Pedicularis groenlandica

(Elephant Heads)

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Pedicularis groenlandica, Lower McCullough Gulch, Summit Co. 7334

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Pedicularis groenlandica, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 0545

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Pedicularis groenlandica, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 3852

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Pedicularis groenlandica, Crystal Lakes, Summit Co. 5972

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Pedicularis groenlandica, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 7633

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Pedicularis groenlandica, Mosquito Pass, Park Co. 2895

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Pedicularis groenlandica, Blue Lakes, Summit Co. 1118

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Pedicularis groenlandica, Peak 7, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 5722

Scientific Name Pedicularis groenlandica USDA PLANTS Symbol PEGR2
Common Name Elephant Heads ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 33377
Family Orobanchaceae (Broomrape) formerly Scrophulariaceae Wildflower Center Ref. Click Here
Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills to alpine (7500 to 13000 ft.); moist areas in meadows, along streams and around ponds.
Plant: Erect perennial 8 to 20 inches feet tall, purplish stems.
Leaves: Small, narrow, fleshy, leaves 2-1/2 to 8 inches long with pinnatifid, narrow, toothed lobes.
Inflorescence: Dense spike 2 to 6 inches long of 2-lipped pink or purple flowers, upper lip resembling an elephant's head with trunk curving upward.
Bloom Period: June to August.
References: "Guide to Colorado Wildflowers" by G.K. Guennel, "Wildflowers of the Rocky Mountains" by Carl Schreier, and "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield.
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