RUFF GENTIAN 



Gentiana calycosa Grisebach 



The flowers of this lovely gentian are of a wonderful deep blue 

 color. As soon as the direct rays of the sun strike them, the petals 

 open, and the clumps are covered with brilliant flowers. On a cloudy 

 day, when they are closed, it is easy to pass without noticing them, 

 even where they are abundant. The plants are usually found about 

 tree line, or in grassy alpine meadows at a slightly lower altitude. 

 The large calyx suggests a sixteenth century ruff. 



Ruff gentian ranges from Montana and Wyoming to Washing- 

 ton and California. 



We found quantities of this gentian at Indian Pass in Glacier 

 National Park, at an altitude of 6,500 feet. 



PLATE 318 



