Scientific Name | Cryptantha ambigua | USDA PLANTS Symbol | CRAM3 |
Common Name | Basin Cryptantha | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 31783 |
Family | Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not) | SEINet Reference |
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Description |
Life zones and habitat: Foothills and montane (5500 to 9000 ft.); dry, sandy or gravelly areas in sagebrush scrub, open woodlands. Plant: Very hairy annual, multiple stems 2 to 12 inches tall, usually erect. Leaves: Alternate stem leaves linear to narrowly lanceolate, 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches long, very bristly to hairy. Inflorescence: Clusters of developing egg-shaped fruits (nutlets) topped with small white flowers; blossoms are five-lobed, about 1/8-inch across. Bloom Period: May to July. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Wikipedia and Jepson eFlora. |
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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