Elko Cryptanth, Narrow-leaved Cryptantha, Snake River Catseye, Snake River Cat's Eye, Snake River Cryptantha: Oreocarya spiculifera (Synonyms: Cryptantha interrupta, Cryptantha spiculifera)

Snake River cryptantha blooming along with a diminutive red-flowered thick-leaved thelypody (Thelypodium laciniatum) on slopes near the Columbia River in Klickitat County, WA..........May 16, 2011.

Close-ups of the basal leaf rosette and flowers of Snake River cryptantha as seen on steep slopes along the Columbia River in Klickitat County, WA.........May 16, 2011. Generally the basal leaves of this species measure up to 8 mm wide (occasionally up to 10 mm) and have spreading hairs on the margin of the petioles and an acute tip to the leaf. The similar cockscomb cryptanth (Cryptantha celosioides) has basal leaves that measure over 8 mm wide with the blades more spatulate in outline, often with a retuse tip. The corolla lobes of Cryptantha spiculifera generally measure up to 8 mm broad (occasionally up to 10mm) while those of Cryptantha celiosioides generally measure 8-12 mm wide. Both species may be found at this site which complicates identification since plants at this location exhibit characteristics which are intermediate to both.