Gentianopsis thermalis

(Rocky Mountain Fringed Gentian)

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Gentianopsis thermalis, Hoosier Pass, Park Co. 8823

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Gentianopsis thermalis, Hoosier Pass, Park Co. 9026/9031

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Gentianopsis thermalis, Mayflower Lake, Summit Co. 2440

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Gentianopsis thermalis, Mayflower Lake, Summit Co. 2479

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Gentianopsis thermalis, Breakneck Pass, Park Co. 3200

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Gentianopsis thermalis, Mayflower Lake, Summit Co. 2398

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Gentianopsis thermalis, Pennsylvania Gulch, Summit Co. 7607

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Gentianopsis thermalis, County Line Trail, Grand Mesa NF, Delta Co. 0643

Scientific Name Gentianopsis thermalis (Gentianopsis detonsa var. elegans) USDA PLANTS Symbol GETH
Common Name Rocky Mountain Fringed Gentian ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 30090
Family Gentianaceae (Gentian) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Montane and subalpine (7500 to 12500); moist areas in meadows, bogs, along streams.
Plant: Erect annual or biennial with several smooth stems, usually branched, up to 16 inches tall.
Leaves: Basal leaves oblanceolate to spatulate, 3/4 to 2-1/2 inches long; stem leaves sessile, opposite, lanceolate, oblong or linear, up to 2 inches long.
Inflorescence: Single tubular flowers on pedicles up to 12 inches long; flowers up to 2-1/2 inches long with deep blue to purple corolla, 4 fringed lobes that close at night and on cloudy days; green calyx tube below with pointed lobes about 1 inch long and prominent purplish mid-vein.
Bloom Period: July to September.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, "Guide to Colorado Wildflowers" by G.K. Guennel, "Alpine Flora of the Rocky Mountains" by Richard Scott, and Montana Field Guide.
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains