Colorado

Calochotus, Columbines, and Chickarees

A Greentours Reconnaissance Report

10th to 25th July 2017

By Paul Cardy

Daily Accounts and Systematic Lists by Paul Cardy

Day 1 Tuesday 11th July Arrival, Denver to Colorado Springs

Having flown to Munich on Monday, I caught the Lufthansa flight to Denver. A great start to the tour as I was upgraded to business class, always a great bonus. We landed in the major hub of Denver, the airport architecture highly distinctive, at an ideal time, early afternoon. I sorted a few practicalities and took the shuttle to the car hire office where I procured a suitable vehicle for my recce.

Then I set out south, by passing the sprawling city, and joining the interstate to Colorado Springs. At these lower altitudes (although still c.1600m) much of the vegetation was already brown but a fine selection of flowers on the roadside had me wishing I had time to stop. Both Argemone polyanthemos and Oenothera cespitosa had striking large white flowers.

Once at Colorado Springs I headed west, now in more tranquil surroundings. I reached my small characterful bed and breakfast and settled in. I had little energy left after the journey so made a quick supply stop to a nearby supermarket and ate in my room whilst I prepared for my explorations tomorrow.

Day 2 Wednesday 12th July Pike’s Peak

Around the small lodge in the morning Black-billed Magpies were much in evidence, as were Mourning Doves, and Broad-billed Hummingbirds hovered at my window.

After a VERY sweet breakfast shared with my fellow guests I set out for the exciting drive up Pike’s Peak, my reason for staying here, to drive the fine paved road all the way to the summit. The flowers were immediately interesting on the lower slopes. Red fading to pink flowered Ipomopis aggregata was abundant on roadsides in the area. The striking borage, Oreocarya virgata, with leafy white flowered spikes, resembled an Echium. Rudbeckia hirta was common, and Melilotus albus and Linaria vulgaris were invasive weeds on the verges. At the edge of the aspen, pine and spruce forest Geranium viscosissimum and Geranium richardsonii were much in evidence. Rather surprising was Yucca glauca

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 1 common in the area, somewhat incongruous in this otherwise rather boreal flora. Asclepias speciosa was another common roadside plant.

I took a short walk through woodland and meadows. The beautiful Weidemeyer’s Admiral was in fine condition and settled very close to me. Also on the wing were Clouded and Orange Sulphurs, Painted Lady, and Western Tiger Swallowtail. There were a selection of Potentilla species, a large and confusing genus here. Angelica grayi flowered in the shade, and the familiar Campanula rotundifolia was common. There was delicate Allium cernuum, a tall twiggy Eriogonum, Galium boreale, one or more species of Erigeron, Penstemon glaber, Amelanchier alnifolia, one or more Castilleja species, Ribes sp., and both Rosa acicularis and Rosa blanda in flower.

I was very pleased to find a beautiful Aquilegia coerulea, the state flower of Colorado. Plants continued with Thalictrum fendleri, Heracleum maximum, and the attractive Delphinium barbeyi. The white flowered Jamesia americana, Fivepetal Cliffbush, was initially puzzling but I later worked out what it was. It belongs to the Hydrangaceae. Sedum lanceolatum had yellow flowers. Mertensia ciliata was a species that would be very common on the tour. Thermopsis macrophylla was in fruit, and Anemone canadense in flower, the only place I saw it. Streptopus amplexifolius was here too. Dark-eyed Juncos were much in evidence, here of the grey-headed race, with an attractive brick red patch on its back. The prosaic American Robin was seen too. New plants kept on coming, among them Heuchera parvifolia and Phacelia heterophylla.

Continuing the journey, one of the regular road signs told of Townsend’s Big-eared Bats! I made a quick stop at a visitor centre which sold a lot of tat and no significant books! Here a young lad, watching the squirrels, pointed out to me that there were two different species, although he did not know what they were (Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel and Colorado Chipmunk). Notable and somewhat reassuring, as coincidentally as I write this there is an article on Radio 4’s Inside Science about the disconnection of children with the natural world.

The superb large white flowered Oenothera caespitosa was impressive. There were strikingly tall and robust Monument Plants, a gentian, and pretty Linum lewisii was in flower.

Now in the subalpine zone, Oxytropis sericea and Senecio atratus became a feature of the roadsides. There was another visitor centre with no books, but here I found one Iris missouriensis still in bloom, and very floriferous Mertensia lanceolata. A very dark flowered Carex was impressive. Minuartia obtusiloba was in flower, and Penstemon hallii was beautiful. Chipping Sparrows called and California Tortoiseshell flew among the trees.

Before long the ever impressive road took me into the tundra, boulders scattered across the open landscape, and fine views. American Pipit was much in evidence here. Mertensia alpina was in fine form, according to the ‘eastern slope’ flora, endemic to Pike’s Peak, but it is not. It occurs very locally elsewhere in Colorado, and also in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and New Mexico! Yellow-flowered Geum rossii was abundantly in flower. I was delighted to find the first Primula parryi in perfect flower, but this species really does have a strong skunk smell! Also in fine form was Primula angustifolia, both these flowering close to each other in wet flushes and under boulders. The umbel Cymopteris humilis, Pike’s Peak Alpine Parsley, is endemic to this mountain and was in fine flower. There was fine

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 2

Eritrichium nanum, can we call it King of the Alps here? King of the Rockies? Actually here it’s called more prosaically Arctic Alpine Forget-me-not. I had seen very many in the Alps just a few days previously. Caltha leptosepala was impressive, and there were fine Snowdon Lilies (also seen in the Alps with the Eritrichium recently). Trifolium nanum was a most distinctive clover, and a feature of the habitat. Every step found new plants such as Rhodiola integrifolia, Saxifraga chrysantha, Micranthes rhomboidea, Noccaea montanum, Castilleja occidentalis, and Silene acaulis. Heterotheca villosa (Hairy False Goldenaster) was common. Ravens were typical of the habitat.

At the top of the road, the peak at 14,115 feet, I took a short stroll in the rarified air. The cafe and visitor centre here really was full of tat, with many queuing with overflowing baskets of the stuff at the till! The cog railway is an alternative method of ascending the mountain and terminates here. Views were misty up here today. American Pikas scampered over rocks, where Claytonia megarhiza was in bloom, and there was more Eritrichium nanum.

The drive down was necessarily slow, with most drivers being sensible and keeping to the enforced speed limit, in low gear to stop brakes overheating. Near a sign for Bighorn Sheep I did indeed see some rather scruffy individuals with shaggy coats, three females. Green flowered Paronychia pulvinata superficially resembled Minuartia sedoides.

At several stops the classic thing happened, a short walk from the busy road, and there was no-one at all, I had the fine habitat to myself. There were impressive snow patches above. Yellow-rumped Warbler was active in the conifers. Fine Hymenoxis grandiflora, The Old Man of the Mountain, and the first of many Zigadenus elegans, flowered among Juniperus communis depressa. Phacelia sericea was attractive, a species that would be common on the tour, and there was much Solidago multiradiata. The wonderfully woolly Cirsium scopulorum was impressive. The brake check lady was friendly and complemented me on the low temperature of my brakes, due to the fact I’d been stopped for an hour nearby I told her! Chequered White nectared, there were again several species of Potentilla, amd more robust Monument Plants.

Late in the afternoon, rain came, but not before I’d had time to explore fully all the sites I’d intended to. So I drove to the nearby town of Woodland Park to sort some practicalities.

That evening I found a good restaurant in the village, suitable for the group when we stay in the area. I realised that I had seen no Europeans at all today! All voices I heard on the mountain were American. Surprising as there are so many flights arriving into Denver from Europe. Indeed for the whole two weeks I met no Europeans until the last evening!

Day 3 Thursday 13th July Journey to Grand Junction

Today was a transfer day with much of interest en route, through a great variety of scenery and habitat. Lesser Goldfinch, American Robin, and Broad-tailed Hummingbird were outside my room before I left.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 3

As I got ever further west the road became somewhat quieter, and the roadsides were very flowery, notably with various penstemons and Ipomopsis aggregata especially. A green flowered Platanthera appeared in wet roadside flushes, something to stop for next time. Turkey Vultures were in the air.

Wilkerson Pass allowed fine views of snow-capped peaks. There were books for sale in the small visitor centre, several flowers, and even moths attracted by the lights. The latter included the arctiid Aemilia ambigua, in fact this being very close to where the specimen illustrated in ‘Moths of Western North America’ is from. Attractive Oenothera coronopifolia flowered in the car park, the only place I would see it.

The drive became somewhat hassly and I soon learnt the aggresive driving is a feature of Colorado! It was tiresome being constantly tail-gated, usually by a preposterously large white truck, often towing a trailer as well, even though I was driving at the speed limit. Almost every other driver just could not wait to overtake! Gunnison’s Prairie Dogs scuttled across the road, dodging the traffic. Fine Argemone polyanthemos flowered on the roadsides.

My journey today took me through many counties, namely Teller, Park, Chaffee, Gunnison, Saguache, Montrose, Delta, and Mesa.

Monarch Pass was busy, disturbed, and barren, but a short walk yielded Senecio atratus, Mertensia lanceolata, and Luzula spicata. This was the Continental Divide and heading down to Gunnison I was now on the Western Slope. Habitat near Gunnison was very dry, with chenopods a feature. Mountain Bluebird perched on wires.

A series of lakes was scenic, and I left the highway, having reached the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, where I took the road skirting the edge of this impressive geological feature, with fine views. Along this quiet road were many stopping opportunities. There were species of Ribes, Quercus gambelii, Carduus macrocephalus, Rhus trilobata, Purshia tridentata, and Eriogonum umbellatum.

Wetter roadsides had a fine lush flora. Veratrum californicum became common, there was Pedicularis bracteata, very large Angelica ampla, and Amelanchier alnifolia. Here I saw the first Calochortus gunnisonii, one of the plant highlights of the tour. Least Chipmunks were much in evidence. There was almost no traffic here, and generally the roads were much quieter here on the western slope. Lappula occidentalis was in flower, Balsamorrhiza sagittata was in fruit, and yellowish white flowered Astragalus pattersonii was identified.

Reaching the characterful isolated settlement of Crawford, I got fuel, and in Delta sorted a few practicalities. Here I rejoined the now much quieter highway, now in very different habitat. I orientated myself and was pleased to reach Mary and Joe’s house. What a superb place, the property bounded by the stunning Colorado National Monument. An amazing property surrounded by a fine garden. White-tailed Antelope Squirrel scuttled over the dry ground, Gambel’s Quail were much in evidence, and I pointed out Ash-throated Flycatcher to Mary and Joe, in their garden!

After a fine dinner, as we caught up with each other’s recent travels, a just after dark walk around the garden yielded a neactaring hawk moth (a species of Manduca?), and Desert Cottontail.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 4

Day 4 Friday 14th July Colorado National Monument and Grand Mesa

I awoke early, to stunning morning views of the adjacent Colorado National Monument. I was keen to explore, so set out and walked the boundary of the property. A highlight was the always special Canyon Wren on the boulders, and there were very close Desert Cottontails. The dragonfly Red Saddlebags in the air was an unusual species here, outside its main range, although there are records for the area. Blue-grey Gnatcatcher skulked in the junipers (Juniperus osteosperma) and noisy Western Scrub Jays were a feature. Marine Blue was on the wing. Opuntia fragilis abundantly formed mats and I had to be careful where I stepped. Chenopods were a feature, among them Atriplex canescens with distinctive winged fruiting bracts.

We set out in a beautiful BMW sports car for a circuit around the National Monument, the roads quiet, with many places to stop and stroll and admire the views. Ephedra viridis was an interesting find. Sagebrush, Artemisia was dominant, and Snakeweed, Gutierrezia sarothae and Heterotheca villosa were in flower. White-throated Swifts were much in evidence.

Rock Squirrel was added to the growing squirrel list. Plants continued with Castilleja linariifolia, Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany, Ceratocarpus montanus, very spiny Opuntia polycanatha, and Rabbitbrush, Ericameria nauseosa. Impressive were yellow flowered spikes of Desert Prince’s Plume, Stanleya pinnata. The Grindelia here was probably Grindelia hirsutula. Purshia stansburiana was in flower, the Cliff Rose, and we identified the pale flowered thistle, Cirsium neomexicanum. Pinyon Jay was typical of the pinyon juniper. A satyrid in flight did not stop to be identified.

Here was a rather good visitor centre, with labelled plants of the area, and a selection of books for sale. Plants seen here included Heterostipa comata, Stephanomeria tenuifolia, Opuntia polyacantha, Yucca harrimaniae, Indian Rice Grass, and Aristida purpurea. Sagebrush Lizards basked in the heat, but sadly we saw no Collared Lizards today, a very attractive species.

Completeing the circuit, it was back to the house to load up for the trip to Grand Mesa, which would take us to a different world of subalpine forests, lakes, and flowery meadows. We by-passed Grand Junction and took the interstate east, leaving it in the beautiful small town of Palisade, which is where we will stay on the tour, in a beautiful small hotel. It was peach season, and we stopped at a farm shop where Mary stocked up.

The road took us slowly up on the ascent of Grand Mesa. I was pleased to see the distinctive Rudbeckia montana on the roadsides, a species with deep purple disc florets, and lacking ray florets, a local speciality. Great Spangled Fritillaries mud puddled, and there was another very fresh Painted Lady. A little higher were many Aquilegia coerulea on roadsides. Mary had driven ahead of me and we met at another visitor centre, where no books were added to my luggage.

We drove past several small lakes, reaching a series of cabins on the shores. We soon arrived at Mary and Joe’s cabin, where Joe was there to meet us. A stand of tall lush Corydalis caseana flowered in the meadow immediately below the cabin, a remarkable plant. The sunflower Helianthella quinquenervis was very common in the area. Yellow-bellied Marmots were much in evidence, whistling and scampering across the meadow.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 5

The cabin was cosy and beautifully situated. After an enjoyable lunch I settled into my cabin, at one of the small lodges beside the lake we’d just driven past. I then walked back, and Mary and I set out to explore the extensive forest, meadows, and lakes of Grand Mesa. On this short forest walk between the two cabins, I saw four species of squirrel, namely Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, Least Chipmunk, Chickaree, and the marmots. White-crowned Sparrow was much in evidence.

There were many flowers. All the Penstemon whippleanus is pale yellow flowered here. Lathyrus leucanthus (now called Lathyrus lanszwertii leucanthus) bloomed at the forest edge and Lupinus argenteus was numerous. Polemonium pulcherrimum was much in evidence, giving a characteristic skunk aroma to the air. The currants Ribes montigerum and Ribes wolfii were both here, there were fine stands of Veratrum californicum, Castilleja sulphurea, Cirsium eatonii and Delphinium barbeyi.

Fragaria virginiana was common on the forest floor. Pedicularis groenlandica was numerous in wet flushes and more locally so was beautiful rose-coloured Castilleja rhexifolia. One fine wet meadow yielded many flowers, including Arnica cordifolia, Cardamine cordifolia, Saxifraga odontoloma, Senecio triangularis, Mimulus guttatus, Zigadenus elegans, Aconitum columbianum, Erigeron glacialis, Saxifraga oregana, and Ranunculus alismifolius. The roseroots King’s Crown and Rose Crown were both in attractive flower. Ligusticum porteri, Caltha leptosepala, Oxypolis fendleri, and Mertensia lanceolata continued the variety.

Hymenoxys hoopesii, Orange Sneezeweed was a feature of the area. Among the many other species seen were Epilobium palustre, Lonicera involucrata, Pedicularis racemosa, Veronica wormskjoldii, Pseudocymopteris montanum, Mitella pentandra, Pseudostellaria jamesiana, Valeriana edulis, and Collomia linearis.

Butterflies included Green Comma, Milbert’s Tortoiseshell, and Margined White. A clearwing moth appeared all too briefly, before I could get a good enough look at it. A pity as I do have a monograph on North American clearwings! This was a really beautiful species. A blue damsel was numerous, as at many sites.

At another stop were Erythronium grandiflorum leaves and Valeriana occidentalis. Mule Deer was seen closely. Androsace septentrionale was a pleasing find, and Steller’s Jay was the third species of jay today. Ranunculus inamoenus was identified.

After time back at my cabin, I walked to join Mary and Joe for dinner, something I did each evening here, a pleasant stroll with usually nobody else around at all. Walking back in the dark several bats were usually in the air but sadly I didn’t encounter any other mammals.

Day 5 Saturday 15th July Grand Mesa

Another fine morning saw me awake by the tranquil forested lake. Hammond’s Flycatcher caught insects on my balcony. Mary drove to my cabin and we set out for Land’s End, a scenic drive. Wyethia amplexicaulis was in bloom amid many species in the colourful meadows. Mule Deer was at the roadside and Red-tailed Hawk in the air.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 6

We had distant views of the snow capped San Juan mountains in the south west of the state. At Land’s End was a small observatory, previously a visitor centre, but now closed for some ten years. Here were fine views down to Grand Junction, Colorado National Monument, etc. We had this fine area all to ourselves at first. Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels and Least Chipmunks scampered towards us from all directions in the hope of food. I told them this was Saturday and there would surely be some visitors today who would feed them chips (we of course would do no such thing!). They were very entertaining and inquisitive.

Northern Flicker flew past and a Northern Pygmy-Owl landed in a small pine, and I had good prolonged views. Violet-green Swallows flew around the cliffs. Holodiscus discolor bloomed on the rocks below, where Douglas Firs were a feature.

The surrounding sagebrush (Artemisia vasayanum) had fine Castilleja chromosa. Superb were Calochortus gunnisonii, and we would see many more today. This really is a fine species, strikingly white tepals with intricately patterned yellow glands at their base. Eriogonum umbellatum was much in evidence. The local endemic Penstemon mensarum was in perfect flower, as was Eremogone fendleri. Providing a soundtrack were many grasshoppers that stridulated and buzzed as they flew.

Soon a few other visitors gathered, of course soon feeding chips to the chipmunks! Plants continued with Macharacathera canescens, Symphoricarpos rotundifolius, and Ipomopsis tenuituba (treated in the flora as a form of Ipomopsis aggregata). The satyrid Small Wood-nymph flew low over the sagebrush, and Common Ringlet (Large Heath) was here. Potentilla hippiana and Potentilla pulcherrima were both in the area, of course with hybrids between the two.

Now we reached Mary’s favourite plant at an important site for her, a fine stand of Hedysarum occidentale that framed views down to Grand Junction. This was the only place we saw the species. Artemisia arctica was very aromatic indeed. Cassin’s Finches were in the conifers. Plants continued with Penstemon rydbergii, Eriogonum subalpinum, Rosa woodsii, and Cirsium eatonii.

Golden Eagle soared over our heads. Eremogone congesta was in flower, but Penstemon caespitosus was already over. A great find was the always special Blue Copper, associated with all the Eriogonum, its foodplant.

In a forest clearing were a good number of Great Spangled and Northwestern Fritillaries, as well as Large Marble, Weidemeyer’s Admiral, and Milbert’s Tortoiseshell. A beautiful blue Aeschna was on the wing. Clematis hirsutissimus was in impressive feathery fruit, and we found Artemisia dracunculus and Erigeron flagellaris.

Monkey Flower Falls did indeed have much Mimulus guttatus flowering in the lush vegetation around the small waterfall. There were tall Senecio and Delphinium, and a few white flowered Aconitum. Here were many mud puddling fritillaries, most of them Coronis Fritillary. There were very tall Monument Plants, stands of Cardamine cordifolia, and Carex aquatilis.

We found a Clematis hirsutissimus with one remaining flower. Alpine Blue (Glandon Blue!) was on the wing. Geum triflorum was in attractive flower. We found the best Calochortus site, they were very fine

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 7 on one grassy slope. I was pleased to find the very tiny Gayophytum diffusum, and later found a second species, Gayophytum racemosum, near the cabins.

We ate lunch near a small reservoir, where Queen Alexandra’s Sulphur was on the wing.

Rumex aquaticus was very common here. Among the many Castilleja rhexifolia in a wet meadow were a couple of white flowered spikes. Along the track was the diminutive borage Plagiobothrys scouleri penicillata. The white face dragonfly Leucorrhinia proxima was a pleasing find. There was weedy Flixweed, and a nodding rayless senecio, Senecio bigelovii.

Delphinium nuttallianum was a shorter species than the commoner Delphinium barbeyi. Carex utriculata flowered at the water’s edge, with striking rufous female spikes. There were many blue damsels. Rorippa curvipes var.alpina was in flower, and Gentiana parryi in leaf. There was much evidence of Northern Pocket Gophers, tunnels and burrow systems. Under the trees Osmorhiza depauperata was in fruit. Rather large Sibbaldia procumbens was in flower. Callitriche palustris grew in the water and Juncus mertensianus was attractive.

