A tale of two Gentians

I encountered two different species of Gentian this year, thanks to being in the right place at the right time, and tips from local photographers!

The first Gentian I encountered was the Narrow Leaved Gentian (Gentiana linearis ).  I found this plant on the edges of Archer's Vly, north of Lake Desolation just south of the border of the Adirondack Park.  This gentian is considered a threatened species in this state.  It is found primarily in moist soil around wetlands.    Pollination can only be accomplished by larger bees such as the bumblebee.  The bee needs to be able to push into the flower in order to collect pollen and distribute it.  

Here is one of my pictures of Narrow Leaved Gentians and another one that is more professional.  

Photo courtesy ofhttp://www.newhampshirewildflowers.com/narrow-leaved-gentian.php
The second Gentian encountered was the Fringed Gentian (Gentianopsis crinita)

This is an endangered species in New York.  I encountered this plant in the Orra Phelps Nature Preserve in Saratoga County, NY.  The flower remains closed on cloudy days or in low light but opens up in the sun.  I was able to photograph it in both conditions.