2023
Northwestern Colorado

The environment and geology of the counties in NW Colorado varies a lot, from montane forests to near-desert conditions with mountains, mesas, and beautiful canyons. One of the most interesting places to visit is Dinosaur National Monument...very impressive. Our mid-July trip to the area yielded a four new species for this website. The area had been without rain for some time, and the town of Dinosaur and environs were experiencing a plague of Morman crickets which had been eating their way through the region.

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

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NEW! Cryptantha sericea
(Silky Cryptantha)
1346
Photo Details
Common Name Silky Cryptantha
Scientific Name Cryptantha sericea
(Oreocarya sericea)
Family Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not)
Date July 11, 2023
Location Along CR 66 west of Meeker, Rio Blanco 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 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Dieteria canescens
(Hoary Tansy-aster)
1476
Photo Details
Common Name Hoary Tansy-aster
Scientific Name Dieteria canescens
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 11, 2023
Location Dinosaur National Monument, Moffat County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/13
Speed 1/1600 sec.
ISO 1600
More Photos and Plant Details
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Euphorbia esula
(Leafy Spurge)
1383
Photo Details
Common Name Leafy Spurge
Scientific Name Euphorbia esula
Family Euphorbiaceae (Sunflower)
Date July 11, 2023
Location Along CR 66 west of Meeker, Rio Blanco County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/7.1
Speed 1/640 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Sarcobatus vermiculatus
(Greasewood)
1417
Photo Details
Common Name Greasewood,
Black Greasewood
Scientific Name Sarcobatus vermiculatus
Family Sarcobataceae (Greasewood)
Date July 11, 2023
Location Dinosaur National Monument Visitors Center, Dinosaur, Moffet Co.
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/13
Speed 1/1250 sec.
ISO 1600
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Sisymbrium loeselii
(Small Tumbleweed Mustard)
1288
Photo Details
Common Name Small Tumbleweed Mustard
Scientific Name Sisymbrium loeselii
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard)
Date July 11, 2023
Location Along CR 66 west of Meeker, Rio Blanco 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! Sphaeralcea parvifolia
(Small-leaf Globemallow) 
1441
Photo Details
Common Name Small-leaf Globemallow
Scientific Name Sphaeralcea parvifolia
Family Malvaceae (Mallow)
Date July 11, 2023
Location Dinosaur National Monument Visitors Center, Dinosaur, Moffet Co.
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/500 sec.
ISO 1600
More Photos and Plant Details
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Verbena bracteata
(Bigbract Verbena)
1323
Photo Details
Common Name Bigbract Verbena,
Prostrate Verbena
Scientific Name Verbena bracteata
Family Verbenaceae (Verbena)
Date July 11, 2023
Location Along CR 66 west of Meeker, Rio Blanco 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

© Tom Lebsack 2025

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

 I try to provide accurate, up-to-date, and relevant information, but cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of any information presented on this website. I use authoritative references to insure high standards of accuracy and review and update the information frequently.