About Smelowskia ovalis M.E.Jones
Scientific Classification
Smelowskia ovalis, with the scientific name Smelowskia ovalis M.E.Jones, is a species of flowering plant in the mustard family. Its common name is alpine false candytuft.
Distribution Range
This plant is native to western North America, ranging from British Columbia to northern California, and it occurs mostly in the Cascade Range.
Habitat
It grows in alpine climates, in high mountain habitats including talus and fellfields.
Growth Form
It forms a clumpy shape, and produces several hairy upright stems that reach a maximum height of around 18 centimeters.
Leaf Characteristics
Its leaves are densely hairy, and are divided into multiple oval leaflets. The longest leaves grow around the base of the plant, while a few smaller leaves are found higher up on the stems.
Inflorescence
The inflorescence is a dense, spherical raceme of flowers that elongates as the plant's fruits develop.
Flower Characteristics
Each flower has white or pink-tinged petals that are a few millimeters long.
Fruit Type
The fruit produced by this plant is a short silique.
