(Lenspod Whitetop)

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Lepidium chalepensis, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 5095

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Lepidium chalepensis, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 5106

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Lepidium chalepensis, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 5115

Scientific Name Lepidium chalepensis (Cardaria chalepensis, Lepidium chalepense) USDA PLANTS Symbol CACH42
Common Name Lenspod Whitetop ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 823110
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (4300 to 10000 ft.); disturbed areas, pastures, fields, riverbanks.
Plant: Perennial 4 to 28 inches high, one or more stems, branched above; foliage densely hairy to smooth.
Leaves: Basal leaves obovate, spatulate, or ovate, 1 to 3-3/8 inches long on petioles 1/3 to 1-3/4 inches long, edges nearly entire or dentate; stem leaves obovate to oblong or lanceolate to oblanceolate, bases auriculate or saggitate and sessile, 1 to 3-2/3 inches long; surfaces smooth or with pubescent hairs.
Inflorescence: Dense, flat-topped cluster of many flowers; each with 4 green sepals, 4 white petals and 6 yellow stamens.
Bloom Period: May to June.
Fruit: Nearly round, smooth and less than 1/4-inch across, tip without notch.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Jepson eFlora, Flora of North America and SW Colorado Wildflowers.com.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Introduced

© Tom Lebsack 2024

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