Parry's Primrose-Primula parryi

This striking magenta flower found at higher elevations and often near water is Parry's primrose (Primula parryi), a member of the Primrose Family (Primulaceae). 

Most of them have finished flowering for this year, leaving the leafy vegetation behind.

But I looked all around and managed to find a few flowers still hanging on. This flower lends so much color to the sub-alpine and alpine scenery. It also stands out because it is so large compared to much of the higher elevation vegetation, much of which has shrunken in size to deal with the harsher growing conditions.

For more information about Parry's primrose, click here.

Nevada Primrose-Primula cusickiana var. nevadensis

I found this colorful member of the Primrose Family (Primulaceae) only on the cliff edge above 10,000 feet on a recent trip to the alpine. It took awhile to find a specimen I could safely photograph. This is Nevada Primrose (Primula cusickiana var. nevadensis).

It is only found in Nevada, hence the name.

For more information about Nevada Primrose, click here.

Darkthroat Shootingstar-Dodecatheon pulchellum

The pretty pink flower seen often in wetlands is in the Primrose Family (Primulaceae) and is known as darkthroat shooting star or pretty shooting star (Dodecatheon pulchellum). 

For more information on the darkthroat shootingstar, click here.