(Smallflower Sand Verbena)
Tripterocalyx micranthus, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Saguache Co. 7849
Tripterocalyx micranthus, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Saguache Co. 7853
Tripterocalyx micranthus, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Saguache Co. 7861
| Scientific Name | Tripterocalyx micranthus (Abronia micrantha) | USDA PLANTS Symbol | TRMI6 |
| Common Name | Smallflower Sand Verbena, Sandpuffs | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 19621 |
| Family | Nyctaginaceae (Four O'clock) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Plains, semi-desert and foothills (3500 to 8500 ft.); sandy, dry areas, scrub, grasslands. Plant: Prostrate annual 10 to 12 inches tall, multiple reddish, fleshy and sticky branches. Leaves: Fleshy lanceolate-ovate to elliptic blades, 1/2 to 2-3/8 inches long and up to 1 inch wide; surfaces with short glandular-pubescent hairs and ciliate edges; petioles 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches long. Inflorescence: Compact spherical clusters of 5 to 15 tubular white flowers, each about 1/4-inch across with 5 petals with ragged edges. Bloom Period: May to August. Fruit: Oval or round profile 1/2 to 1 inch across with 2 to 4 conspicuous thin, pale orange-pink wings. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, American Southwest and Flora of North America. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2025
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains
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