2021
Central Rockies

The Central Rockies counties of Summit, Park, Eagle and Chaffee; and Routt County further north and Gunnison County further south provided ample wildflower photo opportunities during the summer of 2021, including 15 new species for this website. 
Please contact us with comments and if you see errors in identification.

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NEW! Alyssum simplex (Wild Alyssum) 6651
Photo Details
Common Name Wild Alyssum
Scientific Name Alyssum simplex
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard)
Date May 15, 2021
Location Lower Cataract Lake Road, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Anemone narcissiflora (Narcissus Anemone) 9400
Photo Details
Common Name Narcissus Anemone
Scientific Name Anemone narcissiflora var. zephyra
Family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
Date July 26, 2021
Location Hoosier Ridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810 and Nikon RC1 Macro Flash
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Antennaria anaphaloides (Pearly Pussytoes) 0313
Photo Details
Common Name Pearly Pussytoes
Scientific Name Antennaria anaphaloides
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date August 8, 2021
Location Along CR 16 west of Yampa, Routt County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Artemisia scopulorum (Alpine Sagebrush) 9376
Photo Details
Common Name Alpine Sagebrush
Scientific Name Artemisia scopulorum
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 26, 2021
Location Hoosier Ridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810 and Nikon RC1 Macro Flash
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/11
Speed 1/60 sec.
ISO 400
More Photos and Plant Details
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Boechera grahamii (Graham's Rockcress) 9319
Photo Details
Common Name Graham's Rockcress
Scientific Name Boechera grahamii
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard)
Date July 23, 2021
Location Along GH38, Golden Horseshoe, Breckenridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Boechera stricta (Drummond's Rockcress) 9396
Photo Details
Common Name Drummond's Rockcress
Scientific Name Boechera stricta
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard)
Date July 26, 2021
Location Hoosier Ridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810 and Nikon RC1 Macro Flash
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/60 sec.
ISO 400
More Photos and Plant Details
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Calochortus gunnisonii (Mariposa Lily) 9522
Photo Details
Common Name Mariposa Lily
Scientific Name Calochortus gunnisonii
Family Liliaceae (Lily)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 311, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 90 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
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NEW! Castilleja flava
(Yellow Indian Paintbrush) 0196
Photo Details
Common Name Yellow Indian Paintbrush
Scientific Name Castilleja flava
Family Orobanchaceae (Broomrape)
Date August 8, 2021
Location Along CR 16 west of Yampa, Routt County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Cercocarpus montanus
(Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany) 9859
Photo Details
Common Name Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany
Scientific Name Cercocarpus montanus
Family Rosaceae (Rose)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 375, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/18
Speed 1/80 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Claytonia lanceolata
(Western Spring Beauty) 6600
Photo Details
Common Name Western Spring Beauty
Scientific Name Claytonia lanceolata
Family Montiaceae (Miner's-lettuce)
Date May 15, 2021
Location Lower Cataract Lake, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 160 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/640 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Cryptantha crassisepala
(Thicksepal Catseye) 9680
Photo Details
Common Name Thicksepal Catseye
Scientific Name Cryptantha crassisepala
Family Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 373, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Descuriana incana
(Mountain Tansey Mustard) 9461
Photo Details
Common Name Mountain Tansey Mustard
Scientific Name Descurainia incana
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard)
Date July 26, 2021
Location Hoosier Ridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810 with Nikon RC1 Macro Flash
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/100 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Dieteria bigelovii
(Bigelow’s Tansy-aster) 9941
Photo Details
Common Name Bigelow's Tansey-aster
Scientific Name Dieteria bigelovii
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 373, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/400 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Eremogone congesta
(Ballhead Sandwort) 8247
Photo Details
Common Name Ballhead Sandwort
Scientific Name Eremogone congesta
Family Caryophyllaceae (Pink)
Date July 6, 2021
Location Curecanti Needle Overlook, Gunnison County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 130 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Erigeron leiomerus
(Rockslide Daisy) 9050
Photo Details
Common Name Rockslide Daisy
Scientific Name Erigeron leiomerus
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 19, 2021
Location Hoosier Pass, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 150 mm
Aperture f/18
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Eriogonum alatum var. alatum (Winged Buckwheat) 0153
Photo Details
Common Name Winged Buckwheat
Scientific Name Erigonum alatam var. alatum
Family Polygonaceae (Buckwheat)
Date August 8, 2021
Location Along CR 16 west of Yampa, Routt County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/800 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Epilobium brachycarpum (Tall Annual Willowherb) 0323
Photo Details
Common Name Tall Annual Willowherb
Scientific Name Epilobium brachycarpum
Family Onagraceae (Evening Primrose)
Date August 8, 2021
Location Along CR 16, west of Yampa, Routt County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Eriogonum cernuum
(Nodding Buckwheat) 9729
Photo Details
Common Name Nodding Buckwheat
Scientific Name Eriogonum cernuum
Family Polygonaceae (Buckwheat)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 311, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Heterotheca pumila
(Alpine Goldenaster) 9251
Photo Details
Common Name Alpine Goldenaster
Scientific Name Heterotheca pumila
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 23, 2021
