2023
Central ColoradoRockies

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
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Anemone multifida
(Cutleaf Anemone)
0739

Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Anemone multifida
(Cutleaf Anemone)
yellow version
0757

Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Anemone narcissiflora var. zephyra
(Narcissus Anemone)
0912

Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Antennaria parvifolia
(Small-leaf Pussytoes)
9235
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Artemisia borealis
(Boreal Sage)
1495
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Artemisia norvegica ssp. saxatilis
(Boreal Sagebrush)
1514
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Astragalus convallarius
(Lesser Rushy Milkvetch)
0431
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Berberis repens
(Creeping Barberry)
0551/0563
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Berteroa incana
(Hoary False Alyssum)
0479
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Boechera stricta
(Drummond’s Rockcress)
0534
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Caltha leptosepala
(Marsh Marigold)
1589
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Castilleja flava
(Yellow Indian Paintbrush)
0459
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Cerastium arvense ssp. strictum
(Alpine Chickweed)
1035
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Clematis hirsutissima
(Sugarbowls)
0399
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Collomia linearis
(Tiny Trumpets)
1099
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Comandra umbellata ssp. pallida
(Pale Bastard Toadflax)
0269
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Erigeron formosissimus
(Beautiful Daisy)
1065
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Erigeron grandiflorus
(Rocky Mountain Alpine Daisy)
0951
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Erigeron melanocephalus
(Blackheaded Daisy)
1812
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Erigeron pinnatisectus
(Featherleaf Fleabane)
1786
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Erigeron pumilus
(Shaggy Daisy)
0676
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Eriogonum umbellatum var. umbellatum
(Sulphur-flower Buckwheat)
0212
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Erysimum capitatum
(Western Wallflower)
0795
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Geum rossi
(Alpine Avens)
1526
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Linum lewisii
(Blue flax)
0322
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Lloydia serotina
(Alpine Lily)
0943
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Micranthes rhomboidea
(Snowball Saxifrage)
0994
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Oenothera cespitosa
(Tufted Evening Primrose)
0097
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Oxytropis sericea
(White Locoweed)
0702
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Oxytropis spendens
(Showy Locoweed)
0713
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Penstemon caespitosus
(Mat Penstemon)
0161
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Penstemon penlandii
(Penland’s Beardtongue)
0251
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Penstemon rydbergii
(Rydberg’s Penstemon)
0362
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Physaria montana
(Mountain Bladderpod)
0638
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Polemonium viscosum
(Sky Pilot)
0869
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Potentilla concinna
(Elegant Cinquefoil)
0833
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Potentilla glaucophylla var. glaucophylla
(Blue-leaf Cinquefoil)
0982
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Purshia tridentata
(Antelope Bitterbrush)
0293
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Ribes montigenum
(Red Prickly Currant)
1620
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Packera streptanthifolia
(Rocky Mountain Groundsel)
1121
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Tetraneuris acaulis var. caespitosa
(Stemless Four-nerve Daisy)
1030
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Usnea hirta
(Bristly Beard Lichen)
1666
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Vaccinium scoparium
(Grouse Whortleberry)
1634
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Vicia americana ssp. americana
(American Vetch)
0511
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details
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Wyethia amplexicaulis
(Mule’s Ears)
0390
Photo Details
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
More Photos and Plant Details

© Tom Lebsack 2024

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