Genus: Chimaphis from Greek cheima, 'winter' and philos, 'loving'
Species: menziesii after Archibald Menzies (1754-1842), naval surgeon
aka Little Prince's Pine. Smaller and much less common than its relative C. umbellata with stems only 3 - 6" (8 - 15 cm) tall. An evergreen thus the genus name. Its leaves are lance-shaped and only 1 - 2" long. The common name is an adaptation of the Cree name pipisisikweu meaning 'it breaks into small pieces' because the leaves were thought to help dissolve kidney stones (ref. Pojar). A real delight to come across usually in open coniferous woods below 4,000' elevation.
Trail Notes:
Trail/Hike: Glacier Basin
Date: July 28, 2007
Location: approx. 0.50 mi. from trailhead at White River campground (photo)
