(Alpine Sandwort)

_DSC1056%20copy

Minuartia obtusiloba, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 1180

_DSC1056%20copy

Minuartia obtusiloba, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek Co. 9408

_DSC1056%20copy

Minuartia obtusiloba, Boreas Pass, Summit Co. 2064

_DSC1056%20copy

Minuartia obtusiloba, Santa Fe Peak, Summit Co. 4137

_DSC1056%20copy

Minuartia obtusiloba, Panorama Point, Boreas Pass, Summit Co. 0809

Scientific Name Minuartia obtusiloba (Lidia obtusiloba) USDA PLANTS Symbol MIOB2
Common Name Alpine Sandwort ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 20008
Family Caryophyllaceae (Pink) SEINet
Reference
Click Here
Description Life zones and habitat: Subalpine and alpine (10000 to 14000 ft.); sandy soils in disturbed areas, subalpine woodlands, talus slopes, tundra.
Plant: Short, mat-forming perennial 2 inches tall; slender, fuzzy stems.
Leaves: Opposite stem leaves about 1/4-inch long, needle-like.
Inflorescence: Small single, bell-shaped flowers, about 3/8-inch across, with 5 white petals with broad, indented tips and 5 green sepals with rounded (obtuse) tips; greenish centers.
Bloom Period: June to September.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, "Guide to Colorado Wildflowers" by G.K. Guennel and SEINet
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