Day 6 Sunday 16th July Grand Mesa

We started on Sunday by driving to lower altitudes and the historic town of Cedaredge on the southern slopes of Grand Mesa. There I was able to get a mobile signal and sort a few practicalities, such as booking my next accommodation.

First thing of note was a sadly recent road casualty, a Bushy-tailed Wood Rat. This really was a cute mammal, and a characteristic of the species is the very large nests that it builds, incorporating all sorts of man-made items they find, gather, and add to their nests! Here we were in Quercus gambelii scrub. Another stop once on the climb back up had the rayless attractive Rudbeckia montana, Black-capped Chickadee in the oaks, Great Spangled Fritillary, and Agastache urticifolia. A beautiful tranquil lilypond lake had much Nuphar polysepala in bloom. There was a fine selection of sedges including Eleocharis palustris, Eleocharis acicularis, and Carex geyeri under the trees. Among the many plants were Alopecuros aequalis, Veronica americana, Galium bifolium, and Sagina saginoides. Song Sparrow and Yellow-rumped Warbler were here, and plants continued with Erigeron engelmannii, Arnica parryi, and Sambucus racemosa.

Back at the cabin we strolled through the meadows below. The orchids Platanthera aquilonis and Platanthera dilatata were in bloom. Orchids really are very scarce in the area, although these species can be locally common. Arnica mollis was in flower. Mule Deer were seen very closely and later a female with two young appeared around the cabin.

Day 7 Monday 17th July Journey to Georgetown

A fine quiet Monday morning, the Sunday crowds having left. I said my farewells and headed down to the interstate. Roadworks slowed me somewhat.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 8

The highway followed the Colorado River and I motored purposefully east. At Vail I paid a short visit to ‘the highest botanic garden in the world’. I then had no choice but to join a very long hold up on the highway with no alternative route, over the Vail Pass.

As soon as I had the opportunity I left the interstate and drove up to Loveland Pass. This was a fine place, again extensive alpine tundra, with snow patches, and stunning views. I parked and walked up to a small alpine lake. Castilleja miniata was in fine form, and in wet flushes was Habenaria dilatata. The distinctive shrubby Salix glauca was co-dominant. The white flowered Snow Plant, Chionophila jamesii, was new. There were a number of attractive Carex species. Viola adunca was in flower here, the first I had seen. A highlight was many fine Ranunculus adoneus flowering by snow melt, the leaves finely divided, the flowers bright yellow. Anemone patens multifida and Anemone narcissiflora were both in flower. A great find was the local Aquilegia saximontana, a beautiful species with hooked spurs, a Colorado endemic. Kalmia microphylla was in superb flower, the only place I saw it. Also here were Trifolium dasyphyllum, Geum rossii, and Primula parryi was in fine form.

Magdalena Alpine, an almost pure black Erebia, flew over the slopes. The two common species of Mertensia were here, fine Rhodiola, and Sedum lanceolatum. Among the many other species were the Rocky Mountain Spike-moss Selaginella densa, Potentilla glaucophylla, Artemisia arctica, the yellow composite Tonestus pygmaeus, Lloydia serotina, and Dryas punctata hookeriana.

I rejoined I-70 for the short drive to Georgetown which would be my base for the rest of the recce. There I had found what I thought would be an ideal hotel for this part of the tour. Indeed the location was perfect for excursions in all directions, some very locally. The rooms were very comfortable, and Georgetown a beautiful small town with a beautifully preserved historic centre of fine old wooden buildings. I had not intended to spend all the rest of the week here, but as the days went by I realised just what an ideal base it was, and booked it for the rest of my stay.

Day 8 Tuesday 18th July Guanella Pass

After the long drive yesterday today was a local visit to Guanella Pass, the road to which leads up from the attractive historic centre of Georgetown. There was very little traffic today. Lower forest stops yielded a Grindelia species (Grindelia squarrosa?), and various asters. American Dipper frequented the rushing river. Linum perenne was naturalised on roadsides. Astragalus alpinus and Pseudocymopterus montanus flowered under the trees.

At 11669 feet I reached the summit of Guanella Pass and set out on foot to explore. Here were again darker forms of Penstemon whippleanus, after the pale yellow at Grand Mesa. Again Salix glauca was dominant. There was fine Hymenoxys grandiflora, The Old Man of The Mountain, and Castilleja occidentale was common. New was Ivesia gordonii.

I was not alone in botanising here, there were others too looking at flowers. Castilleja rhexifolia was as always striking. Erigeron pinnatisectus was identified, there was more flowering Viola adunca, and the diminutive Lewisia pygmaea was a pleasing find. Pedicularis sudetica scopulorum and Valeriana acutiloba

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 9 were in flower. Pale yellow flowered Erysimum capitatum looked very different to those I see in California.

Tiny Gentiana prostrata in flower was a great find. Shasta Blues were typical of the habitat, Colorado Alpine, another Erebia, flew over the slopes, and Mead’s Sulphur was a pleasing find. The apollo, Rocky Mountain Parnassian, drifted over the turf. There was more fine Ranunculus adoneus by snow melt. Plants continued with Polygonum viviparum, Eremogone fendleri, Cerastium beeringianum, Eriogonum umbellatum, and furry Cirsium scopulorum. Phlox condensata was in fine flower at the furthest point I reached. Here Aquilegia saximontana was surprisingly already in fruit. Sky Pilot was a feature of the tundra, a very attractive ‘Jacob’s Ladder’. This really was superb habitat. Late morning saw clouds already gathering but the rain did not come.

Wilson’s Warbler skulked in the willows. I drove down the quiet southern side of the pass, finding Oxytropis lambertii.

Back in Georgetown I stopped at the ‘wildlife viewing area’ a lookout for Bighorn Sheep, on the cliffs above. I saw none today but this is very close to the hotel and we can stop here often on the tour, although of course Bighorn Sheep are easy to see elsewhere.

Day 9 Wednesday 19th July Mount Evans

I took a minor road to Idaho Springs avoiding the interstate. I then took the Mt.Evans road, the highest paved highway in the US. At the lower reaches was attractive Sidalcea neomexicana on roadsides. At the first stop Saxifraga bronchialis bloomed on a large boulder, with Potentilla pennsylvanica, and Cystopteris fragilis.

Now in the alpine, I walked up through a fine stand of ancient Bristlecone Pines, which live for thousands of years. There was much of the delicate Allium geyeri, Penstemon virens was in flower, and Trifolium parryi. The usual mixture of Mertensia, Polemonium, and Minuartia. Blue damsels were again very common. Colorado Chipmunk scuttled over the ground. There was fine Saxifraga hirculus, and Micranthes rhomboidea. There was a confusing selection of Aster and Erigeron. Shasta Blues were on the wing.

Agoseris aurantiaca and Boechera stricta were in flower. There were amazingly large piles of eaten Bristlcone pine cones at the base of some of the trees. I had this trail almost to myself, there were just a few other walkers. Potentilla fissa had distinctive pale flowers.

Phacelia hastata was a new species for the list. Mountain Bluebird was nesting. Common Branded Skipper (Silver-spotted Skipper) nectared, and Rocky Mountain Parnassians were much in evidence. The very small Heuchera in rock crevices was Heuchera bracteata. American Pipit and Ravens were much in evidence in the tundra. Castilleja puberula was added to the list, and Shrubby Cinquefoil was very common in the area.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 10

A very small Edith’s Checkerspot nectared, and Hoary Comma was something of a surprise at this altitude. A small longhorn beetle on bistort was attractive. There was fine fine Claytonia megarrhiza, Heterotheca villosa, and yet more Mertensia in fine form.

An amazing drive took me to the summit, ever more exciting, the air thin. It was very busy at the top, and difficult to park. I made a short stop for the views (including as far as Rocky Mountain National Park) and to take in the atmosphere, but soon got away from the crowds. A building here, dating from the 40’s, was when it was built, the highest in the world, at 14,130 feet.

At the top was superb Claytonia megarrhiza, beautiful Saxifraga chrysantha, Eritrichium nanum, Artemisia scopulorum, one or more species of Draba, Trifolium nanum, and Smelowskia calycina.

Lower down, I parked and stolled into the tundra, of course no other vistors here. A wet flush had a fine selection of sedges, and of rushes including Juncus biglumis and Juncus castaneus. The satyrid Melissa Arctic settled on rocks. Among the many other plants were Salix reticulata, both species of Rhodiola, and Silene acaulis.

Summit Lake was unfortunately mostly fenced off, an admirable attempt to protect the delicate tundra from the hordes of visitors but it’s a shame that those who come here to look seriously at the plants can no longer do so. If on our next visit the area is accessible, possible species to be seen here are Micranthes foliolosa, Koeningia islandica, Chrysosplenium tetrandrum, Ranunculus pygmaeus, Saxifraga cernua, Carex micropoda, Kobresia sibirica, Kobresia simpliuscula, and the diminutive but notable alpine grass Phippsia algida. However the habitat is certainly more lush and densely vegetated than old photographs show, and some of the special species may no longer exist here.

A small Stellaria was in flower, there was more Snow Flower, I identified Draba exunguiculata, Draba grayana, and Draba streptocarpa, and Gentiana prostrata was here but closed in the rain.

Brown-capped Rosy Finch watched very closely as it hopped around a boulder was perhaps the bird highlight of the trip, an endemic of the southern Rockies. Here were more scruffy Bighorn Sheep, and characterful Yellow-bellied Marmots.

Day 10 Thursday 20th July Rocky Mountain National Park

I set out for the long drive to the western entrance of the Rocky Mountain National Park. This is one of the most visited parks in the country, with more than four million annual visitors! The park straddles the Continental Divide. I expected a long journey, but at an hour and a half it was shorter than I feared. Initially through wild terrain I descended to the populous area around Winter Park and Fraser. Swainson’s Hawk was in the air.

I stopped first at the visitor centre, which offered a reasonable selection of books and maps. The road traverses the park, across to Estes Park at the eastern end, and is the highest paved drivable road in the country. Rocky Mountain Penstemon was in flower and there was much Solidago.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 11

A dry open sagebrush meadow had a tall Eriogonum, penstemons, and Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel was much in evidence. The semi-parasitic Orthocarpus luteus was new. A wetter meadow amid coniferous forest had Geum aleppicum and Polemonium occidentale and Lincoln’s Sparrow skulked but also occasionally perched atop twigs. Rumex triangulivalvis was distinctive, and there were Antennaria rosea, Pedicularis groenlandica, and Castilleja sulphurea. Yellow-rumped Warbler was active in the conifers.

