Silene acaulis

Moss Campion

Moss Campion
aka Cushion Pink, Moss Pink. The quintessential cushion plant of the alpine zone. In near perfect adaptation the plants mats form tightly around a host rock to survive the harsh alpine conditions. Crowded stems rise about 1″ (2 cm) and bear short leaves many which stay on for years. Gorgeous tiny pink to deep rose flowers with five petals often cover the entire mat. Found on rocky ridges, talus slopes at between 6,000′ to 8,000′ elevation.

Family:

Caryophyllaceae - PINK FAMILY

Genus:

Silene from Greek sialon 'saliva' referring to sticky hairs of the stem

Species:

acaulis means 'without a stem', or 'not stalked' (appears stemless)
Photo location: All photos taken from the First Burroughs Mtn. trail, north side, in relatively close proximity near the summit, approx. 7,180′ (approx. 46.011151 N, 121.678703 W).