Purshia tridentata

(Antelope Bitterbrush)

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Purshia tridentata, Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit Co. 0293

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Purshia tridentata, Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit Co. 0304

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Purshia tridentata, Lake Dillon, Summit Co. 6916

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Purshia tridentata, Curicanti Needle Overlook, Gunnison Co. 8272

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Purshia tridentata late in the season, Lake Dillon, Summit Co. 6901/6911

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Purshia tridentata late in the season, Lake Dillon, Summit Co. 6920

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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
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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