Cryptantha thyrsiflora

(Calcareous Cryptantha)

_DSC1056%20copy

Cryptantha thyrsiflora, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7778

_DSC1056%20copy

Cryptantha thyrsiflora, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7780

_DSC1056%20copy

Cryptantha thyrsiflora, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7797

_DSC1056%20copy

Cryptantha thyrsiflora, Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7783

_DSC1056%20copy

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
Click Here
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 2024

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