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 |
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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 2024
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains