Besseya alpina , commonly known as , alpine kittentails , or alpine coral drops , is a rare and captivating perennial wildflower native to the highest elevations of the North American Rocky Mountains. As a true resident of the alpine tundra, this hardy, low-growing plant is adapted to survive harsh winds, intense UV light, and long winters, emerging in early summer to display dense spikes of purplish flowers.
Besseya alpina is pollinated by insects, including native bees, which are attracted to its nectar-rich flowers. It is considered a pollinator-friendly species. Taxonomy and Naming besseya alpina
The flowers are arranged in a dense, spike-like terminal inflorescence (the "spike") that rises above the basal leaves. The flowers themselves are small (approximately 6mm long) and primarily violet or light purple, though they can range from blue to lavender. Besseya alpina , commonly known as , alpine
Besseya Alpina: The Purple Jewel of the Rocky Mountain Tundra It is considered a pollinator-friendly species
