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Mt. Hood pussypaws

Scientific Name: Cistanthe umbellata var. umbellata

Family: Portulacaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cistanthe umbellata: An Overview

Cistanthe umbellata, commonly known as Mount Hood pussypaws, is a flowering plant belonging to the purslane family.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass), often with stems that lie on the ground, with the relatively heavy pussy paws forming a perfect ring around the leaf rosette.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cistanthe umbellata (Torr.) Hershk.
  • Common Name: Mount Hood pussypaws
  • Family: Portulacaceae (Purslane Family)
  • Genus: Cistanthe Spach
  • Synonyms: Calyptridium umbellatum (formerly) and Spraguea umbellata.
  • Subspecies/Varieties: Cistanthe umbellata var. umbellata, Cistanthe umbellata var. caudicifera

Morphology and Growth Habit

  • Cistanthe umbellata is described as a mat-forming perennial growing from a branched crown.
  • The leaves are dark green and resemble a spoon shape, growing in clustered basal rosettes.
  • The "pussy paws" are described as relatively heavy and can form a ring around the leaf rosette. They are noted to be fuzzy and pink.

Distribution and Habitat

  • This plant is native to regions with direct sunshine and requires not much water.
  • It can be found on volcanic gravel in the Cascades.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Yosemite National Park, Mariposa Co., Calif. and Mount Hood Oregon.

Resources

  • Dave's Garden is referenced as a resource for gardening tips and ideas.
  • Discover Life offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cistanthe umbellata.