Winner of the CFI Wildflower Contest: Alpine Forget-me-not

Over the summer of 2004, volunteers and supporters voted overwhelmingly for the Alpine Forget-me-not as CFI’s Fourteener Wildflower. This plant will serve as an icon for CFI’s peak preservation work and the fragile nature of the alpine tundra. Look for a drawing of this flower next to volunteer projects to indicate “restoration work.” Some of the most common reasons given by people who nominated this flower include:

  • Symbol of hope for tired climbers.
  • It takes away the tediousness of the climb by bringing color & relaxation to your mind.
  • It is a sign of strength the way it holds its beauty in the harsh alpine environment.
  • The mountains should not be forgotten.
  • Great companion on a long trek.

The Alpine Forget-me-not is one of just a few of Colorado’s cushion plants. These plants occur only in fellfields (areas where the landscape is dominated by rocks & mat-forming plants) nestled amongst the more lush alpine tundra. These beautiful plants only grow as high as 2 inches above the ground, but may sprawl to a whopping 8 inches in diameter. The flowers are tiny (only inch across) and bright blue with a yellow center. If you come across a white mutant version of this flower, consider yourself lucky. For the young at heart, stick your nose just above the flower and enjoy one of the best-smelling scents in the alpine. They are one of the earliest blooming plants in the tundra, so this plant often attracts hikers as early as late May.

Because of the harsh rocky & windy environment these plants are found in, they have developed several special adaptations. By growing so short, the Alpine Forget-me-not takes advantage of warmer and calmer conditions near the surface of the ground. Also, the very hairy leaves and stems of this plant help to trap scarce moisture and reduce transpiration while keeping the plant warmer in the cold early spring nights. In fact, the plant’s scientific name, Eritrichium aretioides, signifies its hairy character: Eritrichium is a Greek word meaning “wooly hairs.”

It can take 30 years for cushion plants to grow from seed to the size of a silver dollar. Some individuals live more than 150 years. Ironically, cushion plants can be destroyed by as few as eight weeks of foot traffic. By staying on designated trails and hiking on durable surfaces, hikers can help ensure that these plants are around for future generations to enjoy.