As expected the park was exceptionally busy. There were roadworks and stop go controls by rangers, and even to control car park access at the upper visitor centre. Not ideal. The higher reaches were crazily busy, the sublime views spoilt by all the traffic and people everywhere. This all gave me vertigo and I headed for lower altitudes, thinking the park probably not worth our time. I didn’t even spend time looking at the tundra flora as access was limited, there was no-where to park, too many people, and the flora much better elsewhere. Beautiful Thermopsis rhombifolia bloomed on the roadsides.

I was thinking to abandon WCNP as a destination altogether. But then I found a superb trail at mid altitudes that took me into beautiful forest and wet meadow clearings, and once out of the car park I saw nobody else at all during a couple of hours of fine wildlife watching. Gentianella acuta was a great find and proved rather common. Juniper Hairstreak was on the wing, there were several Arctic Fritillaries, and Chequered White nectared.

Beautiful Oxytropis splendens was in flower. I had brief views of a small rodent scuttling about in low vegetation, but not enough to identify it. I reached a tranquil stream in a forest clearing where there were no other visitors. Rosa acicularis was in fine flower. Under the trees were the first of many Twinflowers, superb in the forest here. A larger fritillary did not stop. Astragalus alpinus was in flower. Hieracium albiflorum and Anaphalis margaritacea were added to the ever growing composite list. Wilson’s Warbler was nesting.

Reaching a boggy clearing I found Swertia perennis, and there were several Habenaria dilatata, amid alder scrub. Beautiful Pyrola asarifolia was stunningly pink hued. Spotted Coralroot was in fruit. Here was stunning Aquilegia coerulea, and Parnassia fimbriata with its fringed petals was a great find. Nodding Wintergreen was in flower, and Osmorhiza depauperata was in fruit. A noisy scolding Chickaree in a nearby tree had really taken exception to my presence. The stripping of bark close by alerted me to a Three-toed Woodpecker which I saw very closely, then a second bird, and I had prolonged fine views. Soon appeared Hairy Woodpecker and then Northern Flicker, three woodpeckers in as many minutes.

Cypripedium parviflorum var.pubescens, albeit over, was a great find, and interestingly is not given for Grand County in the flora. Another orchid, but also more or less gone over, was the single leaved Platanthera obtusata. Another wintergreen, Pyrola chlorantha, was in flower. Plants continued with Berberis repens, Gaultheria humifusa, Galium triflorum, and Streptopus amplexifolius. Angry nesting Warbling Vireos scolded, and Olive-sided Flycatcher sallied for insects. There were Purplish Coppers, and a well patterned noctuid, a species of Drasteria.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 12

This site made my day and greatly improved it. It is certainly worth coming here, and we will surely find more on a longer walk. It’s the sort of wild path that could yield many surprises. At the park’s higher reaches are habitats that we will see at several other sites, so we do not need to contend with the crowds here, but will come to the park for the beautiful lower altitude habitats it contains.

As I drove out crowds were gathered at the roadside to photograph very close Moose.

Day 11 Friday 21st July Loveland Pass, Hoosier Pass

A mixed day began at Loveland Pass, only about twenty minutes from the hotel. This is a fine place as I had discovered on my first visit, and was certainly worth further exploration. Parking, I headed straight up the slopes to snow patches and rocky outcrops. Grizzled Skipper (Northern Grizzled Skipper) flew low over the turf. Salix petrophila was the first low alpine willow in attractive flower, followed by Salix reticulata. Growing low in the turf were several attractive little Lewisia pygmaea, Eremogone fendleri, and Sibbaldia procumbens. Fine Ranunculus adoneus flowered by snow patches. On rocks was Saxifraga bronchialis austromontana. Calling Pikas were a feature here and I had many close views of this charismatic mammal. Suddenly a White-tailed Ptarmigan appeared at my feet, and I had prolonged close views.

Next I needed to sort a few practicalities, which I did in the conurbations of Dillon and Frisco. A different world!

I then headed to Breckenridge and up to the Hoosier Pass, but already, at lunch time, very heavy rain and lightning precluded any further exploration here. I know this to be a very productive area, and species that I was hoping to find here, and may well be seen here on the tour include Saussurea weberi, Gentiana algida, Oxytropis podocarpa, Oxytropis viscida, Papaver kluanense, Armeria maritima sibirica, Saxifraga flagellaris and Ipomopsis globularis.

Nearby I found another fine forested track with a lush roadside flora. The views here were stunning, perhaps the most impressive of the tour. Mitella pentandra flowered in the shade, there were many Habenaria dilatata, Parnassia fimbriata, and Zigadenus elegans.

Day 12 Saturday 22nd July Weston Pass

One of the most adventurous days proved to be my excursion further south to Weston Pass.

Initially I drove again over Guanella Pass, so different today this being the weekend, the northern approaches very busy with traffic, and at the top parked vehicles stretching way back down the road. All changed again on the southern side however, with no cars at all!

I reached the busy Highway 285 that took me over the lowish Kenosha Pass, then down into a plateau, the fields strikingly pink with acres of Pedicularis groenlandica.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 13

Finding the minor road that would take me up to the pass I reached ever more fine habitat. Reaching the impressive pass, I headed purposefully up the slopes towards the snow patches and screes. Oxytropis sericea was common, and there was a tall Eriogonum. Purple flowered Boechera lemmonii bloomed by snow melt. Androsace chamaejasme was in flower, there was an attractive patch of Delphinium alpestre. A species of Syngrapha, a noctuid, nectared.

Colorado Alpine flew over the slopes. Pikas were again much in evidence, calling and scampering over rocks, and Uinta (?) Chipmunks scuttled under my feet. Besseya alpina was distinctive, and among the many other plants were Minuartia obtusiloba, Sky Pilot, the usual Mertensia, Phacelia sericea, Moss Campion, Cerastium beeringianum, and Heuchera parvifolia. Phlox pulvinata was in fine flower. The highlight was the very local endemic Ipomopsis globularis, with a white capitate inflorescence. Beautiful Senecio soldanella was a highlight, and Corydalis aurea was in flower. This was a superb place, and a longer visit here will certainly produce many more plants. Among species that also occur here are Xanthisma coloradoense, Saussurea weberi, Townsendia rothrockii, Physaria alpina, Astragalus molybdenus, Astragalus robbinsii minor, Saxifraga cernua, Silene scouleri, and Gentianella tenella. Wet flushes lower down had Iris missouriensis was still in bloom and the borage Hackelia floribunda was identified. Here were very many fine Calochortus gunnisonii, the best I saw on the whole tour. The giant Pedicularis procera flowered under the trees.

There was much Castilleja integra flowering in the lower sagebrush flats.

Day 13 Sunday 23rd July Loveland Pass and Georgetown

On my last full day I returned once more to Loveland Pass to explore more this fine area. It was understandably busy on a Sunday but not terribly so. I saw again a wealth of flora, although little new. Kalmia microphylla was already going over, there were many Aquilegia coerulea, and Potentilla glaucophylla. Butterflies included Northern Grizzled Skipper, Magdalena Alpine, and Milbert’s Tortoiseshell. In the afternoon, back at the hotel, I caught up on notes and started this report!

Days 14 & 15 Monday 24th July & Tuesday 25th July Departure

My return flight was at a convenient time so no need for a very early departure. I packed and headed slowly down from the mountains to the remarkable sprawl of Denver. The return flight was fine, and I caught my connection in Frankfurt.

Acknowledgements:- With very many thanks to Mary Mastin and Joe Virgona for their hospitality and help in Grand Junction and Grand Mesa.

With very many thanks to John and Hilary Birks for all the invaluable information they provided me with.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 14

Systematic List Number 1 Plants

The systematic order and nomenclature follow ‘Flora of Colorado’, by Jennifer Ackerfield, Brit Press, 2015. The other standard flora for the state is by Weber and Wittmann, ‘Colorado Flora’, in two parts, ‘Western Slope’, and ‘Eastern Slope’.

Ferns and Fern Allies Surprisingly very few were seen!

Dennstaedtiaceae Pteridium aquilinum Bracken. var.pubescens

Dryopteridaceae Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder Fern

Equisetaceae Equisetum arvense Common Horsetail

Selaginellaceae Selaginella densa Rocky Mountain Spike-moss

Gymnosperms Cupressaceae Juniperus communis Common Juniper Widespread and common var.depressa Juniperus osteosperma Utah Juniper Common on the western slope Juniperus scopulorum Rocky Mountain Juniper Widespread and common

Ephedraceae Ephedra viridis Green Ephedra Colorado National Monument

Pinaceae Abies bifolia Rocky Mountain Subalpine Fir Widespread Abies concolor White Fir Southern half of the state Picea engelmannii Engelmann Spruce Co-dominant in subalpine forests var.engelmannii Picea pungens Colorado Blue Spruce Common and widespread Pinus aristata Bristlecone Pine Fine stands of ancient trees, e.g. on Mt.Evans Pinus contorta Lodgepole Pine Dominant in montane forests Pinus edulis Pinyon Pine Common in drier situations Pinus flexilis Limber Pine Scattered records Pinus ponderosa Ponderosa Pine Widespread and common var.scopulorum Pinus strobiformis Southwestern White Pine In the south Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas Fir Dominant over extensive areas

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 15

Angiosperms Adoxaceae Sambucus caerulea Blue Elderberry Sambucus racemosa Red Elderberry

Agavaceae Yucca glauca Great Plains Yucca Rather common on eastern roadsides Yucca harrimaniae Spanish Bayonet Colorado National Monument

Alliaceae Allium cernuum Nodding Onion Locally common, e.g. lower Pike’s Peak Allium geyeri Geyer’s Onion Mt.Evans

Amaranthaceae Amaranthus spp.

Anacardiaceae Rhus trilobata Skunkbush Sumac Scattered records Toxicodendron rydbergii Western Poison Ivy

Apiaceae Angelica ampla Giant Angelica In moist places Angelica grayi Gray’s Angelica Widespread Angelica pinnata Small-leaf Angelica Scattered records Cicuta maculata Spotted Water Hemlock Scattered wetland records Conioselinum scopulorum Rocky Mountain Hemlockparsley Conium maculatum Hemlock Roadsides Cymopterus alpinus Alpine Springparsley Common in the alpine Cymopterus fendleri Fendler’s Springparsley Cymopterus humilis Pike’s Peak Alpine Parsley In fine flower on Pike’s Peak, where endemic Cymopterus lemmonii Ligusticoid Springparsley Widespread Cymopterus spp. Heracleum maximum Common Cowparsnip Widespread and common Ligusticum porteri Osha Widespread Lomatium triternatum Great Basin Desertparsley var.platycarpum Lomatium spp. Osmorhiza depauperata Blunt Sweet Cicely Scattered woodland records Osmorhiza occidentalis Licourice-flavoured Sweet Cicely Oxypolis fendleri Fendler’s Cowbane Common at mid-altitudes

Apocynaceae Apocynum androsaemifolium Spreading Dogbane Asclepias speciosa Showy Milkweed Widespread Asclepias spp.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 16

Araceae Lemna minor Common Duckweed

Asteraceae Composites are a major component of the flora and although many were seen on the recce, it is likely a significant number will be added on the tour. Achillea millefolium Yarrow Widespread and abundant Acroptilon repens Russian Knapweed Naturalised on roadsides Agoseris aurantiaca Orange Agoseris Scattered records Agoseris glauca Pale Agoseris Agoseris parviflora Steppe Agoseris Ambrosia spp. Anaphalis margaritacea Pearly Everlasting Rocky Mountain NP Antennaria species were widespread and present at most sites. Not always identified to species, the following are present in the areas visited. Antennaria anaphaloides Pearly Pussy-toes Antennaria corymbosa Flat-top Pussy-toes Antennaria dimorpha Low Pussy-toes Antennaria marginata Whitemargin Pussy-toes Antennaria media Rocky Mountain Pussy-toes Antennaria microphylla Littleleaf Pussy-toes Antennaria neglecta Field Pussy-toes Antennaria parvifolia Small-leaf Pussy-toes Antennaria pulcherrima Showy Pussy-toes Antennaria rosea Rosy Pussy-toes Antennaria rosulata Kaibab Pussy-toes Antennaria umbrinella Umber Pussy-toes Anthemis cotula Stinking Chamomile Scattered records (Dog Fennel) Arnica chamissonis Chamisso Arnica Arnica cordifolia Heartleaf Arnica Scattered records, e.g. Grand Mesa Arnica fulgens Foothill Arnica Arnica latifolia Broadleaf Arnica Arnica mollis Hairy Arnica Widespread, e.g. Grand Mesa Arnica parryi Parry’s Arnica Grand Mesa Arnica rydbergii Rydberg’s Arnica Artemisia arbuscula Little Sagebrush Artemisia arctica Boreal Sagebrush Alpine meadows Artemisia biennis Biennial Sagewort Artemisia campestris Field Sagewort Artemisia cana Hoary Sagebrush Artemisia carruthii Carruth’s Wormwood Artemisia dracunculus Tarragon Grand Mesa Artemisia frigida Prairie Sagewort Widespread and abundant Artemisia ludoviciana Louisiana Sagewort Widespread and common Artemisia michauxiana Michaux’s Wormwood Artemisia nova Black Sagebrush Colorado National Monument Artemisia pattersonii Alpine Sagewort e.g. Mt. Evans

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 17

Artemisia scopulorum Dwarf Sagewort Common in the alpine Artemisia spinescens Budsage Western Artemisia tridentata Common Sagebrush Widespread and common Balsamorhiza sagittata Arrow-leaved Balsamroot Gunnison canyon, in fruit Carduus nutans Nodding Thistle Naturalised Centaurea diffusa Diffuse Knapweed Naturalised Chaenactis douglasii Dustymaiden var.alpina at Monarch Pass Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus Viscid Rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus spp. Cichorium intybus Chicory Roadsides Cirsium arvense Canada Thistle (Creeping Thistle) Naturalised Cirsium canescens Prairie Thistle Roadsides Cirsium clavatum Fish Lake Thistle Cirsium eatonii Eaton’s Thistle Widespread Cirsium neomexicanum New Mexico Thistle Colorado National Monument Cirsium scariosum Elk Thistle Cirsium scopulorum Mountain Thistle This impressive species was locally common in the subalpine and alpine Cirsium vulgare Bull Thistle Cirsium spp. Crepis spp. Hawk’s-beard spp. Dietaria bigelovii var.bigelovii Bigelow’s Tansy-aster Dietaria canescens Hoary Tansy-aster Grand Mesa etc. Ericameria nauseosa Rubber Rabbitbrush Common and widespread Ericameria parryi Parry’s Rabbitbrush Many Erigeron species were present. Without time to identify all those seen, here I list the widespread and common species that were surely seen. 44 species in Colorado. Erigeron canus Hoary Daisy Erigeron compositus Cutleaf Daisy Erigeron coulteri Coulter’s Daisy Erigeron divergens Spreading Daisy Erigeron eatonii Eaton’s Daisy Erigeron elatior Tall Daisy Erigeron engelmannii Engelmann’s Daisy Grand Mesa Erigeron eximius Splendid Daisy Erigeron flagellaris Trailing Daisy Grand Mesa Erigeron formosissimus Beautiful Daisy Erigeron glabellus Smooth Daisy Erigeron glacialis Glacial Daisy Widespread Erigeron grandiflorus Rocky Mountain Alpine Daisy e.g. Guanella Pass Erigeron melanocephalus Blackhead Daisy Loveland Pass Erigeron pinnatisectus Featherleaf Daisy Common at higher altitudes Erigeron pumilus Shaggy Daisy Erigeron speciosus Aspen Daisy Common in meadows and aspen forests Erigeron subtrinervis Threenerve Daisy Erigeron vetensis Early Bluetop Daisy Eucephalus engelmannii Engelmann’s Aster Gaillardia aristata Blanketflower Roadsides Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 18

Grindelia hirsutula? Hirsute Gumweed Colorado National Monument Grindelia squarrosa Curlycup Gumweed Near Georgetown Gutierrezia sarothrae Broom Snakeweed Widespread Helianthella quinquenervis Fivenerve Little Sunflower Very common on Grand Mesa, and elsewhere Helianthus annuus Common Sunflower Roadsides Helianthus spp. Sunflower spp. Heliomeris multiflora Showy Goldeneye e.g. Grand Mesa Heterotheca foliosa Foliose False Goldenaster Scattered Heterotheca villosa Hairy False Goldenaster Common and widespread Hieracium albiflorum White Hawkweed Rocky Mountain National Park Hymenoxys grandiflora Old Man of the Mountain Locally common in the alpine Hymenoxys hoopesii Orange Sneezeweed Widespread and common Lactuca tatarica var.pulchella Blue Lettuce Roadsides Leucanthemum vulgare Ox-eye Daisy Naturalised Machaeranthera tanacetifolia Tansyleaf Tansy-aster Madia glomerata Mountain Tarweed Naturalised near Keystone Matricaria discoidea Pineapple Weed Scattered records Oreochrysum parryi Parry’s Goldenrod Packera crocata Saffron Ragwort Packera fendleri Fendler’s Ragwort Packera werneriifolia Hoary Groundsel Packera spp. Ragwort/Groundsel spp. Rudbeckia hirta var.pulcherrima Black-eyed Susan Roadsides Rudbeckia laciniata var.ampla Cutleaf Coneflower Roadsides Rudbeckia montana Montane Coneflower Rayless maroon f lowers. Grand Mesa. Senecio amplectens Showy Alpine Ragwort Widespread Senecio atratus Tall Blacktip Ragwort Widespread and locally common Senecio bigelovii var.hallii Hall’s Ragwort Grand Mesa etc. Senecio crassulus Mountain Meadow Ragwort Senecio eremophilus var.kingii Cut-leaved Groundsel Senecio fremontii var.blitoides Dwarf Mountain Ragwort Senecio integerrimus Lamb’s-tongue Ragwort Widespread and common Senecio serra var.admirabilis Saw-toothed Ragwort Senecio soldanella Colorado Ragwort Weston Pass Senecio spartioides Narrow-leaved Butterweed Senecio triangularis Arrowleaf Ragwort Widespread and common along streams and in moist meadows Senecio spp. Ragwort spp. Solidago canadensis Canada Goldenrod Solidago multiradiata Rocky Mountain Goldenrod Widespread and common. var.scopulorum Solidago nana Baby Goldenrod Solidago simplex var.simplex Mt.Albert Goldenrod Widespread and common Solidago velutina ssp.sparsiflora Three-nerve Goldenrod Solidago spp. Sonchus asper Prickly Sow Thistle Stephanomeria tenuifolia Narrowleaf Wire Lettuce Colorado NationalMonument Symphyotrichum, the asters, is a very complex genus. Many were seen and the following is a list of the common and widespread species. 16 species occur. Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 19

Symphyotrichum ascendens Western Aster Symphyotrichum falcatum White Prairie Aster Symphyotrichum foliaceum Leafy Aster Symphyotrichum laeve var.geyeri Smooth Blue Aster Symphyotrichum lanceolatum Western Lined Aster ssp.hesperium Symphyotrichum spp. Taraxacum ceratophorum Northern Dandelion Common in the subalpine and alpine Taraxacum eriophorum Woolbearing Dandelion Weston Pass Taraxacum laevigatum Rock Dandelion Naturalised Taraxacum officinale Dandelion Very widely naturalised Taraxacum scopulorum Alpine Dandelion Common in the subalpine and alpine Tetraneuris acaulis Stemless Four-nerve Daisy Widespread and common in the alpine var.caespitosa Tonestus pygmaeus Pygmy Goldenweed Loveland Pass Tragopogon pratensis Meadow Salsify Scattered roadside records Tripleurospermum inodorum Wild Chamomile Scattered records Wyethia amplexicaulis Mule’s Ears Grand Mesa Xanthisma grindelioides Goldenweed var.grindelioides

Berberidaceae Berberis repens Oregon-grape Rocky Mountain National Park, etc.

