Is the end nigh?

Helimoerus grandiflora, July 19, 2023

Common & scientific name

Showy goldeneye, Heliomeris multiflora

Family

Sunflower, Asteraceae

Location

Roadside, 8,200’

Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact

Grows from the foothills to the subalpine, and is most often seen roadside on the lower portion of Independence Pass. The penultimate sunflower (“helios” means “sun”), it is a favorite of bees, both sweat and bumble. It is considered a late summer flower—and is blooming in July! (Hint: don’t wait to see the flower show this summer—it will end early.)

July 19