Thelypodiopsis aurea, the Durango tumblemustard or Durango tumble-mustard, is a species of mustard native to Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.[1] This species is restricted to the Four Corners area and is only present in Apache County in Arizona, Montezuma County in Colorado, Sandoval & San Juan Counties in New Mexico, and San Juan County in Utah.[2]
A biennial or short-lived perennial from a taproot, glabrous or rarely sparsely pubescent with simple hairs at the stem base. Leaves are somewhat fleshy. Inflorescence an elongating fruit. Flower petals yellow, and fruit is a silique on stipes 2–8 mm long. Seeds are oblong. Flowering occurs from April to May. The plant can reach up to 3 ft. tall.[3]
From a distance, this can be mistaken for Stanleya pinnata but up-close the two are distinct.
Thelypodiopsis aurea is endemic to the Four Corners Region. They can be found near ledges, alkalai flats, clay flats & hills, desert shrub, Pinon-Juniper, badlands, saltbush communities. Ranging from 4,800 ft. to 6,900 ft. in elevation.