Betulaceae Alnus incana ssp.tenuifolia Thinleaf Alder e.g. Rocky Mountain NP Betula occidentalis Water Birch

Boraginaceae Cryptantha spp. Eritrichium nanum Arctic Alpine Forget-me-not Locally common in the alpine var.elongatum (King of the Alps) Hackelia floribunda Manyflower Stickseed Below Weston Pass Lappula occidentalis Western Stickseed Gunnison Canyon Mertensia alpina Alpine Bluebells Locally common in the alpine on Pike’s Peak, but not endemic there as stated in Weber Mertensia ciliata Streamside Bluebells Widespread and locally very common along streams etc. Mertensia lanceolata Prairie Bluebells Common and widespread Mertensia spp. bluebells Others possibly seen Oreocarya virgata Miner’s Candle Lower Pike’s Peak Plagiobothrys scouleri Sleeping Popcorn Flower Grand Mesa, muddy track. var.hispidulus

Brassicaceae Boechera grahamii Graham’s Rockcress Boechera lemmonii Lemmon’s Rockcress Weston Pass Boechera stricta Drummond’s Rockcress Scattered records Boechera spp. Rockcress spp.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 20

Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd’s Purse Cardamine cordifolia Heartleaf Bittercress Locally common in moist meadows Descurainia sophia Flixweed Grand Mesa etc. Draba aurea Golden Draba Scattered alpine records Draba exunguiculata Clawless Draba Mt.Evans Draba grayana Gray’s Draba Mt.Evans Draba streptocarpa Pretty Draba Mt.Evans Draba spp. Draba spp. Erysimum capitatum Sand Dune Wallflower Scattered records Lepidium densiflorum Common Pepperweed Noccaea fendleri sp.glauca Alpine Pennycress Scattered alpine records Physaria spp. Bladderpod spp. Rorippa alpina Alpine Yellow-cress Grand Mesa Smelowskia americana American False Candytuft Scattered alpine records Stanleya pinnata Desert Prince’s Plume Colorado National Monument Thlaspi arvense Field Pennycress

Cactaceae Opuntia fragilis Brittle Pricklypear Opuntia phaeacantha Tulip Pricklypear Opuntia polyacantha Plains Pricklypear

Campanulaceae Campanula parryi var.parryi Rocky Mountain Bellflower Campanula rotundifolia Harebell Widespread

Capparaceae Cleome serrulata Rocky Mountain Beeplant A few roadside records

Caprifoliaceae Linnaea borealis Twinberry Rocky Mountain NP, in fine flower var.longiflora Lonicera involucrata Twinberry Scattered records Symphoricarpos rotundifolius Mountain Snowberry Grand Mesa

Caryophyllaceae Arenaria lanuginosa var.saxosa Spreading Sandwort Cerastium arvense ssp.strictum Prairie Mouse-ear Widespread and common Cerastium beeringianum Bering Chickweed Common in the subalpine and alpine Cerastium fontanum ssp.vulgare Common Mouse-ear Widespread Eremogone congesta Ballhead Sandwort Grand Mesa Eremogone fendleri Fendler’s Sandwort e.g. Guanella Pass Minuartia obtusiloba Alpine Stitchwort Common in the alpine Minuartia rubella Reddish Sandwort Scattered alpine records Paronychia pulvinata Rocky Mountain Nailwort Pike’s Peak etc. Pseudostellaria jamesiana Tuber Starwort Grand Mesa Sagina saginoides Arctic Pearlwort Scattered records Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 21

Silene acaulis Moss Campion Common in the alpine Spergularia rubra Red Sand Spurrey Naturalised Stellaria umbellata Umbellate Starwort Stellaria spp. Starwort spp.

Celastraceae Paxistima myrsinites Oregon Boxleaf

Chenopodiaceae An important family in the region, many were seen Atriplex argentea Silverscale Saltbush Atriplex canescens Fourwing Saltbush e.g. Colorado National Monument Atriplex confertifolia Shadscale Atriplex gardneri Gardner’s Saltbush Atriplex heterosperma Twoscale Saltbush Atriplex patula Spear Saltbush Atriplex rosea Tumbling Saltweed Chenopodium album Lambsquarters Chenopodium atrovirens Pinyon Goosefoot Chenopodium berlandieri Zschack’s Goosefoot var.zcshackii Chenopodium fremontii Fremont’s Goosefoot Chenopodium glaucum Oakleaf Goosefoot Chenopodium incanum Mealy Goosefoot var.incanum Chenopodium leptophyllum Narrowleaf Goosefoot Chenopodium simplex Maple-leaf Goosefoot Kochia scoparia Burning Bush Krascheninnikovia lanata Winterfat Monolepis nuttalliana Nuttall’s Povertyweed Salsola tragus Russian Thistle Sarcobatus vermiculatus Greasewood

Convolvulaceae Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed

Cornaceae Cornus sericea ssp.sericea Redosier Dogwood

Crassulaceae Rhodiola integrifolia King’s Crown Widespread Rhodiola rhodantha Rose Crown Scattered records Sedum lanceolatum Spearleaf Stonecrop Widespread and common

Cyperaceae Bulboschoenus maritimus Salt-marsh Bulrush ssp.paludosus

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 22

Other than the excellent treatments of Cyperaceae in both floras of Colorado, and in Volume 23 of ‘Flora of North America, the recently published ‘Sedges of Colorado’, by Janet L. Wingate, 2017, is invaluable. 116 species of Carex occur. Carex albonigra Black-and-white Scaled Sedge Common in the subalpine and alpine Carex aquatilis Water Sedge Common in wetlands Carex athrostachya Long-bract Sedge Carex aurea Golden Sedge Carex bella Beautiful Sedge Carex canescens Silvery Sedge Carex chalciolepis Holm Sedge Common in the alpine Carex disperma Soft-leaved Sedge Carex douglasii Douglas’ Sedge Carex duriuscula Needleleaf Sedge Carex ebenea Ebony Sedge Common in the subalpine and alpine Carex elynoides Blackroot Sedge Locally abundant in the alpine Kobresia-like Sedge Carex geyeri Elk Sedge Forests Carex haydeniana Cloud Sedge Common in the alpine Carex hoodii Hood’s Sedge Carex illota Small-headed Sedge Carex microptera Small-winged Sedge Carex nebrascensis Nebraska Sedge Carex nigricans Black Alpine Sedge Carex nova Black Sedge Carex obtusata Obtuse Sedge Carex occidentalis Western Sedge Carex pellita Woolly Sedge Carex phaeocephala Dunhead Sedge Carex praegracilis Black-creeper Sedge Carex rossii Ross’s Sedge Carex rupestris Curly Sedge Common in the alpine Carex scopulorum Mountain Sedge Carex siccata Dry Sedge Dry forests Carex simulata Short-beaked Sedge Carex stevenii Steven’s Sedge Carex utriculata Beaked Sedge e.g. Grand Mesa lake shores Carex vernacula Foetid Sedge Common in the alpine Carex vesicaria Blister Sedge Eleocharis acicularis Needle Spikerush Grand Mesa Eleocharis palustris Common Spikerush Grand Mesa Eriophorum angustifolium Tall Cotton-grass Kobresia myosuroides Bellardi’s Bog Sedge

Elaeagnaceae Shepherdia canadensis Canadian Buffaloberry

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 23

Ericaceae Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry (Kinnikinnick) Widespread on forest floors Gaultheria humifusa Alpine Spicy-wintergreen In spruce woodland Kalmia microphylla Alpine Laurel In flower at Loveland Pass Orthilia secunda Nodding Wintergreen (Sidebells) Coniferous forests Pyrola asarifolia Pink Wintergreen Coniferous forests Pyrola chlorantha Green-flowered Wintergreen Coniferous forests Pyrola minor Lesser Wintergreen Coniferous forests Vaccinium cespitosum Dwarf Blueberry Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry (Whortleberry) Widespread and common Vaccinium scoparium Dwarf Red Whortleberry Locally very common

Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce serpyllifolia Thymeleaf Sandmat Probably this, Chipita Euphorbia spp Spurge spp.

Fabaceae Astragalus alpinus Alpine Milkvetch Widespread Astragalus pattersonii Patterson’s Milkvetch Gunnison Canyon Astragalus spp. Milkvetch spp. Hedysarum boreale Utah Sweetvetch Hedysarum occidentale Western Sweetvetch Grand Mesa Lathyrus lanszwertii Whiteflower Pea Grand Mesa. var.leucanthus Lathyrus latifolius Everlasting Pea Locally naturalised Lupinus caudatus Tailcup Lupine Widespread and very common (Lupinus argenteus) Lupinus sericeus Silky Lupine var.sericeus Lupinus spp. Lupine spp. Medicago lupulina Black Medick Medicago sativa Lucerne Melilotus albus White Melilot Commonly naturalised on roadsides Melilotus officinalis Ribbed Melilot Abundantly naturalised on roadsides Melilotus spp. Melilot species Apparently at least one other species naturalised, but only the previous two are included in the flora Oxytropis campestris Yellow Oxytropis Local (Field Locoweed) Oxytropis lambertii Purple Locoweed Guanella Pass Oxytropis sericea White Locoweed Locally common Oxytropis splendens Showy Locoweed Rocky Mountain NP Robinia pseudacacia False Acacia Thermopsis rhombifolia Goldenbanner Scattered records, a polymorphic species var.divaricarpa var.montana Trifolium dasyphyllum Alpine Clover Common in the subalpine and alpine Trifolium hybridum Alsike Clover Naturalised Trifolium nanum Dwarf Clover Locally common in the alpine Trifolium parryi Parry’s Clover Common in the subalpine and alpine

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 24

Trifolium pratense Red Clover Widespread Trifolium repens White Clover Widespread Vicia americana American Vetch Grand Mesa

Fagaceae Quercus gambelii Gambel Oak Locally numerous Quercus turbinella Sonoran Scrub Oak

Fumariaceae Corydalis aurea Golden Corydalis Weston Pass etc. Corydalis caseana Fitweed Locally forming extensive stands, Grand ssp.brandegeei Mesa

Gentianaceae Frasera speciosa Monument Plant (Elkweed) Many fine examples Gentiana prostrata Pygmy Gentian Guanella Pass etc. Gentianella acuta Autumn Dwarf Gentian Rocky Mountain NP Gentiana parryi Parry’s Gentian Grand Mesa in leaf Swertia perennis Felwort Rocky Mountain NP

Geraniaceae Geranium caespitosum Rocky Mountain Geranium Widespread and common Geranium richardsonii Richardson’s Geranium Widespread and common Geranium viscosissimum Sticky Purple Geranium Widespread and locally common var.incisum

Grossulariaceae Ribes aureum Golden Currant Widespread Ribes cereum Wax Currant Widespread Ribes coloradense Colorado Currant Seen in the alpine Ribes inerme Whitestem Gooseberry Widespread Ribes lacustre Prickly Currant Scattered Ribes leptanthum Trumpet Gooseberry Ribes montigenum Alpine Prickly Currant Widespread Ribes wolfii Wolf’s Currant e.g. Grand Mesa

Hydrangeaceae Jamesia americana Fivepetal Cliffbush Lower Pike’s Peak var.americana

Hydrophyllaceae Phacelia hastata Silverleaf Phacelia Mt.Evans Phacelia heterophylla Wand Phacelia Lower Pike’s Peak Phacelia sericea Silky Phacelia Widespread and common

