Besseya alpina, June 27, 2020
Common & scientific name
Alpine besseya, Besseya alpina
Family
Snapdragon, Scrophularaceae
Location
North Fork Lake Creek & Fryingpan Lakes saddle, 12,400’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
This gem of an alpine flower is found only in the high mountains of the Four Corners states, and most abundantly in Colorado. A swift glance might mistake it for Silky phacelia, Phacelia sericea, but its leaves are dark green and thick, not feathery, and it lacks the gold-tipped anthers of Silky phacelia. Standing just several inches tall, often nestled within rock gardens, Alpine besseya is always a worthy find!