Papaver pygmaeum | |
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Papaver pygmaeum in Glacier National Park | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Ranunculales |
Family: | Papaveraceae |
Genus: | Papaver |
Species: | P. pygmaeum
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Binomial name | |
Papaver pygmaeum |
Papaver pygmaeum is a species of poppy known by the common name alpine glacier poppy. It is native to North America, where it can be found in British Columbia, Alberta, and Montana. It has a narrow distribution around the intersection of the three borders. There are about 23 known occurrences, mostly in Montana, with some in Alberta and one in British Columbia. [1] It is present in a number of locations within Glacier National Park. [2]
This perennial herb produces a stem up to 12 centimeters tall from a taproot. The blue-green leaves are up to 5 centimeters long. The flower is about 2 centimeters wide. The petals are yellow, orange-pink, or orange with a yellow spot. The fruit is a rough-haired capsule about 1.5 centimeters long. [3] Blooming occurs in July and August. [2]
This plant grows in high mountain habitat in alpine climates. It grows on rocky terrain such as talus and fell fields. [2]