Saxifraga rotundifolia
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
The rounded, toothed leaves of this saxifrage make it easy to identify. It occurs in woodland as well as humid, rocky habitats at higher altitudes, often in sheltered areas where snow lies late.
The flowers often have tiny yellow and red spots, but aren't visible in these rather poor photos!
S. rotundifolia is a variable and widespread species, occurring from the eastern end of the Pyrenees, through the Alps and Balkans to as far east as northern Iran. There is also a small disjunct population in the Tatra Mountains. All French plants are var. rotundifolia.
The flowers often have tiny yellow and red spots, but aren't visible in these rather poor photos!
S. rotundifolia is a variable and widespread species, occurring from the eastern end of the Pyrenees, through the Alps and Balkans to as far east as northern Iran. There is also a small disjunct population in the Tatra Mountains. All French plants are var. rotundifolia.
Saxifraga aspera
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
Named for its bristly leaf margins, Saxifraga aspera is relatively easy to recognise in the field, especially when its sprawling new shoots are present (photo 3). Other saxifrages such as S. oppositifolia and S. biflora also have bristles on their leaf margins but are not as prominent as in S. aspera, which also has pointed, rather than rounded leaf tips.
Saxifraga aspera is endemic to Europe, with the bulk of its distribution in the southern Alps. Outlying populations are also found in the eastern Pyrenees and northern Italy.
Saxifraga aspera is endemic to Europe, with the bulk of its distribution in the southern Alps. Outlying populations are also found in the eastern Pyrenees and northern Italy.
Saxifraga bryoides
This common species is described in the Flora of the Maritime Alps - part 2 section of the site.
Saxifraga valdensis
Col Lacroix
The Alps are home to a range of narrowly-endemic saxifrages, and S. valdensis is one of them. It is found along a narrow portion of the French-Italian border, where it grows in very dry sites on vertical, wind-blown, calcareous schist crags.
Visually, the species resembles S. caesia but has 'chunkier', less flat rosettes (the leaves are recurved) and the lime-secreting pores are not in one neat line. That said, it is much easier to see the difference in the field than it is to describe it in words!
Here at Col Lacroix, S. valdensis is the dominant saxifrage present (in the section of the area it occurs).
Visually, the species resembles S. caesia but has 'chunkier', less flat rosettes (the leaves are recurved) and the lime-secreting pores are not in one neat line. That said, it is much easier to see the difference in the field than it is to describe it in words!
Here at Col Lacroix, S. valdensis is the dominant saxifrage present (in the section of the area it occurs).
Saxifraga androsacea
A widespread, leafy saxifrage of cold, late-snow areas in the mountains, S. androsacea is easy to recognise. It has bright green leaves with hairy margins and few, if any teeth.
Almost any base-rich soil at high elevations is a welcome home to this species, and it is one of the most commonly-seen saxifrages in the mountains in open, gravelly or scree habitats.
Almost any base-rich soil at high elevations is a welcome home to this species, and it is one of the most commonly-seen saxifrages in the mountains in open, gravelly or scree habitats.
Saxifraga exarata ssp.exarata
leaf detail, showing grooves
Found across the mountains of southern Europe, S. exarata is a very variable and common species. Ssp. exarata is recognised by having furrowed leaves and well-divided leaves.
The similar S. moschata (sometimes regarded as only a subspecies) has yellowish petals and unfurrowed leaves.
The similar S. moschata (sometimes regarded as only a subspecies) has yellowish petals and unfurrowed leaves.
Saxifraga moschata
Col Vieuix
Text coming soon.
Saxifraga oppositifolia
Saxifraga retusa ssp.retusa
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso (all photos)
The very dense cushions with rounded grey-green, shiny leaves give this beautiful saxifrage a characteristic look in the field. The flowers are also very distinctive, with a star-like shape and pinkish-purple colour, as are the long flowering stalks bearing sometimes multiple flowers.
S. retusa has a widespread but scattered distribution in the Alps, with the largest area centred on the French-Italian border.
Two subspecies are recognised: ssp.retusa, the commoner of the two, which inhabits siliceous terrain, and ssp. augustana, which is a very localised limestone-dwelling plant of the Maritime Alps.
S. retusa has a widespread but scattered distribution in the Alps, with the largest area centred on the French-Italian border.
Two subspecies are recognised: ssp.retusa, the commoner of the two, which inhabits siliceous terrain, and ssp. augustana, which is a very localised limestone-dwelling plant of the Maritime Alps.
