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mountain cryptantha

Scientific Name: Cryptantha cana

Family: Boraginaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cryptantha: A Botanical Overview

The genus Cryptantha, belonging to the Boraginaceae family, encompasses a variety of plant species often referred to as "forget-me-nots." This genus is amphitropically distributed, found in both western North America and other regions. This page explores various aspects of several Cryptantha species including taxonomy, distribution, and ecological notes.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some Cryptantha species, such as Miner's Candle (Oreocarya virgata, formerly Cryptantha virgata), grow on rocky slopes.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Cryptantha
  • Family: Boraginaceae
  • The text mentions several species, including:
    • Cryptantha tumulosa (Payson) Payson - Common name: New York Mountain Cryptantha, New York Mountains Catseye
    • Cryptantha cana (A. Nelson) Payson - Common name: Mountain Cryptantha, Mountain Cat's-eye
    • Cryptantha micrantha (Torr.) I.M. Johnst. var. lepida (A. Gray) I.M. Johnst. - Common name: Mountain Red-root Cryptantha
    • Cryptantha affinis (Synonym: Krynitzkia affinis) - Common names: Common Cryptantha, Quill Cat's-eye, Quill Cryptantha, Slender Cryptanth
  • Synonyms for Cryptantha cana: Oreocarya cana A. Nels.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cryptantha species are found in diverse habitats, including:
    • California
    • Nevada
    • Rocky Mountains (as far south as New Mexico)
    • Alaska (Intermontane Boreal, Alaska Range Transition)
    • Great Basin province (including Inyo Mountain subregion)
  • Specific locations mentioned:
    • Tobacco Root Mountains, Pony, Montana
    • Chatfield State Park, Denver, Colorado
    • Bald Mountain Botanical Area, Sequoia National Forest
    • Southern Soda Mountains

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Cryptantha tumulosa is described as a perennial herb and a subshrub.
  • Cryptantha species can be herbs or subshrubs.
  • Some species may twine around host plants.

Quirky Facts

  • The Greek roots of "Oreocarya" (a former genus name for some Cryptantha species) are "oreos" meaning "mountain" and "caryum" meaning "nut".
  • Species of Cryptantha are often referred to as white "forget-me-nots."

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Some Cryptantha species can twine around host plants, such as primroses.

Resources and Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS database
  • Discover Life
  • Rocky Mountain Herbarium, Department of Botany
  • NRCSPD
  • FOLA