2023
Central Rockies

The ample snowfall and spring rains produced a bumper crop of wildflowers in the mountains early in the summer of 2023. We found eight new species for the website.

Please contact us with comments and if you see errors in identification.

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Androsace septentrionalis
(Northern Fairy-candelabra)
1002
Common Name Northern Fairy-candelabra
Scientific Name Androsace septentionalis
Family Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not)
Date July 9, 2023
Location Hoosier Ridge, Summmit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 1600
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Anemone multifida
(Cutleaf Anemone)
0739

Common Name Cutleaf Anemone
Scientific Name Anemone multifida
Family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
Date July 6, 2023
Location Along CR 22 (Weston Pass Rd.), Park County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/40 sec.
ISO 400
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Anemone multifida
(Cutleaf Anemone)
yellow version
0757

Common Name Cutleaf Anemone
Scientific Name Anemone multifida
Family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
Date July 6, 2023
Location Along CR 22 (Weston Pass Rd.), Park County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 800
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Anemone narcissiflora var. zephyra
(Narcissus Anemone)
0912

Common Name Narcissus Anemone
Scientific Name Anemone narcissiflora var. zephyra
Family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
Date July 9, 2023
Location Hoosier Ridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/13
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 1600
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Antennaria parvifolia
(Small-leaf Pussytoes)
9235
Common Name Small-leaf Pussytoes
Scientific Name Antennaria parvifolia
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date June 30, 2023
Location Troublesome Creek, Grande County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/100 sec.
ISO 800
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Artemisia borealis
(Boreal Sage)
1495
Common Name Boreal Sage,
Boreal Sagewort,
Northern Wormwood
Scientific Name Artemisia borealis
(Artemisia campestris ssp. borealis, Artemisia campestris var. purshii)
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 16, 2023
Location Loveland Pass, Clear Creek County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 85 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/100 sec.
ISO 400
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NEW! Artemisia norvegica ssp. saxatilis
(Boreal Sagebrush)
1514
Common Name Boreal Sagebrush
Scientific Name Artemisia norvegica ssp. saxatilis
(Artemisia arctica)
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 16, 2023
Location Loveland Pass, Clear Creek County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 100 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/400 sec.
ISO 1600
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NEW! Astragalus convallarius
(Lesser Rushy Milkvetch)
0431
Common Name Lesser Rushy Milkvetch,
Timber Milkvetch
Scientific Name Astragalus convallarius
Family Fabaceae (Pea)
Date July 4, 2023
Location Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 800
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Berberis repens
(Creeping Barberry)
0551/0563
Common Name Creeping Barberry
Scientific Name Berberis repens
Family Berberidaceae (Barberry)
Date July 4, 2023
Location Ute Pass, Park County
Camera Nikon D810 and Kirk Focus Rail
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture Focus stack of 13 images at f/6.3
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 100
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Berteroa incana
(Hoary False Alyssum)
0479
Common Name Hoary False Alyssum
Scientific Name Berteroa incana
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard)
Date July 4, 2023
Location Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 100 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 800
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Boechera stricta
(Drummond’s Rockcress)
0534
Common Name Drummond's Rockcress
Scientific Name Boechera stricta
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard)
Date July 4, 2023
Location Ute Pass, Park County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
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Caltha leptosepala
(Marsh Marigold)
1589
Common Name Marsh Marigold
Scientific Name Caltha leptosepala
Family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
Date July 16, 2023
Location Loveland Pass, Clear Creek County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 800
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Castilleja flava
(Yellow Indian Paintbrush)
0459
Common Name Yellow Indian Paintbrush
Scientific Name Castilleja flava
Family Orobanchaceae (Broomrape)
Date July 4, 2023
Location Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 95 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/500 sec.
ISO 800
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Cerastium arvense ssp. strictum
(Alpine Chickweed)
1035
Common Name Alpine Chickweed
Scientific Name Cerastium arvense ssp. strictum
Family Caryophyllaceae (Pink)
Date July 9, 2023
Location Hoosier Ridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/20
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 1600
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Clematis hirsutissima
