Chamerion latifolium
(Alpine Fireweed)
Chamerion latifolium, Middle Fork, Swan River, Summit Co. 8083
Chamerion latifolium, Middle Fork, Swan River, Summit Co. 5703
Chamerion latifolium, Mt. Antero, Chaffee Co. 6195
Chamerion latifolium, Mt. Antero, Chaffee Co. 6173
Chamerion latifolium, Straight Creek Trail, Summit Co. 8552
Chamerion latifolium, Mt. Antero, Chaffee Co. 6180
Chamerion latifolium, Middle Fork, Swan River, Summit Co. 8093
| Scientific Name | Chamerion latifolium | USDA PLANTS Symbol | CHLA13 |
| Common Name | Alpine Fireweed, Dwarf Fireweed | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 510758 |
| Family | Onagraceae (Evening Primrose) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description | Life zones and habitat: Foothills to alpine (7500 to 13000 ft.); gravelly or rocky soils in forests and meadows. Plant: Erect, multi-stemmed perennial, 4 to 16 inches tall. Leaves: Grey-green, Lanceolate to elliptic, 5/8 to 3-1/4 inches long; alternate, sessile or nearly so; smooth surfaces; smooth or minutely-toothed edges; undersurface with prominent central vein, but not lateral veins. Inflorescence: Terminal racemes of a few pink or magenta flowers, each about 1 to 1-3/4 inches across with 4 petals and 4 narrower, pointed sepals beneath of a similar color; prominent protruding stamens (8) with dark anthers and white 4-lobed stigma that is shorter than the stamens; inconspicuous bracts are not leafy. Bloom Period: July to August. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, SW Colorado Wildflowers and American Southwest. |
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