Saxifraga caesia
Col d'Izoard
Although widespread in the Alps, I have only seen this species once in France, growing on stable soil amongst the scree on the Col d'Izoard.
I've described S. caesia in more detail in the Flora of the Pyrenees - part 1 section of the site.
I've described S. caesia in more detail in the Flora of the Pyrenees - part 1 section of the site.
Saxifraga aizoides
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
This widespread plant of wet, acidic habitats is described in the Flora of Ben Lawers NNR section of the site.
Rubus idaeus (Raspberry)
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
Text coming soon.
Dryas octopetala (Mountain Avens)
Col Lacroix (this and previous photos)
Col d'Izoard
This species is described in the Flora of the Maritime Alps - part 1 section of the site.
Rosa glauca (to be confirmed)
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
Text coming soon, pending ID confirmation.
Potentilla crantzii
A widespread alpine cinquefoil across Europe, this little species can be recognised by its equal-length teeth at the leaf tips (the very similar P. aurea has a very short end tooth).
Helianthemum nummularioides (Rock Rose)
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
A widespread and common plant across much of Europe, including in alpine meadows, Rock Rose is described in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the site.
Sibbaldia procumbens
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
An easily-recognised plant of siliceous rocks in cold, late-snow areas of the French Alps, Sibbaldia has unusual three-lobed bluish-green leaves (each lobe also has three teeth at the apex) and small yellow flowers.
Sibbaldia can be found throughout mountainous Europe, including the British Isles, where it is a rare plant of the Scottish mountains - you can see photos here.
Sibbaldia can be found throughout mountainous Europe, including the British Isles, where it is a rare plant of the Scottish mountains - you can see photos here.
Alchemilla alpigena (possibly)
Col Lacroix
Text coming soon!
Prunus mahaleb
Route des Astragales, Chateau Vielle-Ville
A shrubby cherry of lower altitudes, this plant was photographed on the Astragales walk near Chateau Vielle-Ville, a haven for a more Mediterranean flora in the Queyras.
P.mahaleb is a plant of warm, dry, calcareous habitats and can be recognised by its glandular leaves (the glands are along the leaf edges) and hairy young shoots. The black fruit is bitter.
P.mahaleb is a plant of warm, dry, calcareous habitats and can be recognised by its glandular leaves (the glands are along the leaf edges) and hairy young shoots. The black fruit is bitter.
Astragalus vesicarius (check ID) maybe monspessulanus?
Col d'Izoard
This lower-altitude Astragalus species is more of a Mediterranean meadow plant and is absent from the northern section of the French Alps.
The name is derived from the inflated pods. Other identifying features of this species are the very hairy leaves and violet standard (uper petal) on the flowers, although that isn't visible in these photos.
The name is derived from the inflated pods. Other identifying features of this species are the very hairy leaves and violet standard (uper petal) on the flowers, although that isn't visible in these photos.
Astragalus alpinus
Col Vieux
This species is described in the Flora of the Hautes-Alpes part 1 section of the site.
Astragalus alopecurus
Route des Astragales, Chateau Vielle-Ville
Formerly known as A.centralpinus, this very tall species can grow to a height of a metre or so. It is a plant of semi-arid, almost steppe-like habitats at low to moderate altitudes.
In these habitats it is easy to recognise by a combination of its height, very hairy stems and leaves and large, almost cylindrical, yellow flower spikes.
In the French Alps, this species is restricted to the Hautes-Alpes region and is also found in Corsica, although beyond France the species extends to central Asia.
In these habitats it is easy to recognise by a combination of its height, very hairy stems and leaves and large, almost cylindrical, yellow flower spikes.
In the French Alps, this species is restricted to the Hautes-Alpes region and is also found in Corsica, although beyond France the species extends to central Asia.
Astragalus penduliflorus
Route des Astragales, Chateau Vielle-Ville
The long stalks on the sparse yellow flower clusters help to identify this montane Astragalus. The foliage is downy and typically has between seven and ten pairs of leaflets on each leaf blade.
Photogrpahed here on the Astragales walk, it was growing towards the lower part of its altitudinal range alongside A.alopecurus - it can ascend high up into the mountains.
Photogrpahed here on the Astragales walk, it was growing towards the lower part of its altitudinal range alongside A.alopecurus - it can ascend high up into the mountains.
Oxytropis campestris
Col Lacroix (all photos)
This beautiful alpine species is described in the Flora of the Hautes-Alpes - part 1 section of the site.
