Green Gentian
71. PARRY PRIMROSEPrimrose Family
Primula parryi
This outstanding member of the Primrose Family is found only at high elevations, generally above 10,000 feet. In this region it grows fairly abundantly on Brian Head Peak but is found sparingly at Cedar Breaks. Its brilliant display of rose-red flowers is a remarkable and rewarding sight for those who gain the high places and see this alpine beauty. The smooth, thick leaves, which are quite long, all grow in a rosette at the base of the plant. The fragrance of this flower is disappointing, for it does not match its splendid color.
Parry Primrose
72. INDIANPOTATOParsnip Family
Orogenia linearifolia
As the snow melts on the plateaus, at elevations above 7,000 feet, you may find one of the very first flowers of spring. This member of the Parsnip Family often carpets the alpine meadows with a mass of tiny white flowers never more than an inch or two high.
The root bulb was eaten by the Indians and gives rise to the common name Indianpotato. Another common name is Salt and Pepper Plant because of the speckled appearance of the flowers.
The blooming period of this plant is very brief, and soon after the flowers have faded the leaves disappear and the plant lies dormant during most of the year.