(Side-flowered Miterwort)

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Mitella stauropetala, Lower Cataract Lake 5298

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Mitella stauropetala, Lower Cataract Lake 5294

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Mitella stauropetala, Lower Cataract Lake 5281

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Mitella stauropetala, Lower Cataract Lake 5295/5297

Scientific Name Mitella stauropetala USDA PLANTS Symbol MIST3
Common Name Side-flowered Miterwort, Smallflower Miterwort, Starry Miterwort ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 24414
Family Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Montane to subalpine (7000 to 12000 ft.); woodlands, streamsides, wetlands.
Plant: Erect perennial 4 to 20 inches tall, depending on altitude; leafless stem.
Leaves: Large, somewhat hairy round basal leaves on long petioles with 5 or 7-lobed, singly or doubly crenate edges.
Inflorescence: Several very small white flowers less than 1/4-inch across along one side of the stem, each with 5 white sepals, 5 stamens and 5 deeply-lobed, narrow, fork-like petals.
Fruit: Fruit cup about 1/4-inch across contains small, shiny green seeds turning dark brown.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, SEINet and SW Colorado Wildflowers.
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