Erigeron simplex, June 12, 2022
E. simplex, above Linkins Lake, 12,400, June 21, 2022
Common & scientific name
One-stem daisy, Erigeron simplex
Family
Sunflower, Asteraceae
Location
Beaver ponds below summit, 11,300’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
This common tundra plant ranges from lavender to pink to white, has hairy phyllaries (the whorl of bracts surrounding the flower (actually, flowers—as a member of the Sunflower family, the daisy has multiple ray flowers (the “petals”) surrounding multiple disk flowers that make up the yellow middle (the “button”)), and simple (undivided, smooth on the edge) leaves. This is how to tell it apart from other Erigerons it shares the high country with (see photo below).