in color. The diameter of the flower is between 1 1/2 - 2 3/8 inches. This plant can be found in the South Texas Plains and the Edwards Plateau on open prairies and woodlands with sandy or gravelly soils. Wine-cup is pollinated by insects, mainly by bees seeking the nectar, and the flower petals can be harvested to produce a bright red dye. The leaves and flowers are often eaten by white-tailed deer, and the leaves are eaten by cattle and Rio Grande turkeys. |
