2025
Southern Colorado

We spent several days in southern Colorado stopping at Trinidad Lake State Park, Cucharas Pass, La Veta and Great Sand Dunes National Park.  We found 18 new species for the website. These haven’t all been posted yet, please check back.

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

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NEW! Abies concolor, Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa Co. 9124
Photo Details
Common Name White Fir
Scientific Name Abies concolor
Family Pinaceae (Pine)
Date June 27, 2025
Location Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Alamosa County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon 24-120 mm f/4.0
Focal Length 70 mm
Aperture f/13
Speed 1/80 sec.
ISO 2000
More Photos and Plant Details
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Allium geyerii var. geyeri, Farley Overlook east of Cucharas Pass, Huerfano Co. 0552
Photo Details
Common Name Geyer's Onion
Scientific Name Allium geyeri
Family Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis)
Date June 25, 2025
Location Farley Wildflower Overlook, Cucharas Pass, Huerfano County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikon 24-120 mm f/4.0
Focal Length 120 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/800 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Androsace septentrionalis, Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa Co. 8856
Photo Details
Common Name Northern Fairy Candelabra
Scientific Name Androsace septentrionalis
Family Primulaceae (Primrose)
Date June 27, 2025
Location Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Alamosa County
Camera Nikon D850
Lens Nikon 24-120 mm f/4.0
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/13
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 2200
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Antennaria anaphaloides,  Farley Overlook east of Cucharas Pass, Huerfano Co. 8683
Photo Details
Common Name Pearly Pussytoes
Scientific Name Antennaria anaphaloides
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date June 25, 2025
Location Farley Overlook east of Cucharas Pass, Huerfano County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon 24-120 mm f/4.0
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 400
More Photos and Plant Details
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Clematis ligusticifolia, Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa Co. 8954
Photo Details
Common Name Virgin's Bower,
Western White Clematis
Scientific Name Clematis ligusticifolia
Family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
Date June 25, 2025
Location Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Alamosa County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 80-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/13
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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Cerastium arvense ssp. strictum,  Farley Overlook east of Cucharas Pass, Huerfano Co. 8669
Photo Details
Common Name Alpine Chickweed,
Field Mouse-ear Chickweed
Scientific Name Cerastium arvense ssp. strictum
Family Caryophyllaceae (Pink)
Date June 25, 2025
Location Farley Wildflower Overlook, Cucharas Pass, Huerfano County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 116 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 400
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Echinocereus coccineus ssp. coccineus,  Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa Co.  9083
Photo Details
Common Name Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus
Scientific Name Echinocereus coccineus ssp. coccineus
Family Cactaceae (Cactus)
Date June 27, 2025
Location Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Alamosa County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 70 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 1600
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Echinocereus triglochidiatus,  CO 150, Alamosa Co.  9203
Photo Details
Common Name Kingcup,
Claretcup Hedgehog Cactus
Scientific Name Echinocereus triglochidiatus
(Echinocereus mohavensis)
Family Cactaceae (Cactus)
Date June 28, 2025
Location Along CO 150 south of Great Sand Dunes National Park, Alamosa County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/13
Speed 1/40 sec.
