Eritrichium nanum, June 7, 2022
E. nanum, summit, June 9, 2022
E. nanum at their tall(est) stage, above Linkins Lake, 12,400’, 6.21.22
Common & scientific name
Alpine forget-me-nots, Eritrichium nanum
Family
Borage, Boraginaceae
Location
Upper Lost Man, 12,000’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
This ground-hugging alpine jewel is many people’s favorite wildflower, period. Its Kodachrome-blue petals and golden eyes are unique in our region, and its favorite habitat—rocky, windswept, highly inhospitable mountain tops and ridges—makes its beauty and sheer existence all the more jaw-dropping. Because this flower blooms early and won’t stick around too long, it is worth dropping everything to get up high and bow down to this wonder of creation.
E. nanum, unusual white version, Upper Lost Man, 12,350’ 6.21.22
E. nanum, Geissler saddle, 12,500’, July 7, 2022