Native Plants
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Collomia debilis
Collomia debilis (S. Watson) Greene
Alpine Collomia
Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: CODE
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Numerous sprawling stems forming a loose mat, with leaves and cream, white, pink, lavender, or blue flowers crowded at ends.
The species name, meaning "weak," refers to the sprawling stems, which actually might be considered a strength, for the plant's low compact habit helps protect it from cold mountain winds. A similar species, Talus Collomia (C. larsenii), has highly divided leaves (with 3-7 lobes, some or all cleft again) and a corolla only to 1/2" (1.5 cm) long; it grows from the Cascade Range and Olympic Mountains of Washington to northern California.
From the Image Gallery
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 6 inches tall, mat-forming.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink , Blue , PurpleBloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: ID , MT , NV , OR , UT , WA , WYNative Distribution: Cascade Range of Washington east to western Montana and western Wyoming, and southeast to northeastern Oregon, northeastern Nevada, and central Utah.
Native Habitat: Shifting, rocky, high-mountain slopes.
Web Reference
Webref 63 - Pacific Northwest Wildflowers (2020) Turner PhotographicsWebref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Collomia debilis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Collomia debilis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Collomia debilis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-04-27Research By: TWC Staff