Oenothera lavandulifolia

(Lavender-leaf Sundrops)

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Oenothera lavandulifolia. Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7398

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Oenothera lavandulifolia. Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7402

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Oenothera lavandulifolia. Pawnee Buttes, Weld Co. 7404

Scientific Name Oenothera lavandulifolia (Calylophus lavandulifolius) USDA PLANTS Symbol CALA38
Common Name Lavender-leaf Sundrops ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 517708
Family Onagraceae (Evening Primrose) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains to montane (4800 to 8700 ft.); dry rocky, sandy or gravelly soils in open shrublands, prairies and pinyon woodlands.
Plant: Low-growing perennial with decumbent to ascending stems, usually branched, 3 to 12 inches tall; with densely appressed hairs.
Leaves: Crowded, alternate, linear to narrowly lanceolate or elliptic, up to 2 inches long and 1/4-inch wide; margins entire; surfaces covered with appressed grayish hairs.
Inflorescence: Large yellow solitary blossoms arising from leaf axils, fading to pink or orange; trumpet-shaped corolla with 4 spreading, crinkly petals up to 2 inches across; floral tube 1 to 3+ inches long; protruding yellow disk-shaped stigma; 8 protruding yellow stamens.
Bloom Period: May to August.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, American Southwest and Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses.
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