Bitterroot Outdoor Journal – Plant Makes Rare Bloom

A plant that can be found in the Bitterroot Valley only flowers every 20 to 80 years. Bob Danley on KLYQ's Bitterroot Outdoor Journal saw the Monument plant recently in the area of Skalkaho Pass. Also called the Green Gentian, the plant grows leaves every year, but only flowers every 20 years or longer. At that time, it sends up a flower stalk of green flowers along the stem, toned white with purple dots (see photo above). The wildflower often grows in groups and can be two to five feet tall, much like bear grass.

Elsewhere, Bob days the butterflies and dragonflies are still in short supply because of the cool, rainy weather. However, Wood Nymph butterflies are fairly common around the area, with eyespots on the front underwing (see photo below). By the way, the Bitterroot Outdoor Journal is now heard on Wednesday mornings during the Bitterroot Morning newscast between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m., along with other local news, weather and sports.