Purshia tridentata
(Antelope Bitterbrush)
Purshia tridentata, Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit Co. 0293
Purshia tridentata, Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit Co. 0304
Purshia tridentata, Lake Dillon, Summit Co. 6916
Purshia tridentata, Curicanti Needle Overlook, Gunnison Co. 8272
Purshia tridentata late in the season, Lake Dillon, Summit Co. 6901/6911
Purshia tridentata late in the season, Lake Dillon, Summit Co. 6920
Purshia tridentata, Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit Co. 0311
| Scientific Name | Purshia tridentata | USDA PLANTS Symbol | PUTR2 |
| Common Name | Antelope Bitterbrush, Buckbrush | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 25290 |
| Family | Rosaceae (Rose) | SEINet Reference |
Click Here |
| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Semi-desert to montane (4700 to 9500 ft); dry, gravelly/sandy areas in open meadows and on hillsides.
Plant: Speading, semi-erect perennial bush about 3 feet tall and up to 6 feet wide at altitude; widely-branched, tangled grey stems. Leaves: Clustered, wedge-shaped with three lobes, less than 1 inch overall; dark green upper surface, densely hairy beneath. Inflorescence: Solitary short-lived flowers at the ends of short branchlets; clustered on outer branches; 5 creamy-yellow petals, 5 stamens, about 1/2 inch across or less. Bloom Period: April to July. References: "Wildflowers of the Rocky Mountains" by Carl Schreier, "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, SW Colorado Wildflowers and Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. |
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