(Green-flowered Wintergreen)

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Pyrola chlorantha, Peaks Trail, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 5485

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Pyrola chlorantha, Peaks Trail, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 5474

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Pyrola chlorantha, Peak 7, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 8270

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Pyrola chlorantha, Peak 7, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 8281

Scientific Name Pyrola chlorantha USDA PLANTS Symbol PYCH
Common Name Green-flowered Wintergreen ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 23757
Family Ericaceae (Heath) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills to subalpine (7200 to 11000 ft); moist, shady pine-forest areas.
Plant: Inconspicuous, erect perennial, single stem 5 to 8 inches tall.
Leaves: Smooth basal leaves, dark green with prominent light veins, oblong-elliptic, ovate, obovate, or round, 3/4 to 1-1/4 inches long on petioles short or up to 1-1/4 inches long; edges entire to crenate-serrate.
Inflorescence: Raceme with 2 to 10 nodding flowers 1/4 to 1/2-inch across; 5 short sepals with irregulary, finely-toothed edges; 5 white to pale green petals; 10 orange-ish stamens clustered together; light green slightly curved protruding style.
Bloom Period: June to August.
Fruit: Round green capsule ~1/4 across or less.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Minnesota Wildflowers 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