Oxytropis helvetica
Col Vieux (all photos)
This milk-vetch species has relatively few pairs of leaflets on each leaf blade and they are silky-hairy, giving a greyish appearance to the foliage. It has a sprawling habit and lacks a stem. These features help identify this from several similar pale purple-flowered species in the French Alps.
O.helvetica is restricted to the western Alps and is widespread in the Queyras, where it grows in stable scree and hot, dry meadows.
O.helvetica is restricted to the western Alps and is widespread in the Queyras, where it grows in stable scree and hot, dry meadows.
Onobrychis montana
Col d'Izoard
Text coming soon.
Geranium sylvaticum (Wood Cranesbill)
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
Despite its common name, this lovely species is equally at home in damp alpine pastures in the French Alps.
It is described in more detail in the Flora of Northern England section of the site (under construction).
It is described in more detail in the Flora of Northern England section of the site (under construction).
Euphorbia cyparissias
The very fine, almost needle-like, leaves immediately identify this small, common weedy species of bare, rocky soil. Along paths and tracks in the Alps, it is the most frequently-seen member of the genus, in my experience.
Linum alpinum
Col d'Izoard
The beautiful pale blue flowers of this widespread plant have a unique appearance among the alpine plants of the Queyras., making it unmistakable when seen.
It is a plant of calcareous, rocky pastures and is widespread in montane parts of France.
It is a plant of calcareous, rocky pastures and is widespread in montane parts of France.
Daphne mezereon
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
Viola calcarata ssp.calcarata
This variable species is often the most common Viola encountered in alpine pastures. The typical variant has pale violet flowers and is easily-recognised by its long spurs on the back of the flowers. The leaf stipules on flowering stems have a few teeth or are entire, unlike other montane species like V.lutea.
Four subspecies (two of which occur in France) are recognised in the Flora Europaea, although not in the most recent Flore de France, which states that extreme forms can be found throughout all populations. Ssp. calcarata is the typical form, shown here. Ssp.villarsiana often has pale flowers and more toothed stipules.
Four subspecies (two of which occur in France) are recognised in the Flora Europaea, although not in the most recent Flore de France, which states that extreme forms can be found throughout all populations. Ssp. calcarata is the typical form, shown here. Ssp.villarsiana often has pale flowers and more toothed stipules.
Viola cenisia
Col d'Izoard
Endemic to the western Alps, V.cenisia is a species of limestone scree. Key distinguishing features are the untoothed leaves with long stalks and stipules which are similar to the leaves.Similar species do not occur in the French Alps.
Epilobium fleischeri
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
Laserpitium latifolium ssp.latifolium
The broad, toothed leaves help to identify this widespread plant - it is the most widespread European member of the genus.
Three other Laserpitium species occur in the Alps, all with different leaves (see below).
Three other Laserpitium species occur in the Alps, all with different leaves (see below).
Laserpitium siler
Lacs Blanchet area, Saint-Veran
foliage detail, Reserve Naturelle du Viso
This species closely resembles L.latifolium, but the leaflets are untoothed, narrower and lack the heart-shaped bases (see above).
Like its relatives, L.siler is a plant of calcareous rocky habitats, and this species especially prefers drier sites.
Viso
Like its relatives, L.siler is a plant of calcareous rocky habitats, and this species especially prefers drier sites.
Viso
Laserpitium gallicum ssp.gallicum
The ashy-grey, pinnate leaves with three distinct points at the end of each leaflet identify this umbellifer of warm, calcareous, rocky woodlands and scree.
It is a fairly widespread species in the southern half of France and be seen at low altitudes, as well as high in the mountains.
It is a fairly widespread species in the southern half of France and be seen at low altitudes, as well as high in the mountains.
Athamanta cretensis
Col d'Izoard
This common species is described in the Flora of the Maritime Alps section of the site.
foliage detail
foliage detail
Bupleurum ranunculoides ssp.ranunculoides
Rhododendron ferrugineum
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
This familiar shrub is described in the Flora of the Maritime Alps - part 2 section of the site.
Primula halleri
below Col Lacroix
Resembling a non-farinose version of P.farinosa, P. halleri is an uncommon (in France) plant of damp pastures, rather than the permanently marshy habitats favoured by P.farinosa.
Unfortunately I saw these plants too late in the year to see the distinctive pale violet flowers with very long tubes.
