Minuartia Macrantha, Chickweed

Minuartia macrantha is a plant of the high mountains, found in the tundra zone and along the upper edges of coniferous forests, and hence both leaves and flowers are quite small; this species forms compact mats of short stems and thin, narrow leaves, enlivened by the bright, five-lobed flowers. Leaves point upwards, but are curved back slightly, away from the stem.

Flowers are borne at the end of the short, upright stalks, either singly or in small, open clusters. They are composed of five greenish sepals (often purplish towards the tip), about a quarter of an inch in length, and with three lengthwise veins, beneath five somewhat longer petals. Petal tips are rounded, and not notched. Ten greenish stamens radiate out from the center. Buds are purplish.