Chamerion latifolium

(Alpine Fireweed)

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Chamerion latifolium, Middle Fork, Swan River, Summit Co. 8083

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Chamerion latifolium, Middle Fork, Swan River, Summit Co. 5703

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Chamerion latifolium, Mt. Antero, Chaffee Co. 6195

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Chamerion latifolium, Mt. Antero, Chaffee Co. 6173

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Chamerion latifolium, Straight Creek Trail, Summit Co. 8552

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Chamerion latifolium, Mt. Antero, Chaffee Co. 6180

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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