Artemesia scopulorum, June 16, 2020
Common & scientific name
Alpine sagewort, Artemesia scopulorum
Family
Sunflower, Asteraceae
Location
Summit, 12,100’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
This sagebrush is the our most common above treeline, and is early this year! Its tiny yellow flower heads are surrounded by hairy green and black-margined phyllaries (reduced leaves surrounding the flower head). Crush a leave between your fingers to get the sage-like aroma, but don’t eat it: the spice you buy in the store is actually in the Mint family!