​Monument Plant, Elkweed, Green Gentian, Deer Ears,Frasera speciose,Gentian Family (Gentianaceae)

Found in moist meadows and conifer forests
Seen blooming in July along Brush Creek, Gunnison Valley, CO

I am writing this week from 8,025 feet in cool Colorado (low 42°, high 78°). The spectacular Monument Plants are in full bloom here but they can also be found over 8,500 feet in the Abiquiú area. At first they could be mistaken for Mullein but a closer look will show the four large, light green, speckled petals of the flowers. The Monument Plant produces a flower spike from 5 to 7 feet tall with hundreds of flowers on the stem. It flowers in synchronization with other plants. Some believe it can live up to 80 years as a rosette of long, strap-like leaves and dies after producing the flower spike. The roots were used to treat diarrhea, colds, stomach troubles, gonorrhea and asthma, and to kill lice, while a plaster of the leaves was used to treat headaches. A cold compound infusion was rubbed on hunters and their horses to lend strength and the long stalk was used to make elk calls during hunting. Source.
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If you are trying to identify a different flower then you can check what other flowers bloom this month. If you cannot identify a flower from the website send a photo and where you took it to [email protected]. Read online for tips.