Besseya Alpina Access

The species was first formally described by famed American botanist Asa Gray in 1862 as Synthyris alpina .

Besseya alpina is a small, compact herbaceous plant that typically grows between 5 and 15 centimeters (2 to 8 inches) in height. It is a clump-forming species with several distinct characteristics: besseya alpina

Flowering occurs in the summer, typically starting in late July and continuing into early August, depending on how quickly the snow melts in its habitat. Its dense, low-growing form helps it take advantage of ground-level warmth and avoid damaging high-altitude winds. The species was first formally described by famed

Besseya Alpina: The Purple Jewel of the Rocky Mountain Tundra Its dense, low-growing form helps it take advantage

Besseya alpina is a regional endemic, meaning its natural range is confined to a specific geographic area. It is found primarily in the Rocky Mountains of: The center of its distribution. Wyoming: Known in the high peaks of the Snowy Range. Utah: Southeastern areas. New Mexico: Northern mountains.