Pyrola picta, July 15, 2021
P. picta leaves/plants, July 15, 2021
Common & scientific name
White-veined wintergreen, Pyrola picta
Family
Heath, Ericaceae
Location
NOT DISCLOSED TO PROTECT THIS RARE PLANT
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
This coniferous forest-dweller, unmistakeable owing to its white-veined leaves, has been formally recorded in only a handful of counties in Colorado (one of which is NOT Pitkin County, despite the photo here to the contrary), and is deemed “rare” by the Colorado Native Plant Society & Heritage Program. Interestingly, it is widespread to the west, including in the Sierras and the Cascades; it doesn’t seem to require a particular geologic substrate (volcanic or granitic soil will do; and there is ample, seemingly suitable (i.e., similar) habitat in Colorado. So why it is rare here is a bit of a mystery. Enjoy the mystery and the beauty of this shy forest-dweller!