Fringed Gentians

These western fringed gentians (Gentiana defensa) were photographed alongside a streamside meadow not far from Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone’s Midway Geyser Basin.

The flower’s Latin name refers to its fringed, or clipped, petals. The fringed gentian is Yellowstone National Park’s official flower, as it is usually found in and around the park’s extensive thermal areas.