Cryptantha ambigua

(Basin Cryptantha)

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Cryptantha ambigua, Four Mile Area, Chaffee Co. 6355

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Cryptantha ambigua, Four Mile Area, Chaffee Co. 6345

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Cryptantha ambigua, Four Mile Area, Chaffee Co. 6352

Scientific Name Cryptantha ambigua USDA PLANTS Symbol CRAM3
Common Name Basin Cryptantha ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 31783
Family Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills and montane (5500 to 9000 ft.); dry, sandy or gravelly areas in sagebrush scrub, open woodlands.
Plant: Very hairy annual, multiple stems 2 to 12 inches tall, usually erect.
Leaves: Alternate stem leaves linear to narrowly lanceolate, 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches long, very bristly to hairy.
Inflorescence: Clusters of developing egg-shaped fruits (nutlets) topped with small white flowers; blossoms are five-lobed, about 1/8-inch across.
Bloom Period: May to July.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Wikipedia and Jepson eFlora.
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