Alpine Sunflower
Wildlife & Environment
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Educational, Travel
Biologist, Michelle Gibbons, talks about her favorite alpine flower.
With bright yellow flower heads that are 2-3 inches in diameter, these are the largest flowers that grow on the alpine tundra. To help protect their flower heads from the strong winds found above treeline, this flower has a unique adaptation. The flower heads all face east, away from the prevailing westerly winds that can blow with gusts over 50 mph.
While Old Man of the Mountain can withstand harsh cold winters, these plants are very fragile and take a long time to grow. For 10 to 20 years, this plant will only grow their roots and leaves until conditions are just right to produce their bright yellow flowers and seed followed by senescence, or the plant's death.
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