SAUSSUREA 



Saussurea densa (Hooker) Rydberg 



Saussurea is one of the rarer members of the Aster Family. It is 

 nearly related to the thistles, but in habit of growth and in the size 

 of its flower heads it is very different. It prefers stony limestone slopes 

 or moraines, and is confined to the higher altitudes. The flowers grow- 

 ing in dense heads, are attractive to bees. After the flowers have faded 

 the downy "seeds" form an equally showy flat head. 



In the Canadian Rockies saussurea is a conspicuous plant because 

 it is so different from any other flower. Its range is limited to that 

 region. 



The specimen sketched was obtained near the base of Tilted Moun- 

 tain, fifteen miles by trail north of Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, at 

 an altitude of 7,000 feet. 



plate 191 



