Gentianopsis thermalis, July 15, 2025
Common & scientific name
Rocky Mountain fringed gentian, Gentianopsis thermalis
Family
Gentian, Gentianaceae
Location
Linkins Lake, 12,000’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
This delightful, widespread gentian (think roadside ditches, among other wet places) has four spiraling, delicately-fringed, deep-blue or deep-purple petals (compare the photos at left). “Thermalis” refers to the thermal pools of Yellowstone, where this gentian is particularly abundant and has been designated the park’s official flower.