Oreocarya humilis, synonym Cryptantha humilis, is a perennial plant in the borage family (Boraginaceae), native to the western United States.[1] It may be called low cryptantha.[2]

Oreocarya humilis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
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[1]
Synonyms[1]
List
  • Cryptantha alpicola Cronquist
  • Cryptantha humilis (A.Gray) Payson
  • Cryptantha humilis var. commixta (J.F.Macbr.) L.C.Higgins
  • Cryptantha humilis var. nana (Eastw.) L.C.Higgins
  • Cryptantha humilis var. ovina (Payson) L.C.Higgins
  • Cryptantha humilis var. shantzii (Tidestr.) L.C.Higgins
  • Cryptantha nana (Eastw.) Payson
  • Cryptantha nana var. commixta (J.F.Macbr.) Payson
  • Cryptantha nana var. ovina Payson
  • Cryptantha nana var. shantzii (Tidestr.) Payson
  • Cryptantha nana var. typica Payson, not validly publ.
  • Eritrichium glomeratum var. humile A.Gray
  • Oreocarya alpicola (Cronquist) D.W.Taylor
  • Oreocarya commixta J.F.Macbr.
  • Oreocarya dolosa J.F.Macbr.
  • Oreocarya hispida A.Nelson & P.B.Kenn.
  • Oreocarya humilis subsp. nana (Eastw.) W.A.Weber
  • Oreocarya nana Eastw.
  • Oreocarya shantzii Tidestr.

Description

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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 12 in (1.3 cm) wide. The ovate fruits (nutlets) are more wrinkled than those of O. nubigena.[2]

Distribution and habitat

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Oreocarya humilis is native to the western United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah.[1] 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).[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Oreocarya humilis (A.Gray) Greene". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  2. ^ a b c Sierra Nevada Wildflowers, Karen Wiese, 2nd Ed., 2013, P. 152