This morning, I am showcasing two blooming Monument Plant photos. I took these images yesterday in Summit County, high in the Wasatch Mountains.
Because of my trip to Virginia, Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, as well as my mother’s death, it had been well over two months since I last used my own camera gear and captured any photographs in northern Utah. I wasn’t sure I’d remember how to use my own camera.
Monument Plant in bloom – Nikon D500, f10, 1/800, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I finally went up into the mountains yesterday hoping to reconnect to spots I love, spots that my mom loved too, and to find some peace. After a brief stumbling block on the “peace” part, I did just that. Taking images of ground squirrels, a few birds, and wildflowers soothed me. Among the wildflowers I photographed were blooming Monument Plants.
The Monument Plant, Frasera speciosa, is a perennial herb growing from a woody base surrounded by rosettes of large leaves that measure up to 50 centimeters long by 15 wide. It produces a single erect stem which can reach two meters in height. The flower petals of the Monument Plant are typically a pale greenish-white to creamy-yellow color, with a slightly waxy texture. The flowers have a subtle but pleasant fragrance, which attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Blooming Monument Plant in northern Utah – Nikon D500, f10, 1/800, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Monument Plant is native to the western United States, where it grows in mountain forests, woodlands, and meadows. It tends to grow alone, apart from other members of its species, and is browsed by elk and livestock.
Other names for this wildflower include Deer’s Ears, Green Gentian, and Elkweed.
I have photographed these Monument Plants in bloom for years but had never shared them on my site until today.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my wildflower, shrub and tree photos.
Do you have a photo of the whole plant you can show us. I realize it would have to be from a distance but would give more of the proportions. Thank you for your great photos.
Diann, I will look through my image files. I know I have taken images of the entire plant at some point, I just can’t recall if it was in Montana, Idaho, or Utah!
You have certainly remembered how to use your gear. Hugs.
Welcome home, Mia. Hoping you will find peace and healing in your familiar haunts. The mountains are a wonderful balm for the spirit. 💗
I just love this plant, living by Jordanelle, I find it everywhere. Lots of different names, too. Miner’s lamp and with the large soft leaves, cowboy tp. Wishing you the best, Mia, it’s hard to lose a mom.
Peace will come Mia. Time is a great healer. You have been through a lot. Your familiar haunts in Utah will help you rest and find peace. You have a very caring readership that are all thinking about you too. You have provided us with much joy and many a boost in our down times.