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]

Papaver pygmaeum
Papaver pygmaeum in Glacier National Park

Vulnerable  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Papaveraceae
Genus: Papaver
Species:
P. pygmaeum
Binomial name
Papaver pygmaeum

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]

References
  1. Papaver pygmaeum. The Nature Conservancy.
  2. Williams, Tara Y. 1990. Papaver pygmaeum. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory.
  3. Papaver pygmaeum. Flora of North America.
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