(Western Sweetroot)

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Osmorhiza occidentalis, FR 612 Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3392

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Osmorhiza occidentalis, FR 612 Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3396

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Osmorhiza occidentalis, FR 612 Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3387

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Osmorhiza occidentalis, FR 612 Lone Cone Area, San Miguel Co. 3399

Scientific Name Osmorhiza occidentalis USDA PLANTS Symbol OSOC
Common Name Western Sweetroot, Western Sweet-cicely ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 29792
Family Apiaceae (Parsley) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills to subalpine (6000 to 11000 ft). Moist areas in open meadows and woods.
Plant: Stout, mostly smooth, aromatic perennial, 16 to 48 inches tall.
Leaves: Bi-ternate to bi-pinnate compound leaves, blades 4 to 8 inches long overall; leaflets lanceolate-oblong to ovate 3/4 to 4 inches long, margins serrate and irregularly cut or lobed; petioles 2 to 10 inches long.
Inflorescence: Very small flowers in umbels on peduncles 2-3/8 to 8 inches long; umbels with 5 to 12 rays that are 3/4 to 2-3/4 inches long; easily-overlooked tiny blossoms about 1/16-inch across with 5 rounded yellowish-gteen petals, 5 stamens and greenish style in the center.
Bloom Period: May to August.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Burke Herbarium and Jepsen Herbarium.
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