Unfortunately I saw these plants too late in the year to see the distinctive pale violet flowers with very long tubes.
Primula marginata
Col Vieux
The iconic Primula of the southern French Alps, P.marginata is always a beautiful plant to see, and often indicates habitat where other interesting plants are likely to be found as well.
Sadly, given its early flowering season, I have rarely seen the pale violet flowers during my mid-summer visits to the Alps.
P.marginata is widespread in the Queyras and Maritime Alps further south, where it grows in cracks in shaded cliffs and rock outcrops where the temperature stays cool and the air slightly humid.
This is a fully-protected species in France.
Sadly, given its early flowering season, I have rarely seen the pale violet flowers during my mid-summer visits to the Alps.
P.marginata is widespread in the Queyras and Maritime Alps further south, where it grows in cracks in shaded cliffs and rock outcrops where the temperature stays cool and the air slightly humid.
This is a fully-protected species in France.
Vitaliana prumuliflora
below Col Vieux
A beautiful low-growing alpine plant of screes and stony places, Vitaliana is always a welcome sight but not one I have encounterd too often on my travels. It is easy to recognise in the field when flowering, resembling a yellow-flowered Androsace. The leaves are short and rather conifer-like, quite unlike other plants in the French Alps.
Androsace adfinis ssp.brigantiaca
below Col Vieux
Androsace villosa
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
This widespread species is described in the Flora of the Cordillera Cantabrica - part 1 section of the site.
Gentiana burseri ssp.villarsii
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
A large-growing (up to 1m tall) gentian of shrubby, acidic pastures in the mountains, this subspecies is endemic to the border area of France and Italy.
The yellow flowers with tiny purple spots are distinctive, and only confusion with G.punctata is possible. The two species differ in the shape of the flower - G.punctata has a bell-shaped flower with unequal teeth, whereas P.burseri has a more open flower with equally-divided petals.
The yellow flowers with tiny purple spots are distinctive, and only confusion with G.punctata is possible. The two species differ in the shape of the flower - G.punctata has a bell-shaped flower with unequal teeth, whereas P.burseri has a more open flower with equally-divided petals.
Gentiana cruciata
Route des Astragales, Chateau Vielle-Ville
More of a foothills plant, G.cruciata ascends to only moderate altitudes. It is one of the easiest gentians to identify, with its very regular 4-fold symmetry, both in flowers and leaves.
It favours fairly dry, calcareous habitats and is widespread in eastern France, even at low altitudes.
It favours fairly dry, calcareous habitats and is widespread in eastern France, even at low altitudes.
Gentiana orbicularis
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
This beautiful alpine gentian species can be tricky to identify as it is very similar to other Gentiana verna-type species such as G.brachyphylla. Leaves can be rather similar between species and variable in shape on individual plants, so characters like the clayces on the flowers are helpful in aiding identification.
Typical G.orbicularis is a low cushion-forming species, with rounded leaf tips on the basal leaves. Leaves higher up the stem can be quite pointed - a confusing feature until one is familiar with seeing the species often in field. The calyces on the flowers are prominently winged.
Gentiana orbicularis is widespread in the French Alps in calcareous areas and is also found in the central Pyrenees. Oddly, the Flora Europaea lists the species as only being found in eastern Europe!
Typical G.orbicularis is a low cushion-forming species, with rounded leaf tips on the basal leaves. Leaves higher up the stem can be quite pointed - a confusing feature until one is familiar with seeing the species often in field. The calyces on the flowers are prominently winged.
Gentiana orbicularis is widespread in the French Alps in calcareous areas and is also found in the central Pyrenees. Oddly, the Flora Europaea lists the species as only being found in eastern Europe!
Gentiana brachyphylla
bract detail
in habitat, growing through a cushion of Silene acaulis
Part of the bewildering G.verna complex, G.brachyphylla is charaterised by its short, broad leaves, as its name suggests. It shares this feature with G.orbicularis, which has more obtuse leaves, tends to form cushions and is a species of calcareous habitats.
G.brachyphylla is a typical resident of siliceous meadow habitats, where it grows as scattered individuals or small tufted plants.
leaf detail
G.brachyphylla is a typical resident of siliceous meadow habitats, where it grows as scattered individuals or small tufted plants.
leaf detail
Gentiana verna ssp.verna
leaf detail
leaf detail
One of Europe's most widespread small gentians, Gentiana verna is a notoriously variable species (or aggregate of species, depending on which authority you consult).
