Bartsia alpina is a species of perennial flowering plant, known by the common name alpine bartsia or velvetbells. It is found in the mountainous regions of Europe and also occurs in Iceland, Greenland and northâeastern Canada. Alpine bartsiaâs melancholy colouring is however for a good reason: its red pigmentation repels excessive, harmful UV radiation. It is very hard to find any shades of green in this purple species, which thrives in open, light-filled places. In the Finnish context, alpine bartsia is found mainly in Lapland.
