Collomia debilis

Alpine Collomia

Alpine Collomia
Another wonderful surprise on the barren alpine landscape. Nestled in small matted clumps are little trumpet-shaped flowers, 1/2″ – 1″ (13 – 25 mm) long, which may vary in color from white to pink, blue or lavender. The plant, anchored with a deep taproot, forms a low cushion no more than 6″ tall of hairy somewhat fleshy leaves which are divided into three lobes. Usually found on talus slopes and pumice flats between 6,000′ to 10,000′ elevation.

Family:

Polemoniaceae - PHLOX FAMILY

Genus:

Collomia from Greek kolla 'glue' in reference to sticky seeds

Species:

debilis means 'weak'
Photo location: From one location along the trail to Third Burroughs Mtn. Two photos included from Elk Mtn. in Olympic National Park (note cracked shale substrate vs. pumice of the Rainier collimia).