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| Alpine Sunflower, David Kenison, Pfeifferhorn, June 28, 2014; click to enlarge |
The Alpine Sunflower is in the Aster or Sunflower family. It is also known as the Old-man-of-the-mountain, Graylocks four-nerve daisy, and Rydbergia.
The species name Grandiflora means large-flowered; bloom are typically 2-3" in diameter. This is one of the prettiest of the western sunflowers. This beautiful bright yellow bloom is found at higher altitudes (above treeline) throughout the Wasatch, often growing in clumps of blossoms in stems that are about 10-12" high. The bright yellow petals have three "teeth" at their tips, surrounding a domed or con-shaped center that is yellow in the younger blooms but turns tan as the flower ages.
The nickname "old-man-of-the-mountain" refers to the dense hairs on the stems and leaves - an adaptation that reduces water loss in warmer temperatures.
The plant is said to grow and store for several years until it has enough energy in reserve to blossom.
Synonyms: Actinea grandiflora, Tetraneuris grandiflora, Rydbergia grandiflora
Click on these photos to view larger...
Click on these photos to view larger...
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| Flowers and butterfly, AF Twin Peaks, July 5, 2014 |
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| Closeup of center "cone" Pfeifferhorn, June 28, 2014 |
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| Field of "bouquets" atop AF Twin Peaks, July 5, 2014 |
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| Beautiful group of blooms Pfeifferhorn, June 28, 2014 |
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| Cluster of blooms on Pfeifferhorn, June 28, 2014 |
Additional links:
Colorado Wildflowers
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