Heterotheca pumila

(Alpine Goldenaster)

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Heterotheca pumila, Golden Horseshoe, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 9251

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Heterotheca pumila, Breakneck Pass, Park Co. 3092

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Heterotheca pumila, Breakneck Pass, Park Co. 3081

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Heterotheca pumila, Golden Horseshoe, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 9254

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Heterotheca pumila, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 7469

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Heterotheca pumila, Golden Horseshoe, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 9255

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Heterotheca pumila, Golden Horseshoe, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 9273

Scientific Name Heterotheca pumila USDA PLANTS Symbol HEPU14
Common Name Alpine Goldenaster, False Goldenaster, Dwarf Golden Aster ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 502974
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Subalpine and alpine (10000 to 13000 ft.); rocky, clay or shale soils, granitic outcrops, roadsides, along trails.
Plant: Short, bushy perennial 3 to 14 inches tall, many reddish-brown, woolly stems.
Leaves: Narrow oblanceolate leaves about 1 to 2-1/4 inches long, somewhat folded, hairy.
Inflorescence: Single or up to 9 flower heads in corymbs, each head 1-1/4 inches across, with 10 to 23 rays and many (24 to 60) yellow to orange disk florets in the center; phyllaries below slightly reddish purple and moderately hairy and/or glandular.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and Flora of North America.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

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