Claytonia megarhiza
(Alpine Springbeauty)
Claytonia megarhiza, Upper Crystal Lake, Summit Co. 7462/7473
Claytonia megarhiza, Upper Crystal Lake, Summit Co. 7458
Claytonia megarhiza, Upper Crystal Lake, Summit Co. 7451
Claytonia megarhiza, Lower Crystal Lake, Summit Co. 1159
| Scientific Name | Claytonia megarhiza | USDA PLANTS Symbol | CLME |
| Common Name | Alpine Springbeauty | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 20391 |
| Family | Montiaceae (Miner’s Lettuce), formerly Portulacaceae | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Alpine (11000 to 14000 ft.); talus slopes, boulder fields. Plant: Short perennial, 2 to 5 inches tall, usually hiding in rock crevices. Leaves: Numerous, fleshy leaves; basal leaves in a rosette, oblanceolate to spatulate 3/4 to 4 inches long and 1/16 to 1-1/4 inches wide; stem leaves oblanceolate. Inflorescence: Blossoms 1/2 to 3/4-inch across tucked closely with the foliage; 5 white, pink or rose flowers petals with yellow throat. Bloom Period: June to August. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, "Guide to Colorado Wildlowers" by G.K. Guennel and SEINet. |
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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