ISO 640
More Photos and Plant Details
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Erigeron divergens, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas Co. 8489
Photo Details
Common Name Spreading Fleabane,
Speading Daisy
Scientific Name Erigeron divergens
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date June 23, 2025
Location Levsa Trail, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 130 mm
Aperture f/13
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 400
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Erigeron subtrinervis, Wellington Ditch Trail, Alamosa Co.  9275
Photo Details
Common Name Three-nerve Fleabane
Scientific Name Erigeron subtrinervis
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date June 28, 2025
Location Wellington Ditch Trail, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Alamosa 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 640
More Photos and Plant Details
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Erysimum capitatum, FR415 east of Cucharas Pass, Huerfano Co. 8736
Photo Details
Common Name Western Wallflower
Scientific Name Erysimum capitatum
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard)
Date June 25, 2025
Location FR415 east of Cucharas Pass, Huerfano County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 122 mm
Aperture f/13
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 720
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Erysimum capitatum, Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa Co. 9397
Photo Details
Common Name Western Wallflower
Scientific Name Erysimum capitatum
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard)
Date June 28, 2025
Location Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 135 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 640
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Fallugia paradoxa,  CO 150, Alamosa Co.  9176
Photo Details
Common Name Apache Plume
Scientific Name Fallugia paradoxa
Family Rosaceae (Rose)
Date June 28, 2025
Location Along CO 150 south of Great Sand Dunes National Park, Alamosa 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 4500
More Photos and Plant Details
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Grindelia subalpina, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas Co. 8350
Photo Details
Common Name Subalpine Gumweed
Scientific Name Grindelia subalpina
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date June 23, 2025
Location Levsa Canyon Trail, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas 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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Hackelia floribunda, Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa Co. 8843
Photo Details
Common Name Manyflower Stickseed
Scientific Name Hackelia floribunda
Family Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not)
Date June 27, 2025
Location Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 135 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 640
More Photos and Plant Details
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Heterotheca villosa var. nana, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas Co. 8383
Photo Details
Common Name Hairy False Goldenaster
Scientific Name Heterotheca villosa var. nana
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date June 23, 2025
Location Levsa Canyon Trail, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas 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 1600
More Photos and Plant Details
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Holodiscus discolor var. dumosus, Wellington Ditch Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa Co. 9287
Photo Details
Common Name Rock Spirea
Scientific Name Holodiscus discolor var. dumosus (Holodiscus dumosus)
Family Rosaceae (Forget-me-not)
Date June 28, 2025
Location Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa 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 1000
More Photos and Plant Details
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Hymenopappus filifolius var. cinereus, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas Co. 8136
Photo Details
Common Name Fineleaf Hymenopappus
Scientific Name Hymenopappus filifolius var. cinereus
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date June 23, 2025
Location Levsa Canyon Trail, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas 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 1600
More Photos and Plant Details
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Hymenopappus filifolius var. cinereus and Icaricia icaricioides, Wellington Dirch Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP 9353
Photo Details
Common Name Fineleaf Hymenopappus and Boisduval's Blue
Scientific Name Hymenopappus filifolius var. cinereus and
Icaricia icaricioides
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date June 28, 2025
Location Wellington Ditch Trail Great Sand Dunes National Park, Alamosa 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 640
More Photos and Plant Details
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Hymenoxys richardsonii var. floribunda, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas Co. 8117
Photo Details
Common Name Colorado Rubberweed
Scientific Name Hymenoxys richardsonii
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date June 23, 2025
Location Levsa Canyon Trail, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas 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 1600
More Photos and Plant Details
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Melilotus albus, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas Co. 8360
Photo Details
Common Name White Sweet Clover
Scientific Name Melilotus albus
Family Fabaceae (Pea)
Date June 23, 2025
Location Levsa Canyon Trail, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas 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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Mirabilis linearis, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas Co. 8374
Photo Details
Common Name Narrow-leaf Four O'Clock
Scientific Name Mirabilis linearis