(Sugarbowls)
0399
Common Name Sugar Bowls,
Hairy Clematis
Scientific Name Clematis hirsutissima
Family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
Date July 4, 2023
Location Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/100 sec.
ISO 800
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Collomia linearis
(Tiny Trumpets)
1099
Common Name Tiny Trumpets
Narrow-leaf Collomia
Scientific Name Collomia linearis
Family Polemoniaceae (Phlox)
Date July 10, 2023
Location Gore Pass, Grand County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 800
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Comandra umbellata ssp. pallida
(Pale Bastard Toadflax)
0269
Common Name Pale Bastard Toadflax
Scientific Name Comandra umbellata ssp. pallida
Family Santalaceae (Sandalwood)
Date June, 2023
Location Troublesome Creek, Grand County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 150 mm
Aperture f/18
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 800
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Erigeron formosissimus
(Beautiful Daisy)
1065
Common Name Beautiful Daisy
Beautiful Fleabane
Scientific Name Erigeron formosissimus
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 10, 2023
Location Gore Pass, Grand County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 70 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 800
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Erigeron grandiflorus
(Rocky Mountain Alpine Daisy)
0951
Common Name Rocky Mountain Alpine Daisy
Scientific Name Erigeron grandiflorus
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 9, 2023
Location Hoosier Ridge, Summmit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/500 sec.
ISO 1600
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Erigeron melanocephalus
(Blackheaded Daisy)
1812
Common Name Blackeaded Daisy,
Blackhead Fleabane
Scientific Name Erigeron melanocephalus
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 26, 2023
Location Pass Lake, Loveland Pass, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/13
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 1600
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Erigeron pinnatisectus
(Featherleaf Fleabane)
1786
Common Name Featherleaf Fleabane
Scientific Name Erigeron pinnatisectus
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 26, 2023
Location Pass Lake, Loveland Pass, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 95 mm
Aperture f/11
Speed 1/1000 sec.
ISO 1600
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NEW! Erigeron pumilus
(Shaggy Daisy)
0676
Common Name Shaggy Daisy,
Shaggy Fleabane
Scientific Name Erigeron pumilus
Family Asteraceae (Sunflowewr)
Date July 6, 2023
Location Along CR 5 (Weston Pass Rd.) Park County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/640 sec.
ISO 800
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Eriogonum umbellatum var. umbellatum
(Sulphur-flower Buckwheat)
0212
Common Name Sulphur-flower Buckwheat
Scientific Name Eriogonum umbellatum var. umbellatum
Family Polygonaceae (Buckwheat)
Date June 30, 2023
Location Troublesome Creek, Grand County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 122 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
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Erysimum capitatum
(Western Wallflower)
0795
Common Name Western Wallflower
Scientific Name Erysimum capitatum
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard)
Date July 6, 2023
Location Weston Pass, Park County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 400
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Geum rossi
(Alpine Avens)
1526
Common Name Alpine Avens
Scientific Name Geum rossi
Family Rosaceae (Rose)
Date July 16, 2023
Location Loveland Pass, Clear Creek County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/1000 sec.
ISO 1600
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Linum lewisii
(Blue flax)
0322
Common Name Blue Flax
Scientific Name Linum lewsii
Family Linaceae (Flax)
Date July 4, 2023
Location Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 135 mm
Aperture f/11
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
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Lloydia serotina
(Alpine Lily)
0943
Common Name Alpine Lily, Alplily
Scientific Name Lloydia serotina
Family Liliaceae (Lily)
Date July 9, 2023
Location Hoosier Ridge, Summmit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 1600
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Micranthes rhomboidea
(Snowball Saxifrage)
0994
Common Name Snowball Saxifrage,
Diamond-leaf Saxifrage
Scientific Name Micranthes rhomboidea
(Saxifraga rhomboidea)
Family Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage)
Date July 9, 2023
Location Hoosier Ridge, Summmit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/40 sec.
ISO 1600
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Oenothera cespitosa
(Tufted Evening Primrose)
0097
Common Name Tufted Evening Primrose
Scientific Name Oenothera cespitosa
Family Onagraceae (Evening Primrose)
Date June 30, 2023
Location Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 78 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 800
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Oxytropis sericea
(White Locoweed)
0702
Common Name White Locoweed
Scientific Name Oxytropis sericea
Family Fabaceae (Pea)
Date July 6, 2023
Location Along CR7 (Weston Pass Rd.), Park County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
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Oxytropis spendens
