Gentianopsis detonsa/thermalis, July 26, 2022
G. detonsa, roadside, 11,400’, August 5, 2022
G. detonsa, Lost Man Reservoir, 10,600’, August 15, 2022
Common & scientific name
Rocky Mountain fringed gentian, Gentianopsis detonsa/thermalis
Family
Gentian, Gentianaceae
Location
Linkins Lake, 12,000’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
This delightful, widespread gentian (think roadside ditches, among other wet places) has four spiraling, delicately-fringed, deep-blue or deep-purple petals (compare the photos at left). “Thermalis” refers to the thermal pools of Yellowstone, where this gentian is particularly abundant and has been designated the park’s official flower.
G. detonsa, Wet Gulch, 11,400’, August 5, 2022
G. detonsa in end bloom, Geissler 12,000’, August 24, 2022