XBrenda's Yellow Cryptantha (Oreocarya flava)X
Click/Tap a thumbnail image to see its larger image with informational details.
-
Brenda's Yellow Cryptantha -or- Yellow Crytantha -or- Brenda's Yellow Catseye (Oreocarya flava), family Boraginaceae (Borage)
This species is often placed in the genus Crytantha, where it was moved by Edwin Payson in 1927. Since then William Weber has not followed that lead, which is becoming recognized as the 'correct' distinction of the species. One of the first aspects of the plant that captured our notice on an early morning walk in Brown's Park, was it's distinct bright-white/gray coloration. On closer examination this came from the hairs on the plant. Since our encounter with this species was toward the end of it's bloom period, this makes sense. There were fewer blooms on the plant at this point but the flowers that were displayed were lovely.
USES: From a favorite website on Native American tribes uses of plants - Native American Ethnobotany - are the following medicinal uses of this species: Hopi, plant used for the cancer and growth in the throat. Navajo, Kayenta, plant used as a dusting powder for sore eyes, for postpartum purification, and relief of intestinal inflammation.
Flower -
Plant location: Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado - May 31, 2015
This species location is somewhat restricted in the United States, as it is found only in portions of Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. Native habitats include: Open, sandy areas; common on plains and in juniper. Found in elevations of foothills to montane. Elevation at Browns Park ranges from 5,355' to 6,200'. Plant -
Bloom season: March through May. Wildflowers.org shows bloom season through August.
Foliage -
Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado - May 31, 2015
Showing the prominent crest on the throat of the flower. -
-
Cimarron New Mexico - May 12, 2010
This flower demonstrates an inconspicuous crown or crest on the throat of the flower. The species is Narrowleaf Puccoon (Lithospermum incisum). See the complete details on this species here. -
-
Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado - May 31, 2015
-
-
Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado - May 31, 2015
Foliage of this species is described as leaf type simple (not divided into similar parts, leaf shape lanceolate (lance shaped). -
-
Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado - May 31, 2015
Bract macro -