Flowers of Epilobium canum subsp. latifolium
Previously named scientifically as Zauschneria californica subsp. latifolia, this “hummingbird trumpet” and all of its relatives are now placed in the genus Epilobium, the willowherbs. As you can tell from the epithet of its old name, californica, this plant grows natively in California, as well as north to Oregon and east to New Mexico.
The brown-black fruits are capsules, which will split open to reveal a mass of silky-white hairs. The hairs are attached to diminutive seeds, and aid in wind dispersal.
Botany resource link: A few commenters have expressed a desire to learn more about botany. To get a broad overview of the discipline, a good place to start on the web is the Wikipedia entry on botany. In the physical world, I recommend checking used bookstores that sell technical books as an inexpensive way to find a botany textbook; it may not have the most up-to-date science, but (theoretically) it should be a more structured way to learn than what is generally delivered over the web (though Wayne Armstrong’s botany courses stands out as one exception). Also, don’t forget to check your public library!
Just to add we have found that the used book sales by non-profit orgs (Check your local papers or at malls to find out who and where) are also a good place to pick-up good informative books. Albeit some maybe really old and some young.
Is this available at any nurseries? If so, where.
Margie: Yes, this can be found at a number of nurseries. Here is a search on Google for Epilobium canum and nursery restricted to .com sites – you might want to add your state, province or country to refine the search.