Arctic Gentian as seen on Mt. Bierstadt, Colorado

Wild Flowers:  Arctic Gentian

During the summer of 2008, I had the opportunity to do high elevation trail maintenance in Colorado.  I was enthralled by the wildflowers.  I thought I would highlight some of my favorites, one at a time, so that you could learn a bit about each one.  The information comes from both my experiences and the book “Guide to Colorado Wildflowers” by G.K. Guennel.  I really found this book helpful in unmasking the identities of these beautiful flowers.  I took the pictures; they don’t do the flowers justice.  If you think my picture is good, go out and see them in person, it’s a hundred times better.  Happy Trails!

The Arctic Gentian is part of the Gentian Family just like the Mountain Gentian.

There are 3 flowers per stem and they are barrel-shaped and up to 2” long.  Their color can be anywhere from a white to greenish color with purplish streaks on the outside and spots inside.  Life Zones:  Subalpine and Alpine

When trying to catch a glimpse of this flower, check in grassy areas along stream banks, in meadows and near ponds.  I found quite a few when I was hiking up Mt. Bierstadt in Colorado in August.  The Arctic Gentian is found in the Subalpine and Alpine zones, anywhere between 10,000 and 14,400 feet in elevation in Colorado.  The best time of year to spot the Arctic Gentian, August.  Happy hiking!