Orthocarpus luteus
(Yellow Owl’s-clover)
Orthocarpus luteus, Swan Mountain, Summit Co. 3624
Orthocarpus luteus, Divide Rd., Uncompahgre Plateau, Mesa Co. 4597
Orthocarpus luteus, Swan Mountain, Summit Co. 3646
Orthocarpus luteus, Swan Mountain, Summit Co. 3643
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