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 25

Iridaceae Iris missouriensis Rocky Mountain Iris A few still in flower

Juncaceae Juncus arcticus Arctic Rush Juncus biglumis Two-flowered Rush Mt.Evans Juncus bufonius Toad Rush Juncus castaneus Chestnut Rush Mt.Evans Juncus confusus Colorado Rush Juncus drummondii Drummond’s Rush Juncus dudleyi Dudley’s Rush Juncus ensifolius Swordleaf Rush Juncus interior Inland Rush Juncus longistylis Longstyle Rush Juncus mertensianus Merten’s Rush Juncus nodosus Knotted Rush Juncus parryi Parry’s Rush Juncus torreyi Torrey’s Rush Luzula parviflora Small-flowered Woodrush Luzula spicata Spiked Woodrush Luzula subcapitata Colorado Woodrush

Lamiaceae Agastache urticifolia Nettleleaf Giant Hyssop Grand Mesa Mentha arvensis Wild Mint Monardella odoratissima Stinking Horsemint

Liliaceae Calochortus gunnisonii Gunnison’s Mariposa Lily Locally common in superb bloom Erythronium grandiflorum Avalanche Lily In leaf on Grand Mesa. ssp.grandiflorum Lloydia serotina Alpine Lily (Snowdon Lily) Locally common in the alpine Streptopus amplexifolius Claspleaf Twisted Stalk Scattered records

Linaceae Linum lewisii Lewis Flax Scattered records Linum perenne Perennial Flax Naturalised on roadsides near Georgetown

Malvaceae Malva neglecta Dwarf Mallow Sidalcea neomexicana Rocky Mountain Checker-bloom Lower Mt.Evans

Melanthiaceae Veratrum californicum California False Helleborine Locally common Zigadenus elegans Mountain Death Camas Widespread and common Zigadenus paniculatus Foothill Death Camas

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 26

Montiaceae Claytonia megarhiza Alpine Spring Beauty Locally common in the alpine Lewisia pygmaea var.pygmaea Alpine Lewisia Scattered alpine records

Nymphaeaceae Nuphar polysepala Yellow Pond Lily (Rocky Ponds on Grand Mesa Mountain Pond-lily)

Oleaceae Fraxinus anomala Singleleaf Ash

Onagraceae Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb (Fireweed) Common and widespread Epilobium anagallidifolium Pimpernel Willow-herb Epilobium brachycarpum Panicled Willow-herb Epilobium ciliatum American Willow-herb Epilobium halleanum Glandular Willow-herb Epilobium hornemannii Hornemann’s Willow-herb Epilobium palustre Marsh Willow-herb Grand Mesa etc. Epilobium saximontanum Rocky Mountain Willow-herb Gayophytum diffusum Diffuse Groundsmoke Grand Mesa. ssp.parviflorum Gayophytum racemosum Kitchenweed Grand Mesa Oenothera cespitosa Tufted Evening Primrose Impressive large white flowers, becoming pink. Scattered records. Oenothera coronopifolia Crownleaf Evening Primrose Wilkerson Pass Oenothera flava Yellow Evening Primrose Grand Mesa etc.

Orchidaceae Corallorhiza maculata Spotted Coralroot In fruit in Rocky Mountain NP Cypripedium parviflorum Yellow Lady’s Slipper In fruit in Rocky Mountain NP ssp.pubescens Platanthera aquilonis Northern Green Orchid Scattered records in damp sites (P.hyperborea) Platanthera dilatata Scentbottle (!) Scattered records in damp sites Platanthera obtusata Blunt-leaved Orchid Rocky Mountain National Park

Orobanchaceae Castilleja chromosa Red Desert Paintbrush e.g. south of Fairplay Castilleja integra Wholeleaf Indian Paintbrush Scattered records Castilleja linariifolia Wyoming Paintbrush Widespread and common Castilleja miniata Red Indian Paintbrush Widespread and common Castilleja occidentalis Western Indian Paintbrush Common at higher altitudes Castilleja puberula Shortflower Indian Paintbrush Locally common in the alpine Castilleja rhexiifolia Splitleaf Indian Paintbrush Locally common, e.g. Grand Mesa Castilleja sulphurea Sulphur Indian Paintbrush Widespread and common Orthocarpus luteus Yellow Owl’s Clover Rocky Mountain NP

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 27

Pedicularis bracteosa Payson’s Lousewort Common and widespread. var.paysoniana Pedicularis groenlandica Elephant’s Head Widespread and locally abundant Pedicularis parryi Parry’s Lousewort Widespread Pedicularis procera Giant Lousewort Below Weston Pass Pedicularis racemosa var.alba Sickletop Lousewort e.g. Grand Mesa Pedicularis sudetica Sudetic Lousewort Scattered higher altitude records. ssp.scopulorum

Oxalidaceae Oxalis spp. Wood-sorrel

Papaveraceae Argemone polyanthemos Crested Prickly-poppy Roadsides

Parnassiaceae Parnassia fimbriata Rocky Mountain Grass of A few records Parnassus

Phrymaceae Mimulus guttatus Yellow Monkey Flower Scattered along streams and in seeps

Plantaginaceae Besseya alpina Alpine Kittemtails Scattered in the alpine Callitriche palustris Vernal Water Starwort Grand Mesa Chionophila jamesii Rocky Mountain Snowlover Scattered alpine records Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax Widely naturalised (Butter-and-eggs) Penstemon caespitosus Mat Penstemon Gone over on Grand Mesa Penstemon crandallii Crandall’s Beardtongue Penstemon glaber Sawsepal Penstemon Pike’s Peak etc. Penstemon hallii Hall’s Beardtongue Pike’s Peak Penstemon harbourii Harbour’s Beardtongue Penstemon mensarum Tiger Beardtongue Grand Mesa Penstemon procerus var.procerus Pincushion Beardtongue Scattered records Penstemon rydbergii Rydberg’s Penstemon Scattered records Penstemon secundiflorus Sidebells Penstemon Scattered records Penstemon strictus Rocky Mountain Penstemon Common and widespread Penstemon virens Front Range Beardtongue Scattered records, e.g. Mt. Evans Penstemon virgatus Oneside Penstemon Scattered records. var.asa-grayi Penstemon whippleanus Whipple’s Penstemon Widespread and very common. Flower colour very variable. All white/yellow on Grand Mesa. Plantago lanceolata Narrowleaf Plantain (Ribwort Plantain) Plantago major Common Plantain (Greater Plantain) Veronica americana American Speedwell Veronica anagallis-aquatica Water Speedwell Veronica wormskjoldii American Alpine Speedwell Widespread

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 28

Poaceae As well as the fine treatment in the two floras, ‘Grasses of Colorado’ by Robert B.Shaw, University Press of Colorado, 2008, is invaluable. Many more grasses were seen than were identified! Achnatherum hymenoides Indian Ricegrass Achnatherum spp. Needlegrass spp. Agrostis spp. Bentgrass spp. Alopecuros aequalis Short-awn Foxtail (Orange Foxtail) Anthoxanthum hirtum Northern Sweetgrass Aristida purpurea Purple Three-awn Beckmannia syzigachne American Sloughgrass Bouteloua gracilis Blue Grama Bromus carinatus California Brome Bromus ciliatus Fringed Brome Bromus inermis Smooth Brome (Awnless Brome) Bromus tectorum Cheatgrass (Drooping Brome) Bromus spp. Brome spp. Calamagrostis canadensis Bluejoint Dactylis glomerata Orchard Grass (Cock’s-foot) Danthonia spp. Oatgrass spp. Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted Hairgrass Elymus spp. Wildrye spp. Festuca idahoensis Idaho Fescue Festuca rubra ssp.rubra Red Fescue Festuca spp. Fescue spp. Hesperostipa comata Needle and Thread Hordeum jubatum Foxtail Barley Hordeum spp. Barley spp. Koeleria macrantha Junegrass (Crested Hair-grass) Leymus spp. Wildrye spp. Lolium perenne Perennial Ryegrass Muhlenbergia spp. Muhly spp.(!) Pascopyrum smithii Western Wheatgrass Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary Grass Phleum alpinum Alpine Timothy Phleum pratense Timothy Phragmites australis Common Reed Piptatherum micranthum Littleseed Ricegrass Poa alpina Alpine Bluegrass (Alpine Meadow-grass) Poa annua Annual Bluegrass (Annual Meadow-grass) Poa arctica Arctic Bluegrass Poa palustris Fowl Bluegrass (Swamp Meadow-grass) Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass (Smooth Meadow-grass) Poa spp. Meadow-grass spp. Setaria viridis var.viridis Green Bristlegrass

Polemoniaceae Collomia linearis Tiny Trumpet Grand Mesa etc.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 29

Ipomopsis aggregata Scarlet Gilia Widespread and very common. Very variable with several intergrading forms. ssp.tenuituba Grand Mesa Ipomopsis globularis Hoosier Pass Ipomopsis Weston Pass. Endemic. Ipomopsis spp. Ipomopsis spp. Phlox condensata Alpine Phlox Guanella Pass Phlox multiflora Mountain Phlox Over on Grand Mesa Phlox pulvinata Cushion Phlox Weston Pass Polemonium confertum Rocky Mountain Sky Pilot Scattered alpine records Polemonium foliosissimum Leafy Jacob’s Ladder Locally common Polemonium occidentale Western Jacob’s Ladder Locally common. ssp.occidentale Polemonium pulcherrimum Jacob’s Ladder Locally common. ssp.delicatum Polemonium viscosum Sky Pilot Scattered alpine records

Polygonaceae Bistorta bistortoides American Bistort Widespread and common Bistorta vivipara Alpine Bistort (Viviparous Scattered alpine records Bistort) Eriogonum alatum Winged Buckwheat Eriogonum flavum var.flavum Golden Buckwheat Eriogonum umbellatum Sulphur Flower Widespread including var.majus (Eriogonum subalpinum) Eriogonum spp. Buckwheat spp. Oxyria digyna Alpine Mountain Sorrel Scattered alpine records Persicaria spp. Smartweed spp. Polygonum aviculare Prostrate Knotweed Polygonum spp. Knotweed spp. Rumex acetosella Sheep Sorrel Rumex crispus Curly Dock Rumex densiflorus Dense-flowered Dock Rumex occidentalis Western Dock Rumex triangulivalvis Willow Dock Rocky Mountain National Park, etc.

