A rarity

Chionophila jamesii, July 12, 2021

Chionophila jamesii, July 12, 2021

C. jamesii, Grizzly ridge, 13,000’, July 22, 2021

C. jamesii, Grizzly ridge, 13,000’, July 22, 2021

Common & scientific name
Snowlover, Chionophila jamesii

Family
Snapdragon/Figwort, Scrophulariaceae

Location
NOT DISCLOSED TO PROTECT THIS RARE PLANT

Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
Classified as a rare plant of Colorado, the careful observer can find it with some regularity on the high peaks of Independence Pass.  It stands 3” high, and its one-sided, cream-colored flowers are the opposite of showy.  That being said, it is always a delight to find this snowlover, for three reasons: (1) it looks like no other wildflower, with a subtle, intricate beauty that requires a close-up viewing, (2) it is a rare plant, seen probably by  0.0001% of the world’s population, and you’re one of them!, and (3) if you’re finding it, you’re in the high alpine, which is the definition of delight.