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Project Noah Nature School
Claytonia megarhiza
Short dense plant with red/purple leaves. Leaves are broad and rounded. Overall plant height less than 10cm. Small white flowers, 5 petals each, with yellow and pink markings around the stamens.
Spotting was found in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, well above treeline at nearly 13,000ft elevation, growing isolated on a dry, rocky, northeast facing scree field.
Alpine Spring Beauty it is! I looked at a number of photos, and there are definitely specimens that match mine exactly, including the dark leaf coloration and the flower colors and configuration. Thanks for the ID.
The sun was certainly unforgiving - this was found on the approach to Triangle Peak, 13,880ft, in the Elk Mountain range.
Looks like Alpine Springbeauty "Claytonia megarhiza" upon searching the internet it appears that the leaves can lean toward purple. Maybe it has to do with the unforgiving sun at that altitude. What mountain were you on?
Spotted on Jul 31, 2011
Submitted on Aug 2, 2011