Ssp.verna has fairly short, lanceolate leaves and tends to grow as scattered small plants, rather than cushions.
In France it is a plant of mountain areas and occurs throughout the the Pyrenees, Alps and Jura, and in scattered sites in the Massif Central. It can also be found in montane areas of Spain, Britain (very rarely) and southern Europe, as well as western and northern Asia.
Ssp.verna has fairly short, lanceolate leaves and tends to grow as scattered small plants, rather than cushions.
In France it is a plant of mountain areas and occurs throughout the the Pyrenees, Alps and Jura, and in scattered sites in the Massif Central. It can also be found in montane areas of Spain, Britain (very rarely) and southern Europe, as well as western and northern Asia.
Gentiana schleicheri
Col Vieux
Text coming soon.
Gentianella campestris
below Col Blanchet, Saint-Veran
link to bl?
Swertia perennis
below Col Blanchet, Saint-Veran
This gentian relative is described in the Flora of the Maritime Alps - part 2 section of the site.
Myosotis alpestris
Col Vieux (both photos)
pink-flowered form, leaf detail, Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
Salvia pratensis (Meadow Clary)
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
A very rare plant in Britain, Meadow Clary is widespread in Europe, where it ascends to subalpine elevations, growing in dry, calcareous pastures.
This is the only time I have seen the plant, and the sight of it scattered through a meadow with a view of Mt Viso was truly spectacular.
This is the only time I have seen the plant, and the sight of it scattered through a meadow with a view of Mt Viso was truly spectacular.
Nepeta nepetella ssp.nepetella
This soft, hairy plant inhabits calcareous scree in the mountains of southern France, including the south-western Alps. It can be recognised by its pale flowers on rather sparse, drawn out spikes, along with its grey-green soft foliage.
Scrophularia canina ssp.hoppii
Along with the typical small, dark figwort-type flowers, this species can be recognised by its pinnate foliage (other relatives have simple leaves).
It is a plant of calcareous scree and is fairly widespread in France. According to the recent Flore de France, all high altitude plants are ssp.hoppii.
It is a plant of calcareous scree and is fairly widespread in France. According to the recent Flore de France, all high altitude plants are ssp.hoppii.
Linaria alpina
Col Vieux
This scree-dwelling species is described in the Flora of the Cordillera Cantabrica - part 1 section of the site.
Veronica allionii
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
Similar to V.officinalis, V.allionii is a common sight in the French Alps, where its creeping habit and solitary spikes of blue flowers make it a quite conspicuous member of the flora of exposed, dry sites. Botanically, it also lacks the hairs of V.officinalis.
As a species, it is restricted to the south-western Alps at moderate to high altitudes.
As a species, it is restricted to the south-western Alps at moderate to high altitudes.
Euphrasia sp
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
Trxt coming soon!
Bartsia alpina
below Col Blanchet, Saint-Veran (both photos)
An extremely rare plant in the British mountains, Bartsia much more frequent in the Alps, although not a plant I have seen very frequently. When I have seen it, it has occurred in extensive colonies, as shown here.
Bartsia is a hemiparasite, like Pedicularis and Euphrasia species. In the Alps, it is unmistakable when its very dark purple flowers are present.
Bartsia is a hemiparasite, like Pedicularis and Euphrasia species. In the Alps, it is unmistakable when its very dark purple flowers are present.
Pedicularis rosea ssp.allionii
Col Agnel
Col Vieux
The western subspecies of this lovely plant, P. rosea allionii is a common species in the French Alps. It is a low-growing plant, unlike some of the other pink-flowered Pedicularis species.
Key identifying features are the unbeaked upper lip of the flowers which occur in rounded clusters, and the unwhorled leaves. This subspecies has the upper flower bracts two-lobed.
Key identifying features are the unbeaked upper lip of the flowers which occur in rounded clusters, and the unwhorled leaves. This subspecies has the upper flower bracts two-lobed.
Pedicularis kerneri
Col Vieux
below Col Blanchet, Saint-Veran (this and previous photo)
Another of the low-growing pink-flowered Pedicularis species, P. kerneri is very similar to the more eastern species, P.rostratocapitata. It differs in having the lower lip of the flowers hairless. It tends to be a low-growing species and often has purple-tinted leaves. The whole plant is more or less hairless, unlike the other pink-flowered Pedicularis in the Queyras.
