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Cryptantha humilis

Common Name     Dwarf Cryptanth

Family            Boraginaceae (Borage family)

 

Description
Leaves very elongated and thin, hairy, borne along equally hairy stem that is topped with rounded cluster of trumpet-like flowers with yellow center to 8" high.

Range
Occurs throughout the intermountain west. Elevation: to treeline.

Culture
Rocky, well drained soils. Hardy in zones 3 - 8.

Value
Little used, yet, in the landscape but is very drought tolerant and quite attractive during its spring bloom. Best mixed in larger numbers with low growing shrubs and other, taller perennials that bloom later. Related species, C. flava, has yellow flowers.

Propagation
Seeds need a cold treatment to germinate. After 30 days remove seed from cold and sow onto soil; cover to depth.

 

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A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.

        Aldo Leopold