Cryptantha sericea
(Silky Cryptantha)
Cryptantha sericea, Along CR 66 west of Meeker, Rio Blanco Co. 1346
Cryptantha sericea, Along CR 66 west of Meeker, Rio Blanco Co. 1344
Cryptantha sericea, Along CR 66 west of Meeker, Rio Blanco Co. 1353
Cryptantha sericea, Along CR 66 west of Meeker, Rio Blanco Co. 1368
Cryptantha sericea, Along CR 66 west of Meeker, Rio Blanco Co. 1355
Cryptantha sericea, Along CR 66 west of Meeker, Rio Blanco Co. 1360
| Scientific Name | Cryptantha sericea (Oreocarya sericea) | USDA PLANTS Symbol | CRSE3 |
| Common Name | Silky Cryptantha | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 31869 |
| Family | Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not) | SEINet Reference |
Click Here |
| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Plains and foothills (5000 to 8700 ft.); dry, sandy or clay soils. Plant: Erect perennial, 6 to 20 inches tall; one to several hairy stems. Leaves: Leaves are basal (stem leaves have leaf-like bracts), oblanceolate, 1 to 4 inches long and less than 1/4 to 3/4-inch wide; upper surface with silvery, pubscent hairs and no pustules; lower surface and edges with longer bristly hairs and pustules. Inflorescence: Very hairy inflorescence extending over the upper 2/3 to 3/4 the length of the stem; clusters of very small flowers subtended by leaf-like bracts, and in clusters atop the stem; blossoms are white and five-lobed less than 1/3-inch across and with yellow fornices (the little ridges around the center of the blossom),. Bloom Period: May and June. References: Oreocarya sericea in "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield' and A Monograph of the Section Oreocarya of Cryptantha by Edwin Blake Payson, page 286. |
BONAP Distribution Map Oreocarya sericea Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2025
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains
I try to provide accurate, up-to-date, and relevant information, but cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of any information presented on this website. I use authoritative references to insure high standards of accuracy and review and update the information frequently.