Family Nyctaginaceae (Four O'Clock)
Date June 23, 2025
Location Levsa Canyon Trail, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas 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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Oenothera cespitosa ssp. cespitosa
FR422 north of Cucharas Pass, Huerfano Co. 8652
Photo Details
Common Name Tufted Evening Primrose
Scientific Name Oenothera cespitosa ssp. cespitosa
Family Onagraceae (Evening Primrose)
Date June 25, 2025
Location FR422 north west of Cucharas Pass, Huerfano County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 116 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 1600
More Photos and Plant Details
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Oenothera coronopifolia, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas Co. 8110
Photo Details
Common Name Cut-leaf Evening Primrose,
Crownleaf Evening Primrose
Scientific Name Oenothera coronopifolia
Family Onograceae (Evening Primrose)
Date June 23, 2025
Location Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas 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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Opuntia phaeacantha, Levsa Canyon Trail, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas Co. 8390
Photo Details
Common Name Tulip Prickly Pear
Scientific Name Opuntia phaeacantha
Family Cactaceae (Cactus)
Date June 23, 2025
Location Levsa Canyon Trail, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas 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 400
More Photos and Plant Details
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Opuntia polyacantha var. polyacantha, Levsa Canyon Trail, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas Co. 8378
Photo Details
Common Name Hairspine Prickly Pear,
Starvation Prickly Pear
Scientific Name Opuntia polyacantha var. polyacantha
Family Cactaceae (Cactus)
Date June 23, 2025
Location Levsa Canyon Trail, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 130 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 400
More Photos and Plant Details
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Penstemon barbatus var. torreyi, Levsa Canyon Trail, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas Co. 8297
Photo Details
Common Name Torrey's Penstemon,
Beard-lip Penstemon
Scientific Name Penstemon barbatus var. torreyi
Family Plantaginaceae (Plantain)
Date June 23, 2025
Location Levsa Canyon Trail, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/11
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 1600
More Photos and Plant Details
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Penstemon virgatus var. asa-grayi, Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa Co. 8816
Photo Details
Common Name Upland Blue Beardtongue,
Beardless Sidebells Penstemon
Scientific Name Penstemon virgatus var. asa-grayi
(Penstemon unilateralis)
Family Plantaginaceae (Plantain)
Date June 27, 2025
Location Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/20 sec.
ISO 800
More Photos and Plant Details
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NEW! Physocarpus monogynus, Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa Co. 9059
Photo Details
Common Name Mountain Ninebark
Scientific Name Physocarpus monogynus
Family Rosaceae (Rose)
Date June 27, 2025
Location Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 135 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/60sec.
ISO 10000
More Photos and Plant Details
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Polemonium pulcherrimum ssp. delicatum, Cucharas Pass, Huerfano Co. 8756
Photo Details
Common Name Jacob's Ladder
Scientific Name Polemonium pulcherrimum ssp. delicatum
Family Polemoniaceae (Phlox)
Date June 25, 2025
Location FR415 east of Cucharas Pass, Huerfano 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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Potentilla pulcherrima, FR422 North of Cucharas Pass, Huerfano Co. 8636
Photo Details
Common Name Beautiful Cinquefoil,
Soft Cinquefoil
Scientific Name Potentilla pulcherrima
Family Rosaceae (Rose)
Date June 25, 2025
Location FR415 east of Cucharas Pass, Huerfano County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 1600
More Photos and Plant Details
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Psoralidium tenuiflorum, Levsa Canyon Trail, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas Co. 8165
Photo Details
Common Name Slimflower Scurfpea
Scientific Name Psoralidium tenuifolium
(Pediomelum tenuifolium)
Family Fabaceae (Pea)
Date June 23, 2025
Location Levsa Canyon Trail, Trinidad Lake State Park, Las Animas 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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Sedum lanceolatum var. lanceolatum,  Mosca Pass Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa Co. 9307
Photo Details
Common Name Yellow Stonecrop
Scientific Name Sedum lanceolatum var. lanceolatum
Family Crassulaceae (Stonecrop)
Date June 28, 2025
Location Wellington Ditch Trail, Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa 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 3600
More Photos and Plant Details
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Stephanomeria pauciflora, Along CO150 near Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa Co. 9225
Photo Details
Common Name Few-flower Wirelettuce,
Brownplume Wirelettuce
Scientific Name Stephanomeria pauciflora
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date June 28, 2025
Location Along CO150 near Great Sand Dunes NP, Alamosa County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/30 sec.
ISO 640
More Photos and Plant Details
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Yucca glauca (Great Plains Yucca) 8793
Photo Details
Common Name Great Plains Yucca,
Soapweed
Scientific Name Yucca glauca
Family Asperagaceae (Asparagus)
Date June 26, 2025
Location Along CO12 south of La Veta, Huerfano County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikon Micro 70-180 mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 130 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/100 sec.
ISO 100
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.