Location Along GH38, Golden Horseshoe, Breckenridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Hieracium triste
(Woolly Hawkweed) 9363
Photo Details
Common Name Woolly Hawkweed
Scientific Name Hieracium triste
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 26, 2021
Location Hoosier Ridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810 with Nikon RC1 Micro Flash
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/60 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Holodiscus dumosus
(Rock Spirea) 9693
Photo Details
Common Name Rock Spirea
Scientific Name Holodiscus dumosa (Holodiscus discolor var. dumosa)
Family Rosaceae (Rose)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 311, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Hymenopappus filifolius var. cinereus
(Fineleaf Hymenopappus) 9875
Photo Details
Common Name Fineleaf Hymenopappus
Scientific Name Hymenopappus filifolius var. cinereus
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 373, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/18
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Hymenoxys richardsonii var. floribunda
(Colorado Rubberweed) 9485
Photo Details
Common Name Colorado Rubberweed
Scientific Name Hymenoxys richarsdonii var. floribunda
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 311, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Lappula occidentalis var. occidentalis
(Western Stickseed) 9650
Photo Details
Common Name Western Stickseed
Scientific Name Lappula occidentalis var. occidentalis (Lappula redowskii var. redowskii)
Family Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 311, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Lepidium virginicum
(Peppergrass) 9830
Photo Details
Common Name Peppergrass, Virginia Pepperweed
Scientific Name Lepidium virginicum
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 311, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 100 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Lithophragma glabrum
(Woodland Star) 6588
Photo Details
Common Name Woodland Star
Scientific Name Lithophragma glabrum
Family Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage)
Date May 15, 2021
Location Lower Cataract Lake, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Mertensia humilis
(Rocky Mountain Bluebells) 6646
Photo Details
Common Name Rocky Mountain Bluebells
Scientific Name Mertensia humilis
Family Boraginagaceae (Forget-me-not)
Date May 15, 2021
Location Lower Cataract Lake, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Oenothera coronopifolia
(Cut-leaf Evening Primrose) 9548
Photo Details
Common Name Cut-leaf Evening Primrose
Scientific Name Oenothera coronopifolia
Family Onagracaceae (Evening Primrose)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 311, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/18
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Penstemon virgatus var. asa-grayi
(Upland Blue Beardtongue) 9842
Photo Details
Common Name Upland Blue Beardtongue
Scientific Name Penstemon virgatus var. asa-grayi
Family Plantaginaceae (Plantain)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 373, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 100 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Philadelphus microphyllus
(Littleleaf Mock Orange) 8215
Photo Details
Common Name Littleleaf Mock Orange
Scientific Name Philadelphus microphyllus
Family Hydrangeaceae (Hydrangea)
Date July 6, 2021
Location Curecanti Needle Overlook, Gunnison County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/18
Speed 1/100 sec.
ISO 400
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Potentilla effusa
(Branched Cinquefoil) 9571
Photo Details
Common Name Branched Cinquefoil
Scientific Name Potentilla effusa
Family Rosaceae (Rose)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 373, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Pulsatilla patens ssp. multifida
(Pasqueflower) 6562
Photo Details
Common Name Pasqueflower
Scientific Name Pulsatilla patens ssp. multifida
Family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
Date May 15, 2021
Location Lower Cataract Lake, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 110 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Purshia tridentata
(Antelope Bitterbrush) 8271
Photo Details
Common Name Antelope Bitterbrush
Scientific Name Purshia tridentata
Family Rosaceae (Rose)
Date July 6, 2021
Location Curecanti Needle Overlook, Gunnison County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 130 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 2000
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus
(Sagebrush Buttercup) 6617
Photo Details
Common Name Sagebrush Buttercup
Scientific Name Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus
Family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
Date May 15, 2021
Location Lower Cataract Lake, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/50 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Senecio atratus
(Tall Black-tip Ragwort) 9220/9234
Photo Details
Common Name Tall Black-tip Ragwort
Scientific Name Senecio atratus
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 23, 2021
Location Along GH38, Golden Horseshoe, Breckenridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 140 mm
Aperture Focus stack of 13 images at f/7.1
Speed 1/500 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Senecio eremophilus var. kingii (King’s Ragwort) 9281
Photo Details
Common Name King's Ragwort
Scientific Name Senecio eremophilus var. kingii
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 23, 2021
Location Along GH38, Golden Horseshoe, Breckenridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Solanum triflorum (Cut-leaf Nightshade) 0225
Photo Details
Common Name Cutleaf Nightshade
Scientific Name Solanum triflorum
Family Solanaceae (Nightshade)
Date August 8, 2021
Location Along CR 16 west of Yampa, Routt County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Spergularia rubra (Red Sandspurry) 0382
Photo Details
Common Name Red Sandspurry
Scientific Name Spergularia rubra
Family Caryophyllaceae (Pink)
Date August 8, 2021
Location Along CR 16 west of Yampa, Routt County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Trifolium parryi (Parry’s Clover) 9088
Photo Details
Common Name Parry's Clover
Scientific Name Trifolium parryi
Family Fabaceae (Pea)
Date July 19, 2021
Location Hoosier Pass, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/50 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Viola nuttallii (Yellow Violet) 6611
Photo Details
Common Name Yellow Violet
Scientific Name Viola nuttallii
Family Violaceae (Violet)
Date May 15, 2021
Location Lower Cataract Lake, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/80 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains