Linnaea borealis, August 13, 2020
Common & scientific name
Twinflower, Linnaea borealis
Family
Honeysuckle, Caprifoliaceae
Location
Difficult Creek, 10,000’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
Named after Swede Carl Linnaeus, who invented the binomial (genus + species) system, as he claimed this to be his favorite flower (and indeed it is one of mine). It stands just a few inches high, with demure, bell-shaped, pink and white flowers. In our area it is found in deep spruce/fir forests, only occasionally, and only for those keeping a sharp eye out, although once found it usually boasts numerous neighbors. It is the sole species of its genus. It is circumboreal (found throughout the northern hemisphere). It is why we care about wildflowers!
L. borealis, August 13, 2020