When I first encountered this plant, it was in a number of National parks and I was initially saddened thinking it was a non-native Gentian. Don't get me wrong, Yellow Gentian has great medicinal benefits, but National Parks are a place where you want to see natives, since they are places of conservation or "safe havens," for natives, as I like to call them. Of course we want to see natives everywhere, but I think you get the gist. It was not blooming, therefore it was difficult for me to identify. The plants leaves are very similar.
 
Finally, at Garden of The Gods, our tour guide pointed it out and stated that it was the Monument Plant. I was a little bummed that I was so far off in my guess of its' identity but relieved to find out, upon research, that it is actually a Gentian and a native one! I was WOWED, when I saw their HUGE and gorgeous blooms! The name is certainly appropriate. Now to the meat and potatoes:
 
Frasera speciosa, commonly known as green gentian or monument plant, is a striking perennial wildflower native to the mountainous regions of the western United States. This tall, striking plant produces a central flower spike with numerous small, star-shaped, greenish-white flowers, reaching up to 8 feet tall, making it stand out in alpine and subalpine meadows. They bloom once every few years before the plant dies (monocarpic - meaning it grows vegetatively for several years, storing energy before flowering only once, producing seeds and then dying.) Agaves are also monocarpic.
 
The plant’s large basal leaves form a rosette at the base that is also very attractive. It is a good idea to have a few of these growing as they can bloom in different years, giving you typically at least one blooming each year, then the seeds that are produced can be replanted.
 
Habitat and Growing Conditions:
Elevation: Typically found at 6,000 to 12,000 feet.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, rocky or sandy soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Distribution: Found in alpine meadows, open forests, and subalpine zones across states the following states, where it is native:
 
Arizona
California
Colorado
Idaho
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
Oregon
South Dakota
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
 
It is often used in restoration projects and alpine or subalpine gardens. The plant is also important ecologically, attracting pollinators like bees and flies.
 
Though not endangered, habitat destruction can affect populations in some areas. It plays an essential role in mountain ecosystems. It is adapted to harsh conditions.
 
Perennial zones 3-8
 
Like most all cooler climate perennials, the seeds require a period of cold to break dormancy. These require 90-120 days. This can be achieved by planting the seeds in fall/winter for a spring emergence or folding the seeds into a moist paper towel and sealing them in a ziploc bag and placing them in your refrigerator for 90-120 days, then sow as normal. You can also seal them in a ziploc with some moist sand.
 
This is for 10 seeds
 
1st photo credit: Robert Sivinski
2nd Photo credit: CL R
3rd Photo credit: Rose Rose
4th Photo credit: Freckles Muirhead