Gentian pollination
The
first time I found a gentian flower, I kept checking on it day after
day, hoping the flower would open up enough for me to identify
it. Little did I know that the bud-like flowers are the easiest
way to identify gentians.
Gentian flowers have
evolved to be pollinated by one of our most important native
pollinators --- bumblebees. These hefty insects
are able to push their way into gentian flowers, and I assume that the
exclusion of other pollinators makes gentian pollination more efficient.
I found this lovely
bloom along the Chimney Rock Trail on High Knob a few weeks ago.
Although I got too excited to take photos once I got to the top, I
highly recommend this half mile trail because of the large sandstone
cave at the peak of the hill. To get there, park 
at the Bark Camp Lake day use
area and walk a short way down the road toward the boat ramp.
Before you reach the boat ramp, you'll see the trail branching off on
your left. Since the trail is a loop, you'll see the trail
branching off again a few yards further down the road. The trail
is well built, with lots of switchbacks that make the climb feel
insignificant.
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