Parry's Townsendia / Townsendia parryi

This was one of the reasons I decided to go on the Picklejar Lakes hike two days ago. Though I had seen this flower once before (on a different mountain top!), I really hoped to see one again. My photos of it were disappointing, but I thought I would still post a macro shot as a reminder to myself of the thrill of seeing one (actually two) again. At a very quick glance, you might think you were looking at "just" another purple and yellow Fleabane. Another plant that I was really hoping to see was the Orange False-dandelion - and it was exciting to see a number of them, usually looking most unphotogenic, ha. We even saw a new wild orchid up there - the Bog Candle - which has a wonderful scent.

Parry's Townsendia is an uncommon, native wildflower and belongs to the Asteraceae family. It blooms July-August on dry hillsides and grassy slopes. The flower head is 5-7 cms across. The achene (fruit) is a pappus of long, soft bristles, just as attractive (in my opinion) than the actual flower.