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Smelowskia ovalis

Brassicaceae

Alpine False Candytuft

Smelowskia ovalis
Cushion small, leaves and stems densely coated with white hairs. Basal leaves divided pinnately, segments entire or toothed, petioles hairless. Stems with few leaves topped with flowers. Flowers composed of 4 small spoon-shaped petals held in a cup of 4 shorter hairy sepals. Seedpod egg-shaped, less than 1/5 in. long. Grows in rocky places in alpine. Highest-growing plant on Mount Rainier. Very similar to S. calycina var. americana, which is larger, with hairs on the petioles.

  • Rarity: Rare
  • Flowering Time: Mid Summer
  • Flower Form: Petals 4
  • Life Cycle: Perennial
  • Height: Under 6 inches
  • Habitat: Alpine
  • Found In: Cascade Mts., Mt. Lassen, Mt. Rainier NP, N Cascades NP
  • Native: Yes
  • Also Known As: Small-Fruit Smelowskia, Lassen Peak Smelowskia

Map of where Smelowskia ovalis is found