(Showy Locoweed)
0713
Common Name Showy Locoweed
Scientific Name Oxytropis splendens
Family Fabaceae (Pea)
Date July 6, 2023
Location Along CR7 (Weston Pass Rd.), Park County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/80 sec.
ISO 400
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NEW! Penstemon caespitosus
(Mat Penstemon)
0161
Common Name Mat Penstemon
Scientific Name Penstemon caespitosus
Family Plantaginaceae (Plantain)
Date June 30, 2023
Location Troublesome Creek, Grand County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/40 sec.
ISO 800
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NEW! Penstemon penlandii
(Penland’s Beardtongue)
0251
Common Name Penland's Beardtongue,
Kremmling Penstemon
Scientific Name Penstemon penlandii
Family Plantaginaceae (Plantain)
Date June 30, 2023
Location Grand County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
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Penstemon rydbergii
(Rydberg’s Penstemon)
0362
Common Name Rydberg's Penstemon,
Meadow Beardtongue
Scientific Name Penstemon rydbergii
Family Plantaginaceae (Plantain)
Date July 4, 2023
Location Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/60 sec.
ISO 800
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NEW! Physaria montana
(Mountain Bladderpod)
0638
Common Name Mountain Bladderpod
Scientific Name Physaria montana (Lesquerella montana)
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard)
Date July 6, 2023
Location Weston Pass, Park County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/60 sec.
ISO 800
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Polemonium viscosum
Sky Pilot
0869
Common Name Sky Pilot
Scientific Name Polemonium viscosum
Family Polemoniaceae (Phlox)
Date July 6, 2023
Location Weston Pass, Park County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 1600
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NEW! Potentilla concinna
(Elegant Cinquefoil)
0833
Common Name Elegant Cinquefoil,
Early Cinquefoil
Scientific Name Potentilla concinna
Family Rosaceae (Rose)
Date July 6, 2023
Location Weston Pass, Park County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/640 sec.
ISO 1600
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NEW! Potentilla glaucophylla var. glaucophylla
(Blue-leaf Cinquefoil)
0982
Common Name Blue-leaf Cinquefoil
Scientific Name Potentilla gluacophylla var. glaucophylla
Family Rosaceae (Rose)
Date July 9, 2023
Location Hoosier Ridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/40 sec.
ISO 1600
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Purshia tridentata
(Antelope Bitterbrush)
0293
Common Name Antelope Bitterbrush,
Buckbrush
Scientific Name Purshia tridentata
Family Rosaceae (Rose)
Date July 4, 2023
Location Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 135 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/80 sec.
ISO 800
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Ribes montigenum
(Red Prickly Currant)
1620
Common Name Red Prickly Currant,
Gooseberry,
Mountain Gooseberry
Scientific Name Ribes montigenum
Family Grossulariaceae (Gooseberry)
Date July 20, 2023
Location Pennsylvania Ridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/80 sec.
ISO 1600
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Packera streptanthifolia
(Rocky Mountain Groundsel)
1121
Common Name Rocky Mountain Groundsel
Cleft-leaf Groundsel
Scientific Name Packera streptanthifolia
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 10, 2023
Location Gore Pass, Grand County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 105 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/25 sec.
ISO 800
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Tetraneuris acaulis var. caespitosa
(Stemless Four-nerve Daisy)
1030
Common Name Stemless Four-nerve Daisy,
Caespitose Four-nerve Daisy
Scientific Name Tetraneuris acaulis var. caespitosa
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 9, 2023
Location Hoosier Ridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/20
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 1600
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Usnea hirta
(Bristly Beard Lichen)
1666
Common Name Bristly Beard Lichen
Scientific Name Usnea hirta
Family Parmeliaceae
Date July 20, 2023
Location Indiana Creek, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/60 sec.
ISO 1600
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NEW! Vaccinium scoparium
(Grouse Whortleberry)
1634
Common Name Grouse Whortleberry,
Dwarf Red Whortleberry,
Broom Huckleberry
Scientific Name Vaccinium scoparium
Family Ericaceae (Heath)
Date July 20, 2023
Location Pennsylvania Ridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/80 sec.
ISO 800
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Vicia americana ssp. americana
American Vetch
0511
Common Name American Vetch
Scientific Name Vicia americana ssp. americana
Family Fabaceae (Pea)
Date July 4, 2023
Location Ute Pass, Park County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 95 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
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Wyethia amplexicaulis
Mule’s Ears
0390
Common Name Mule's Ears
Scientific Name Wyethia amplexicaulis
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 4, 2023
Location Green Mountain Reservoir, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 160 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 800

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Ten Mile Range and Rhodiola integrifolia (King’s Crown) in Summit County