Orthocarpus luteus

(Yellow Owl’s-clover)

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Orthocarpus luteus, Swan Mountain, Summit Co. 3624

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Orthocarpus luteus, Divide Rd., Uncompahgre Plateau, Mesa Co. 4597

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Orthocarpus luteus, Swan Mountain, Summit Co. 3646

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Orthocarpus luteus, Swan Mountain, Summit Co. 3643

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Orthocarpus luteus, Swan Mountain, Summit Co. 3640

Scientific Name Orthocarpus luteus USDA PLANTS Symbol ORLU2
Common Name Yellow Owl's-clover ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 33437
Family Orobanchaceae (Broomrape) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills to Subalpine (5500 to 10800); meadows, open grasslands and forest openings.
Plant: Short, erect annual 4 to 16 inches tall, hemi-parasitic, simple or occasionally branched, leaves and flower stalks green to purple.
Leaves: Linear to narrowly-lanceolate, purplish, pointed, 3/8 to 1-5/8 inches long.
Inflorescence: Compact, leafy spikes of yellow, club-shaped, glandular-hairy tubular flowers 3/8 to 5/8-inch long with 2 lips of equal length; hood-like upper lip enclosing anthers and style; lower lip with a slight pouch; green, leaf-like bracts.
Bloom Period: June to September.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Wildflowers of New Mexico 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