SafePlants

Alpine Collomia (Collomia debilis)

Alpine Collomia, also known as Alpine Mountain-trumpet, is a dwarf alpine plant belonging to the Phlox family (Polemoniaceae). Species within the Collomia genus are often called trumpets or mountain trumpets.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has sprawling stems.
• The stems and leaves of Alpine Collomia can be hairless or covered with fine hairs, and sometimes include glands.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Collomia debilis (S. Watson) Greene
• Family: Polemoniaceae (Phlox family)
• Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
• Synonyms:
  • Collomia debilis var. debilis
  • Collomia debilis var. integra
  • Collomia debilis var. ipomoea
  • Collomia debilis var. trifida
  • Collomia debilis var. camporum
  • Gilia larsenii (synonym for Collomia larsenii)
• Alternative, possibly outdated name: Collomiastrum debile

Distribution and Habitat

• Alpine Collomia is found in alpine and subalpine environments.
• Specific locations include the northwestern and southwestern United States.
• It often grows in talus slopes.
• States within the U.S. where it can be found include ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, and WY.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a prostrate, tufted, and mat-forming perennial plant, typically 5-10cm in height.
• It grows from a deep-seated taproot and crown, featuring many sprawling, simple or branched stems.
• Leaves are lanceolate to ovate, either all entire or some three to five-lobed.
• Flowers are pink to violet and up to 1.5cm long.
• Some sources describe it as evergreen.

Quirky Facts

• Alpine Collomia can sometimes assume a red-pink coloring in spring.

Related Species

• A similar species, Talus Collomia (Collomia larsenii), has highly divided leaves (with 3-7 lobes).

Further Information

• Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Discover Life