About Andersonia caerulea R.Br.
Andersonia caerulea is an erect, spreading, or low-lying shrub that usually grows between 0.05 and 1 meter (2.0 inches to 3 feet 3.4 inches) tall. Taller, erect specimens bear flowers arranged in a compact spike, while low-lying plants have flowers arranged in a different formation. Its leaves vary in shape and size, ranging from egg-shaped to lance-shaped or linear. Leaves are sometimes twisted or wavy, often ending in a pointed tip, and may be variously hairy or completely hairless. Between 15 and 25 leaves or bracteoles grow at the base of each flower. Sepals measure 5 to 12 millimeters (0.20 to 0.47 inches) long and are longer than the bracteoles. Sepals are lance-shaped and may be pink, lilac, or pale blue. Petals are shorter than the sepals, usually pale blue, and have a dense covering of beard-like hairs inside the petal tube. This species, commonly known as foxtails, grows in sandy soil. It is widespread across the south-west of Western Australia, found in the Avon Wheatbelt, Esperance Plains, Jarrah Forest, Mallee, Swan Coastal Plain, and Warren bioregions.
