Eritrichium nanum
(Arctic Alpine Forget-me-not)
Eritrichium nanum, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 6293
Eritrichium nanum, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 6275
Eritrichium nanum, Mayflower Gulch, Summit Co. 9879
Eritrichium nanum, Mosquito Gulch, Park Co. 2979
| Scientific Name | Eritrichium nanum (Eritrichium argenteum) | USDA PLANTS Symbol | ERNA |
| Common Name | Arctic Alpine Forget-me-not | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 31904 |
| Family | Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not) | SEINet Reference |
E. nanum E. argenteum |
| Description |
Life zones and habitat: Subalpine and alpine (10000 to 14000 ft.); meadows, tundra. Plant: Short, mat-forming perennial 1/2 to 2 inches tall; slender hairy stems. Leaves: Basal oblong to ovate leaves, up to 3/8-inch long, thick, hairy. Inflorescence: Clusters of small flowers about 1/4-inch across with 5 blue petals and yellow centers. Bloom Period: June to August. Note: According to iNaturalist the names are not synonymous, rather E. argenteum is found in North America and E. nanum in Europe. Adding to the confusion, neither USDA Plants Database nor ITIS include E. argentuem. References: E. argenteum in "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield (2nd edition), E. nanum in "Guide to Colorado Wildflowers" by G.K. Guennel, E. argenteum at iNaturalist and E. nanum at iNaturalist. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key | Colorado Status: Native |
© Tom Lebsack 2026
Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains
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