#oreocarya

[cactguy]

June 1 | Mt. Galbraith Park, CO

Mount Galbraith’s foothills host a rich diversity of wildflowers in June. Penstemon species display tubular blue to purple corollas, attracting native pollinators. Larkspur (Delphinium spp.) adds vertical structure with deep blue inflorescences. Salsify (Tragopogon spp.) is notable for its large, spherical seed heads. Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris), an introduced species, stands out with its yellow and orange snapdragon-like flowers. Frosted Buckwheat (Eriogonum spp.) presents pale, clustered blooms on silvery stems. Bright red Castilleja (paintbrush) species are semi-parasitic and often found near grasses. Miner’s Candle (Cryptantha virgata) produces tall white spikes, while Locoweed (Oxytropis) features pea-like flowers and is toxic to livestock.

[dailyplantfacts]

Oreocarya virgata is in the forget me not family Boraginaceae. Commonly known as miner's candle, it is native to Colorado and Wyoming along the foothills and in subalpine habitats of the Rocky Mountains. Miner's candle is an herbaceous perennial that grows up to 2 feet tall, and produces a terminal inflorecence spike consisting of small white flowers subtended by hairy, linear bracts. While this species is common throughout its native range, there has been very little study of the ecology, physiology, and biochemistry of this member of the borage family. While the habitats it is found in are not considered specialized in any means, miner's candle is still only found in two states, with other species in this genus found throughout the western United States. Future studies into the nature of this plant may better elucidate the ecological niche miner's candle fulfills.