Frasera speciosa (Green Gentian, Monument Plant)

Order Gentianales, Family Gentianaceae, Genus Frasera

Sometimes confused with Woolly Mullein (Verbscum thapsis), this plant is quite hairless, and not the least bit wooly. Studies have shown that a Green Gentian can take 20 to 60 years or longer to accumulate enough energy to bloom, which it does only once. Wikipedia and Southwest Colorado Wildflowers have more information about this amazing plant.

 

 

 

 

This photo shows the diference between F. speciosa, a native wildflower, and V. thapsis, a noxious plant, in the rosette stage.