Cryptantha thyrsiflora
(Calcareous Cryptantha)
Cryptantha thyrsiflora, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7778
Cryptantha thyrsiflora, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7780
Cryptantha thyrsiflora, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7797
Cryptantha thyrsiflora, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7783
Cryptantha thyrsiflora, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7791
| Scientific Name | Cryptantha thyrsiflora (Oreocarya thyrsiflora) | USDA PLANTS Symbol | CRMI5 |
| Common Name | Calcareous Cryptantha, Calcareous Catseye | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 31879 |
| Family | Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (3800 to 9600 ft.); dry, caliche (calcareous) or rocky soils; pastures, outcrops, bluffs and roadsides. Plant: Bushy, bristly-hairy perennial with multiple stems, 8 to 16 inches tall. Leaves: Oblanceolate, 1-5/8 to 4 inches long and 1/4 to 5/8-inch wide; hairy surfaces. Inflorescence: A compact, erect cluster (thyrse) with many small white blossoms; flowers are five-lobed, less than 1/3-inch across with yellow centers (fornices); sepals covered with thick, white or transluscent bristles. Bloom Period: May to July. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and Eastern Colorado Wildflowers. |
BONAP Distribution Map Oreocarya thyrsiflora Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2025
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains
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