Status: Native
Synonyms:
Frasera speciosa Douglas ex Grisebach var. scabra M.E. Jones
Frasera stenosepala Rydberg
Frasera venosa Greene
Swertia radiata (Kellogg) Kuntze
Swertia radiata (Kellogg) Kuntze var. macrophylla (Greene) St. John
Frasera speciosa is easy to recognize by virtue of its tall, straight growth pattern with
a large green spikelike inflorescence. The flowers are green spotted with brown, and
alternate with large stamens. There is a basal rosette of leaves, with the upper cauline
leaves nearly perpendicular to the stem. Most of the flowers have four corolla lobes (petals),
with an occasional flower having five lobes.
Frasera speciosa can be found at middle to upper elevations in moist areas in meadows or along
the roadside.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Frasera speciosa, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Signal Peak turnoff, July 2, 2007
Frasera speciosa, detail of inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Signal Peak turnoff, July 2, 2007
Frasera speciosa, growth habit, photo John Dunne-Brady, Lake Roberts
Frasera speciosa, closeup of flower with five corolla lobes, photo Russ Kleinman, Leggett Canyon, June 29, 2009
Frasera speciosa, closeup of flower with four corolla lobes on same plant as above flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Leggett Canyon, June 29, 2009
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