|
|
 Basal leaves and flowers Max Licher @http://swbiodiversity.org, Usage Rights: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA) |  Plants Max Licher @http://swbiodiversity.org, Usage Rights: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA) | | | | |
|
Origin:
Native
Life Cycle:
Perennial
General Desc:
One stem or several, growing upwards or at an angle, branching (if at all) above the middle; leaves grow at the base and along the stem, where they are about half as long, and clasping. When fruiting, the flower stalks are spreading or ascending.
Identification notes: Perennial, stems erect or ascending; basal leaves oblong to spatula-like, tapering at base; stem leaves somewhat wrap around the stem; flowers have 4 white to pinkish-purple petals; fruit roundish to wedge-shaped, slightly winged, notched at tip.
Height:
2 to 12 inches
Habitat Description: Alpine or subalpine slopes, mountainsides, woodlands, meadows, rocky crevices, rocky and gravelly soil in valleys, knolls.
Plant Communities:
Pinyon Juniper Woodland, Montane Conifer Forest
Elevation: 4000 - 12000 feet
Color:
White, pinkish-purple
Shape:
Regular in round clusters
Tubular:
N
Flowering Period:
Feb - Aug
Description:
Flower clusters may be compact, spherical, or elongated, up to 10 inches; 4 sepals are oblong, pinkish-purple, 1/4 inch long; 4 clawed petals (narrow at base), white, to 1/2 inch long, rounded tips; yellow stamens and style extend outside flower throat.
Leaf Color:
Green
Leaf Type:
Simple
Leaf Shape:
Round or oval
Leaf Margin:
Toothed
Leaf Attachment:
Basal and alternate
Leaves Clasp:
Y
Hairs:
No
Spines:
N
Leaf Description:
Leaves green (but often tinged with purple), succulent, hairless, in basal rosette with upper leaves wrapping around stem, narrow to oblong to spatula-like, up to 3 inches long, margins may be smooth or finely toothed.
Fruit Color: Green
Fruit Type: Pod
Fruit Notes: Fruits are flattened green pods, generally wider above the middle, with pointed tips, and 2 seeds per pod.
Seed Notes: Brown, 1/16 inch long, minutely reticulate (veins forming a network).
|
|