P. kerneri is not uncommon in sunny, siliceous scree habitats in the mountains and can also be seen in the Pyrenees.
P. kerneri is not uncommon in sunny, siliceous scree habitats in the mountains and can also be seen in the Pyrenees.
Pedicularis gyroflexa
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
One of the small Pedicularis species, gyroflexa is a species of calcareous ground in southern parts of the Alps, as well as the Pyrenees.
The short beak on the flowers is unique among French pink-flowered members of the genus. The hairy sepal tupes are also a distinctive feature of this pretty little plant.
The short beak on the flowers is unique among French pink-flowered members of the genus. The hairy sepal tupes are also a distinctive feature of this pretty little plant.
Pedicularis rostratospicata ssp.helvetica
Text coming soon, pending confirmation of ID!
Rhinanthus minor
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
A familiar plant of unimproved meadows in Britain, it can be an odd sight to see the same plant inhabiting alpine meadows in the mountains of France. Nonetheless, R.minor is equally at home here. A handful of other Rhinanthus species occur in the Alps, with minor differences in leaf shape and details of the floral bracts, etc.
Globularia cordifolia
leaf detail, Col d'Izoard (both photos)
The most widespread of the alpine Globularias in France, G.cordifolia is easy to recognise when the leaves are inspected closely - many of them have a notched tip.
Pinguicula alpina
Col d'Izoard
Unusual amongst European Pinguicula, this white-flowered species is easy to recognise (all other species have purple flowers).
In my experience it is an uncommon species, seldom encountered, despite being less restricted to bogs and permanently wet sites than its cousins. In fact, these plants at Col d'Izoard were growing in what is one of the most arid, rocky parts of the Queyras I have encountered - there was obviously a permamently damp microhabitat beneath the scree.
In my experience it is an uncommon species, seldom encountered, despite being less restricted to bogs and permanently wet sites than its cousins. In fact, these plants at Col d'Izoard were growing in what is one of the most arid, rocky parts of the Queyras I have encountered - there was obviously a permamently damp microhabitat beneath the scree.
Pinguicula leptoceras
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
This rare Pinguicula is a speciality of the Queyras - the species occurs only here and in the Vanoise in France. The bold white blotches on the lower petals (especially the central one) are characteristic of this species, although other botanical characters like the nature of the hairs in the mouth of the flower are also distinctive.
The most similar species is P.arvetii, which has often been confused with P.leptoceras (indeed, it is not recognised in the most recent Flora Europaea). It has less distinctive white markings (often to the edge of the petals). The central lower petal is often much longer as well.
The most similar species is P.arvetii, which has often been confused with P.leptoceras (indeed, it is not recognised in the most recent Flora Europaea). It has less distinctive white markings (often to the edge of the petals). The central lower petal is often much longer as well.
Galium megalospermum (perhaps)
Col Vieux
Text coming soon, pending a conclusive identification for this plant!
Ononis rotundifolia
Route des Astragales, Chateau Vielle-Ville
One of a suite of subalpine species found in the Queyras valleys, Ononis is easy to recognise with its rounded, toothed foliage and bright pink pea-flowers. It is mainly a plant of the Alps in France.
Medicago sativa (Lucerne)
Route des Astragales, Chateau Vielle-Ville
A naturalised weed originally from Asia, Lucerne is nonetheless a very attractive plant when its deep purple flower clusters are on show, although they can be yellow, white or green as well. The spine-tipped, trifoliate leaves also make it easy to recognise.
Helianthemum nummularium
Col d'Izoard
This species is described in the Flora of Derbyshire section of the site.
Valeriana tripteris
Col d'Izoard
These aren't the best photos, but I believe this plant is V.tripteris, a plant of woods and shady scree.
It has broad, toothed leaves, which are 3-lobed on the stem (not very obvious in these photos though) and can be seen in all mountainous regions of France.
It has broad, toothed leaves, which are 3-lobed on the stem (not very obvious in these photos though) and can be seen in all mountainous regions of France.
Clinopodium alpinum
Reserve Naturelle Nationale Ristolas-Viso
The little elliptical leaves and pale violet flowers help to identify this soft sprawling perennial of southern European mountains. Two species are recognised, distinguished by the length of the hairs on the flower calyces: ssp.alpinum occurs in the northern French Alps, while ssp.meridionale is the southern form. I'm not aware of which form is the dominant one in the Queyras.
Formerly this species was known as Acinos alpinus.
Formerly this species was known as Acinos alpinus.
Soldanella alpina (check for Homogyne)
Col Lacroix
Text coming soon.