Besseya alpina, June 16, 2025
Common & scientific name
Alpine besseya or alpine kittentails, Besseya alpina
Family
Plantain, Plantaginaceae
Location
Twining, 13,300’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
This gem of an alpine flower is found only in the high mountains of the Four Corners states, and most abundantly in Colorado. A swift glance might mistake it for silky phacelia, Phacelia sericea, but its leaves are dark green and thick, not feathery, it stands just a couple of inches tall ,and it sometimes pushes itself out of the snow. It is usually found nestled within rock gardens, and is always a worthy find.