Fringed gentian, Gentianopsis crinita
Union County, Georgia
This lovely gentian is extremely rare in North Georgia and the Southeastern United States. Its iridescent blue color is absolutely stunning, but, in spite of years of trying, I never seem able to capture an image that does it justice. I always have to hand hold my camera for fear of damaging plants with my tripod and the light is always very tricky as they only open on bright, sunny days. This biennial herb lives for two years, only flowering in their second season. After wading out into the poison ivy and brambles to locate specimens, I got to spend 30 minutes trying to remove the beggar's lice seeds that covered me from head to toe!
Being able to observe these lovely flowers in the field was worth the effort :-).
Fringed gentian, Gentianopsis crinita
Union County, Georgia
This lovely gentian is extremely rare in North Georgia and the Southeastern United States. Its iridescent blue color is absolutely stunning, but, in spite of years of trying, I never seem able to capture an image that does it justice. I always have to hand hold my camera for fear of damaging plants with my tripod and the light is always very tricky as they only open on bright, sunny days. This biennial herb lives for two years, only flowering in their second season. After wading out into the poison ivy and brambles to locate specimens, I got to spend 30 minutes trying to remove the beggar's lice seeds that covered me from head to toe!
Being able to observe these lovely flowers in the field was worth the effort :-).