Common name:
Tundra alpine-parsley
Family:
Scientific name:
Oreoxis alpina
Main flower color:
Range:
Parts of the Four Corners states, and south Wyoming
Height:
Up to 4 inches
Habitat:
Tundra and rocky slopes; 8,000 to 12,500 feet
Leaves:
Divided once or twice into short, linear, sharp-pointed leaflets
Season:
June to August
Oreoxis alpina is the most widespread of four US species of this genus, though is still relatively uncommon, restricted to high elevation areas of Colorado and adjacent states. Plants inhabit rocky areas above the treeline, and bloom relatively early in the summer. Leaves and flower stalks usually have a covering of very short hairs, but may be completely hairless; both tend to grow sideways, along the ground, but can rise up a few inches. Plants are stemless. Leaves are relatively thick, with a shiny surface, and are divided into linear leaflets, each terminating in a brownish point.
The compound umbels are formed of around a dozen short, thick, ribbed rays, each topped by a tight cluster of small yellow flowers. Underneath are a whorl, of narrow, undivided bractlets, about the same length as the flowers. Bractlets may have a purplish tinge. Fruits are bright green and strongly winged.
The compound umbels are formed of around a dozen short, thick, ribbed rays, each topped by a tight cluster of small yellow flowers. Underneath are a whorl, of narrow, undivided bractlets, about the same length as the flowers. Bractlets may have a purplish tinge. Fruits are bright green and strongly winged.
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