| Oreocarya humilis | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Boraginales |
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Genus: | Oreocarya |
| Species: | O. humilis |
| Binomial name | |
| Oreocarya humilis (A.Gray) Greene | |
| Synonyms | |
List
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Oreocarya humilis, synonym Cryptantha humilis, is a perennial plant in the borage family (Boraginaceae), native to the western United States. It may be called low cryptantha.
Description
Oreocarya humilis has small, densely leafy stems, giving it a cushion-like appearance, and is relatively low growing, hence the common name. The hairy leaves are spoon-shaped. The inflorescences have five-lobed, white flowers with a yellow ring inside the upper throat, and are less than 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) wide. The ovate fruits (nutlets) are more wrinkled than those of O. nubigena.
Distribution and habitat
Oreocarya humilis is native to the western United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah. In the Sierra Nevada range, it is found in dry, gravely soils of the sagebrush scrub community, in subalpine forest, and the alpine zone, up to 11,900 feet (3,600 m).
References
- ^ "Oreocarya humilis (A.Gray) Greene". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
- ^ Sierra Nevada Wildflowers, Karen Wiese, 2nd Ed., 2013, P. 152
| Taxon identifiers | |
|---|---|
| Oreocarya humilis | |
| Cryptantha humilis |
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