Senecio amplectens var. holmii, August 7, 2020
Common & scientific name
Holm’s ragwort, Senecio amplectens var. holmii
Family
Sunflower, Asteraceae
Location
Tabor pass, 12,500’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
Prediction: this singular alpine wildflower will be given separate species status soon, as Bill Weber has done (along with a new genus, Ligularia holmii). It is quite distinct from its close cousin, Senecio amplectens var. amplectens, in that it grows only above tree line (not in forests like S. amplectens), usually in rocky places like passes, sits low to the ground (naturally), and has red-edged, succulent leaves. It DOES, however, have yellow flowers!
S. amplectens var. holmii, August 7, 2020