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Primula angustifolia, June 18, 2022

P. angustifolia, upper Lost Man, 12850’, June 21, 2022

Common & scientific name
Alpine primrose, Primula angustifolia

Family
Primrose, Primulaceae

Location
Halfmoon Lakes, 12,300’

Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
Found only in Colorado and northern New Mexico, this diminutive version of its much taller cousin, the water-loving Parry’s primrose, is found on dry subalpine and alpine ridges, often in the protection of rocks.  Its neon-magenta flowers, largely identical to those of Parry’s, light up the tundra under our feet.