Scrophulariaceae

Synthyris missurica ssp. missurica

Mountain Kittentails

Clump of nearly round basal leaves, erect flower stem. Leaves shiny, hairless, with long petioles, smooth, 1–3 in. across, cut to somewhat rounded lobes or teeth, tips pointed. Inflorescence more or less hairy, with many mid to deep blue flowers in 2–7 in. erect spike above leaves. Flowers small, upper lobe slightly larger than other 3, bluish stamens exserted beyond the petals. Grows in moist to dry shade, among rocks, in openings in forests, at mid to high elevations. Similar subsp. stellata with larger flowers also has brown hairs on short flower stalks.

• Rarity: Uncommon
• Flowering Time: Early Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 4--20 inches
• Habitat: East-Side Forest, Subalpine,
• Found In: Wallowas
• Native: Yes