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		Alpine Sunflower
		Despite the harsh environment, the alpine meadows of the Rocky Mountains can be found awash in color during the short growing season. Alpine Sunflowers, formally named Rydbergia, are a major contributor to this temporary, high-altitude garden. These stubby sunflowers store up energy for years in their roots, bloom once and then die. This particular plant is enjoying one of its last days in the warming sunshine of a brilliant July morning.