Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Gleicheniaceae

Genus:

Gleichenia

Species:

Gleichenia alpina

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

6 in - 1 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar, apr, may

Bloom Colors:

Blue

Ground Cover:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Wyoming

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

often found in alpine and subalpine regions

Germination Information