(Gentianaceae)

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Monument Plant (Frasera speciosa)

I know this plant by a different common name, green gentian. For its first years, or in some cases decades, it's a low cluster of large leaves. Once it has stored enough energy, it shoots up a leafy flower stalk that can be over 2 meters (6 feet) tall. It's thought (but not yet proven) that after this act of reproductive exuberance, the plant always dies. A life cycle not unlike that of an agave. 

Arizona Centaury (Zeltnera)

During usually low flow in the Rio Grande, I was able to tramp what is ordinarily a river channel. Next to the channel, in damp soil, was a cluster of Arizona centaury plants (either Zeltnera arizonica or Z. calycosa).