(Snow-line Wintergreen)

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Pyrola minor, Peak 7, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 4472/4478

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Pyrola minor, Peak 7, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 1709/1719

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Pyrola minor, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 6803

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Pyrola minor, Peak 7, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 8245

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Pyrola minor, Peak 7, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 8252

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Pyrola minor, Peak 7, Breckenridge, Summit Co. 8255

Scientific Name Pyrola minor USDA PLANTS Symbol PYMI
Common Name Snowline Wintergreen, Lesser Wintergreen ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 23760
Family Ericaceae (Heath) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Montane to subalpine (8000 to 12000 ft); moist, shady pine-forest areas, bogs, streamsides.
Plant: Inconspicuous, erect perennial, single, smooth stem 4 to 10 inches tall.
Leaves: Smooth basal leaves dark green with prominent light veins, oval-to-round, 1 to 1-1/2 inches across on petioles as long or longer than the leaves; edges entire to crenate-serrate.
Inflorescence: Raceme with 3 to 11+ globe-shaped, nodding flowers 1/4 to 1/3-inch across on short peduncles; 1 or 2 (or none) white-ish lanceolate to ovate or obovate bracts on peduncles; 5 triangular, pointed sepals, light green or tinged red; 5 rounded/oval, white or pink petals; straight, greenish style extending just to the flower opening.
Bloom Period: June to August.
Fruit: Round, somewhat flattened capsule less than 1/4 across, white, pinkish or greenish, with the residual style protruding underneath.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Minnesota Wildflowers, American Southwest 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