Dracocephalum parviflorum
(American Dragonhead)
Dracocephalum parviflorum, Buzzard Divide Rd, Gunnison Natioal Forest, Mesa Co. 4162
Dracocephalum parviflorum, Buzzard Divide Rd, Gunnison Natioal Forest, Mesa Co. 4162-2
Dracocephalum parviflorum, Buzzard Divide Rd, Gunnison Natioal Forest, Mesa Co. 4154
Dracocephalum parviflorum, Buzzard Divide Rd, Gunnison Natioal Forest, Mesa Co. 4163
Dracocephalum parviflorum, Buzzard Divide Rd, Gunnison Natioal Forest, Mesa Co. 4165
| Scientific Name | Dracocephalum parviflorum | USDA PLANTS Symbol | DRPA2 |
| Common Name | American Dragonhead | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 32490 |
| Family | Lamiaceae (Mint) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Foothills to subalpine (5500 to 10800 ft.); rocky, often moist soils in open locations and along roadsides, disturbed areas. Plant: Erect annual or biennial, 6 to 30 inches tall. Leaves: Lanceolate to elliptic blades 1-1/4 to 4 inches long and 1/4 to 1 inch wide, sharply serrate with teeth tapering to a sharp, purplish point; upper leaf surfaces smooth, lower hairy or smooth. Inflorence: A thick spike 1 to 4 inches long at the top of the stem and at the end of stems arising from upper leaf axils; small tubular pinkish flowers are about 1/4-inch long, with a notched upper lip and a 3-lobed lower lip; only a few flowers open at a time; 4 stamens with purple anthers; long bracts surrounding flowers are sharply serrate with spines at the tooth tips. Bloom Period: June to August. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Minnesota Wildflowers and American Southwest. |
BONAP Distribution Map 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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