Synthyris platycarpa

Gail & Pennell

Amer. J. Bot. 24: 40. 1937.

Common names: Evergreen kittentail
Endemic
Synonyms: Veronica idahoensis M. M. Martínez Ort. & Albach
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 17. Treatment on page 303. Mentioned on page 298.

Leaves persistent, some withering in 2d year as new leaves expand; blade broadly cordate or reniform to nearly orbiculate, 25+ mm wide, chartaceous, base cordate to lobate, margins crenate or incised-crenate, teeth apices rounded, surfaces glabrous or hairy; basal veins extending into distal 1/2 of blade, lateral veins 2–4 on each side of midvein. Racemes erect, to 35 cm in fruit; sterile bracts 2, ovate-spatulate, largest less than 1 cm; flowers 15–35, loosely aggregated. Sepals 4. Petals (3 or)4(or 5), apex laciniate; corolla blue or lavender, suffused with white, ± regular, campanulate, much longer than calyx, glabrous, tube conspicuous. Stamens epipetalous. Ovaries: ovules 4. Capsules glabrous.


Phenology: Flowering May–Jun; fruiting Jun–Jul.
Habitat: Forest openings of upper Thuja-Pseudotsuga zone.
Elevation: 500–800(–2000) m.

Discussion

Synthyris platycarpa is known from the mountains above the Selway River and North Fork of the Clearwater River in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in Clearwater and Idaho counties.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.