Senecio amplectens var. holmii, July 8, 2021
Common & scientific name
Holm’s ragwort, Senecio amplectens var. holmii
Family
Sunflower, Asteraceae
Location
Mountain Boy, 12,500’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
Prediction: this singular alpine wildflower will be given separate species status soon, as Bill Weber has done (possibly along with a new genus, Ligularia holmii). It is quite distinct from its close cousin, Senecio amplectens var. amplectens, in that it grows only above tree line (not in forests like S. amplectens), usually in rocky places like passes, sits low to the ground (naturally), and has red-edged, succulent leaves. It DOES, however, have yellow flowers!