As good as the real thing

Dodecatheon pulchellem, June 18, 2022

D. pulchellem, June 18, 2022

Common & scientific name
Shooting star, Dodecatheon pulchellem

Family
Primrose, Primulaceae

Location
North Halfmoon Lakes Trail, 10,500’

Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
Found only in consistently wet places, its elegant shape and delicate, contrasting colors make this a top find of the summer. Its name derives from “twelve gods” (genus) and “handsome” (species) (thank you, Janis Huggins!). This is the closest to the Pass I’ve found this flower: the Crested Butte-Marble area is better endowed.