Crater Lake Collomia – Collomia mazama is a beautiful and rare member of the phlox family endemic to Crater Lake National Park and adjacent lands on the Rogue River and Winema national forests. A perennial species, it predominately inhabits high elevations (4800 to 6300 feet), where it associates with mountain hemlock, red/noble fir, and lodgepole pine and is restricted to the open woods of southern Oregon’s Cascade Range. This species was discovered by the noted botanist F.V. Coville along Dutton Creek, in 1896. Today the species is considered threatened throughout its range.
It is herbaceous and perennial, ranging from 15 to 30 cm tall, with lanceolate leaves having distinctive irregular teeth towards the apex. Striking light blue to violet to deep purple flowers are borne in terminal, head-like cymes with prominent powder blue anthers. The inflorescence is covered with glandular hairs that exude a slight skunky odor. Flowering occurs from June through September.
Efforts to restore Collomia mazama within Crater Lake National Park are promising, yet this rare plant continues to face a variety of threats throughout its limited range.
