Caltha leptosepala

(Marsh Marigold)

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Caltha leptosepala, Georgia Pass Summit Co. 0072

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Caltha leptosepala, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek Co. 1589

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Caltha leptosepala, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 3853

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Caltha leptosepala, Mayflower Lake, Summit Co. 9199

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Caltha leptosepala, Indian Peaks, Boulder Co. 6486

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Caltha leptosepala, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 4412

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Caltha leptosepala, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek Co. 1600

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Caltha leptosepala, Blue Lakes, Summit Co. 9974

Scientific Name Caltha leptosepala USDA PLANTS SymbolCALE4
Common Name Marsh-marigold, White Marsh-marigold ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 18455
Family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Montane to alpine (8000 to 13500 ft.); bogs, marshes, soggy meadows, along ponds and streams and edges of snowfields.
Plant: Erect perennial, single leafless stem 2 to 20 inches tall.
Leaves: Basal, heart-shaped to rounded, thick, short-stalked blades, 5/8 to 9 inches long and 3/4 to 2 inches across with smooth to somewhat toothed edges.
Inflorescence: One or two bowl-shaped flowers on each stalk, 2/3 to 1-1/2 inches across with no petals but 5 to 12 (sometimes more) white to yellowish oblong to oval sepals; center with many yellow, protruding stamens and several pistils.
Bloom Period: May to August.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, "Guide to Colorado Wildflowers" by G.K. Guennel, "Wildflowers of the Rocky Mountains" by Carl Schreier, "A Guide to Rocky Mountain Plants" by Nelson and Williams, SW Colorado Wildflowers and SEINet.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains