Alpine Aster (Aster alpinus)
Alpine Aster, Aster alpinus, July-September, 5-20cm high
This is a relatively rare plant found quite high on rocky ground. The petals vary in color including pink, violet/lavender, dark purple/black, or white/near white.
This is a relatively rare plant found quite high on rocky ground. The petals vary in color including pink, violet/lavender, dark purple/black, or white/near white.
rampion (Phyteuma hemisphaericum)
rampion, Phyteuma hemisphaericum, July-Sept, 5-30cm
Also known as the round headed rampion or the round-headed horned rampion. You tend to find these on limestone soils over 2500m in height. We found this while on a via feratta locally.
sheep’s-bit (Jasione montana)
sheep's-bit, Jasione montana, June-August, 10-45cm high
Incredibly although sheep’s bit doesn’t grow more than 45cm the roots can extend a metre underground allowing the plant to gather water even in sandy soils.
Ian Spare, a Mountain Leader and International Mountain Leader Aspirant based in the Swiss Alps.
