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alpine collomia

Scientific Name: Collomia debilis var. debilis

Family: Polemoniaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Alpine Collomia (Collomia debilis)

Alpine Collomia, scientifically known as Collomia debilis, is a dwarf alpine plant belonging to the Phlox family (Polemoniaceae). It is also referred to as Alpine Mountain-trumpet.

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 Payson (Flexible Alpine Collomia)
    • Gilia larsenii (synonym of similar species Collomia larsenii)
    • Collomia debilis var. larsenii (synonym of similar species Collomia larsenii)

Distribution and Habitat

Alpine Collomia is found in alpine and subalpine regions, particularly in talus slopes. Its distribution includes the western United States (ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY). It is often found at high elevations, such as 4500' in Sheep Canyon on the Loowit Trail. One reference also indicates its presence in the NW and SW United States.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Alpine Collomia is a perennial forb (herbaceous flowering plant).
  • It has many branched, sprawling stems, forming tufted mats.
  • The plant typically reaches a height of 5-10cm.
  • Leaves are lanceolate to ovate, either entirely whole or with three to five lobes.
  • Flowers are pink to violet, up to 1.5cm long.
  • Stems and leaves can be hairless or covered with fine hairs, sometimes including glands.
  • Evergreen, retaining leaves year round.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) and Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) are dominant tree species found in the same habitat.

Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life: Provides articles about Collomia debilis, including distribution information.
  • Discover Life: Offers details on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Alpine Collomia.
  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society): Offers help and information on Collomia debilis.