[Wikipedia] Range, Habitat, Monocarpic: Frasera speciosa is a species of flowering plant in the gentian family (Gentianaceae) known by the common names elkweed, deer's ears, and monument plant.[2] Range and habitat It is native to the western United States, where it grows in mountain forests, woodlands, and meadows. It tends to grow alone, apart from other members of its species, and is browsed by elk and livestock.[3] The plant is monocarpic, growing for several years and only flowering once before it dies.[4] Flowering is synchronized among plants in a given area, with widespread, picturesque blooms occurring periodically.[5] It is not known why some plants in an area will not flower in a mass flowering event, or what cues the plants rely on to initiate flowering. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)