Described as an alpine variety of the pussypaws, Spraguea umbellata var. caudicifera thrives in high-elevation ecosystems. This low-growing taxon is particularly adapted to the extreme weather and rocky substrates of mountain peaks and gravelly slopes.
As a wild variety, it forms compact mats that hug the ground to conserve warmth and moisture. Botanists study this plant to understand survival mechanisms in alpine scree communities.
This variety is distinguished by its highly branched, woody caudex, which supports multiple small basal rosettes. The leaves are thick, spoon-shaped, and considerably smaller than those of the lowland forms, typically measuring only 1 to 3 centimeters in length.
Its flowering stems are short and decumbent, elevating the dense, head-like umbel only 2 to 10 centimeters above the rocky ground. Each inflorescence consists of small flowers with white to pinkish-purple petals, enclosed by paper-like, persistent sepals that help protect the developing seeds from harsh mountain winds.
July to September
The varietal epithet caudicifera translates from Latin as "caudex-bearing," highlighting the woody, subterranean stems that anchor the plant in shifting talus. It is considered a nomenclatural synonym of Calyptridium umbellatum var. caudiciferum, representing the historical classification under the genus Spraguea.
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