Scientific Family
Clusiaceae
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
Up to 30 inches
Riparian
Yes
Slim and unobtrusive, often hidden in the lushness of wet areas, is most easily found when it is in bloom, for the flowers are very bright.
Leaf ovate to elliptic; sterile axillary branches generally < 1/8 inch; fruit 3-lobed; stem from taproot or rhizome.
Habitat
Most locations in mountainous areas; meadows, hillsides.
Plant Community
Riparian
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Low elevation
4000
High elevation
10000
Flower Characteristics
Five petals are 1/2 inch long, and edges are lined with dark dots and sometimes tiny teeth; underneath are five pointed green sepals, about half as long. Flowers have dense clusters of 3 yellow styles and 75 to 100 yellow stamens at their center.
Flower color
Yellow
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
July
Last bloom month
August
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
The thick stems grow close together and branch freely, forming large clumps with dozens of flower heads. Ovate, opposite, 1-1/4 inches long, with a few pronounced axial veins and tiny black dots along the edges.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit about 1/4 inch and 3-lobed.
Fruit type
Capsule
Seed less than 1/16 inch and brown.