Primula angustifolia, June 27, 2020
Common & scientific name
Alpine primrose, Primula angustifolia
Family
Primrose, Primulaceae
Location
North Fork Lake Creek & Fryingpan Lakes saddle, 12,400’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
Found only in Colorado and norther 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.