Cryptantha minima
(Little Cryptantha)
Cryptantha minima, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7363
Cryptantha minima, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7361
Cryptantha minima, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7366
| Scientific Name | Cryptantha minima | USDA PLANTS Symbol | CRMI5 |
| Common Name | Little Cryptantha, Little Catseye | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 31773 |
| Family | Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Plains and foothills (3500 to 8000 ft.); dry, sandy or gravelly soils in prairies, shrublands and disturbed areas,and at the base of rock outcrops. Plant: Small, bristly hairy annual, 4 to 8 inches tall. Leaves: Alternate stem leaves linear to oblanceolate, 3/8 to 1-1/4 inches long; surfaces very bristly to hairy and with pustules. Inflorescence: Spike-like, with leafy bracts along one main axis in upper 2/3 of stem; very small white blossoms are five-lobed, less than 1/16-inch across; sepals with bristly hairs and thick, whitish veins. Bloom Period: April to June. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, iNaturalist and Status of Tiny Cryptanthe in Alberta. |
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