Claytonia megarhiza

(Alpine Springbeauty)

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Claytonia megarhiza, Upper Crystal Lake, Summit Co. 7462/7473

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Claytonia megarhiza, Upper Crystal Lake, Summit Co. 7458

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Claytonia megarhiza, Upper Crystal Lake, Summit Co. 7451

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Claytonia megarhiza, Lower Crystal Lake, Summit Co. 1159

Scientific Name Claytonia megarhiza USDA PLANTS Symbol CLME
Common Name Alpine Springbeauty ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 20391
Family Montiaceae (Miner’s Lettuce), formerly Portulacaceae SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Alpine (11000 to 14000 ft.); talus slopes, boulder fields.
Plant: Short perennial, 2 to 5 inches tall, usually hiding in rock crevices.
Leaves: Numerous, fleshy leaves; basal leaves in a rosette, oblanceolate to spatulate 3/4 to 4 inches long and 1/16 to 1-1/4 inches wide; stem leaves oblanceolate.
Inflorescence: Blossoms 1/2 to 3/4-inch across tucked closely with the foliage; 5 white, pink or rose flowers petals with yellow throat.
Bloom Period: June to August.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, "Guide to Colorado Wildlowers" by G.K. Guennel 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