(Fern-leaf Candytuft)

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Smelowskia americana, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek Co. 0701

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Smelowskia americana, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek Co. 0698

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Smelowskia americana, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek Co. 0707

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Smelowskia americana, Loveland Pass, Clear Creek Co. 0694

Scientific Name Smelowskia americana (Smelowskia calycina var. americana) USDA PLANTS Symbol SMCAA
Common Name Fern-leaf Candytuft, American False Candytuft ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 823184
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Subalpine and alpine (10200 to 14000 ft.); meadows, tundra. rocky areas.
Plant: Small, dense, clustered perennial, one to several stems usually erect, 2 to 8 inches tall at high elevations.
Leaves: Oblanceolate to ovate in outline, pinnatifid lobes, somewhat hairy leaves; basal leaves 3/8 to 1-1/4 inches long, stem leaves smaller.
Inflorescence: Clusters (racemes) with many small flowers about 1/4-inch across, 4 sepals, 4 white to lavender petals and 6 stamens.
Bloom Period: June to August.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Flora of North America and "A Guide to Rocky Mountain Plants" by Nelson and Williams.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Ten Mile Range and Rhodiola integrifolia (King’s Crown) in Summit County