Primulaceae Androsace chamaejasme Boreal Rockjasmine Scattered alpine records Androsace septentrionalis Pygmyflower Rockjasmine Grand Mesa Primula angustifolia Alpine Primrose Pike’s Peak, in fine flower Primula parryi Parry’s Primrose Scattered alpine records, locally common in fine flower

Ranunculaceae Aconitum columbianum Monk’s Hood e.g. Grand Mesa Anemone canadensis Canadian Anemone In flower lower Pike’s Peak Anemone narcissiflora Narcissus Anemone Scattered alpine records. var.zephyra Anemone patens var.multifida Pasque Flower Loveland Pass Aquilegia coerulea Colorado Blue Columbine Locally common in fine flower. The state flower of Colorado.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 30

Aquilegia elegantula Western Red Columbine A few still in flower on Grand Mesa Aquilegia saximontana Rocky Mountain Blue Columbine Very local in the alpine Caltha leptosepala Marsh Marigold Locally common in marshes and seeps Clematis hirsutissima Sugar Bowls In fruit Grand Mesa, one still just in flower Delphinium alpestre Alpine Larkspur Weston Pass Delphinium barbeyi Subalpine Larkspur Common and widespread Delphinium nuttallianum Nuttall’s Larkspur Scattered records Delphinium occidentale Western Larkspur Delphinium ramosum Mountain Larkspur Ranunculus adoneus Alpine Buttercup In fine flower by snowmelt Ranunculus alismifolius Waterplantain Buttercup Widespread, e.g. Grand Mesa. ssp.montanus Ranunculus inamoenus Graceful Buttercup Scattered records. var.inamoenus Ranunculus spp. Buttercup spp. Thalictrum fendleri Fendler’s Meadowrue Widespread and common Trollius albiflorus White Globeflower Common in marshes, along streams, etc.

Rosaceae Amelanchier alnifolia Western Service Berry Scattered records Cercocarpus montanus Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany Scattered, e.g. Colorado National Monument

Dryas octopetala var.hookeriana Hooker’s Mountain Avens Scattered alpine records Fragaria vesca Woodland Strawberry Scattered records Fragaria virginiana Mountain Strawberry Widespread and common Geum aleppicum Yellow Avens Rocky Mountain NP Geum macrophyllum Large-leaved Avens Grand Mesa. var.perincisum Geum rossii var.turbinatum Alpine Avens Common in the alpine and subalpine Geum triflorum Prairie Smoke Grand Mesa Holodiscus dumosus Rockspirea Widespread Ivesia gordonii Alpine Ivesia Guanella Pass Potentilla is a large and confusing genus in the area, with identification complicated by frequent hybridisation. Potentilla bipinnatifida Tansy Cinquefoil Potentilla fissa Bigflower Cinquefoil Mt.Evans Potentilla fruticosa Shrubby Cinquefoil Widespread and locally very common Potentilla glaucophylla Blueleaf Cinquefoil e.g. Loveland Pass var.glaucophylla Potentilla gracilis Slender Cinquefoil Potentilla hippiana Woolly Cinquefoil Potentilla hookeriana Hooker’s Cinquefoil Potentilla nivea Snow Cinquefoil Potentilla norvegica Norwegian Cinquefoil Potentilla pensylvanica Pennsylvania Cinquefoil Potentilla pulcherrima Beautiful Cinquefoil Potentilla saximontana Rocky Mountain Cinquefoil Potentilla subjuga Colorado Cinquefoil Potentilla spp. Cinquefoil spp. Purshia stansburiana Stansbury’s Cliffrose In flower, Colorado National Monument

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 31

Purshia tridentata Antelope Bitterbrush Common in the west Rosa acicularis ssp.sayi Prickly Rose Scattered records in flower Rosa blanda Smooth Rose (Rosa woodsii). Widespread in flower. Rubus deliciosus Delicious Raspberry Rubus idaeus var.strigosus Red Raspberry Sibbaldia procumbens Creeping Sibbaldia Scattered alpine records Sorbus scopulina var.scopulina Mountain Ash

Rubiaceae Galium bifolium Twinleaf Bedstraw Galium boreale Northern Bedstraw Widespread and common Galium triflorum Fragrant Bedstraw Rocky Mountain NP

Ruscaceae Maianthemum racemosum Large False Solomon’s Seal ssp.amplexicaule

Salicaceae Populus angustifolia Narrowleaf Cottonwood Populus balsamifera Balsam Poplar Populus deltoides Cottonwood Populus tremuloides Quaking Aspen Very widespread and common, forming large clonal stands Salix is a large and confusing genus, with identification complicated by hybridisation. Many species were seen, and the following is a list of the common and widespread species that were certainly present. Salix amygdaloides Peach-leaf Willow Salix bebbiana Bebb Willow Salix boothii Booth’s Willow Salix brachycarpa Shortfruit Willow var.brachycarpa Salix drummondiana Drummond’s Willow Salix eriocephala Strapleaf Willow Salix exigua Coyote Willow Salix geyeriana Geyer Willow Salix glauca Grayleaf Willow Salix lasiandra Pacific Willow Salix monticola Mountain Willow Salix petrophila Alpine Willow Loveland Pass Salix planifolia Planeleaf Willow Salix reticulata var.nana Snow Willow Common in the alpine Salix scouleriana Scouler’s Willow Salix wolfii var.wolfii Wolf’s Willow Salix spp. willow spp. Other species unidentified.

Sapindaceae Acer glabrum var.glabrum Rocky Mountain Maple Widespread Acer negundo Box Elder

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 32

Saxifragaceae Heuchera bracteata Rocky Mountain Alumroot Mt.Evans Heuchera hallii Front Range Alumroot (Pike’s Peak) Heuchera parvifolia Common Alumroot Widespread Micranthes odontoloma Brook Saxifrage Grand Mesa etc. Micranthes oregana Oregon Saxifrage Grand Mesa etc. Micranthes rhomboidea Diamondleaf Saxifrage Pike’s Peak and Mt. Evans Mitella pentandra Five-star Mitrewort Grand Mesa Mitella stauropetala Side-flowered Mitrewort var.stenopetala Saxifraga bronchialis Spotted Saxifrage Loveland Pass etc. var.austromontana Saxifraga chrysantha Golden Saxifrage Pike’s Peak and Mt.Evans Saxifraga hirculus Yellow Marsh Saxifrage Mt. Evans Saxifraga rivularis Weak Saxifrage Scattered records Telesonix jamesii Alumroot Brookfoam (Pike’s Peak)

Scrophulariaceae Verbascum thapsus Woolly Mullein (Aaron’s Rod) Very widely naturalised

Simaroubaceae Ailanthus altissima Tree of Heaven

Solanaceae Solanum spp. Nightshades

Tamaricaceae Tamarix chinensis Salt-cedar

Typhaceae Typha angustifolia Narrowleaf Cattail Typha domingensis Southern Cattail Typha latifolia Broadleaf Cattail

Urticaceae Urtica dioica ssp.gracilis Stinging Nettle

Valerianaceae Valeriana acutiloba Sharpleaf Valerian Widespread and common Valeriana edulis Tobacco Root Widespread and common Valeriana occidentalis Western Valerian Widespread and common

Violaceae Viola adunca Hook-spurred Violet In flower at Loveland Pass (Western Dog Violet)

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 33

Systematic List Number 2 Butterflies

The nomenclature followed here is for the most part that ‘Western Butterflies’ by Paul Opler, a Peterson Field Guide, Houghton Mifflin, 1999.

Papilionidae Rocky Mountain Parnassian Parnassius smintheus Locally common in the alpine Western Tiger Swallowtail Papilio rutulus Scattered records

Pieridae Checkered White Pontia protodice Pike’s Peak and Rocky Mountain NP Margined White Pieris marginalis Scattered records Cabbage White (Small White) Pieris rapae Scattered records Large Marble Euchloe ausonides Grand Mesa Clouded Sulphur Colias philodice Widespread Orange Sulphur Colias eurytheme Scattered records Queen Alexandra’s Sulphur Colias alexandra Grand Mesa Mead’s Sulphur Colias meadii Guanella Pass Scudder’s Sulphur Colias scudderii Rocky Mountain NP

Lycaenidae Ruddy Copper Lycaena rubidus Scattered records Blue Copper Lycaena heteronea Grand Mesa Purplish Copper Lycaena helloides Scattered records Lilac-bordered Copper Lycaena nivalis Scattered records Juniper Hairstreak Callophrys gryneus Rocky Mountain NP Marine Blue Leptotes marina Colorado National Monument Rocky Mountain Dotted Blue Euphilotes ancilla A few records Silvery Blue Glaucopsyche lygdamus Scattered records Arctic Blue Agriades aquilo Widespread Melissa Blue Lycaeides melissa Greenish Blue Plebejus saepiolus Scattered records Boisduval’s Blue Icaricia icarioides Shasta Blue Icaricia shasta Common in the alpine Lupine Blue Icaricia lupini Widespread

Nymphalidae Great Spangled Fritillary Speyeria cybele Grand Mesa Aphrodite Fritillary Speyeria aphrodite Coronis Fritillary Speyeria coronis Grand Mesa Zerene Fritillary Speyeria zerene Atlantis Fritillary Speyeria atlantis Northwestern Fritillary Speyeria hesperis Grand Mesa Mormon Fritillary Speyeria mormonia Arctic Fritillary Boloria chariclea A few in Rocky Mountain NP Edith’s Checkerspot Euphydryas editha Mt.Evans, very small individuals Green Comma Polygonia faunis Grand Mesa

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 34

Hoary Comma Polygonia gracilis Mt.Evans California Tortoiseshell Nymphalis californica A few records Milbert’s Tortoiseshell Nymphalis milberti Scattered records Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta Scattered records Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Widespread, mostly very fresh individuals

Weidemeyer’s Admiral Limenitis weidemeyerii Pike’s Peak, Grand Mesa, etc.

Satyridae Common Ringlet Coenonympha tullia Grand Mesa (Large Heath) Small Wood-nymph Cercyonis oetus Grand Mesa Magdalena Alpine Erebia magdalena Loveland Pass Colorado Alpine Erebia callias Several high pass records, e.g. Guanella and Loveland Melissa Arctic Oeneis melissa Mt.Evans

Hesperiidae Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus centaureae Loveland Pass (Northern Grizzled Skipper) Common Branded Skipper Hesperia comma Mt.Evans (Silver-spotted Skipper)

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 35

Systematic List Number 3 Birds

Although some interesting species were seen, birds were rather few and far between!

Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Scattered records Canada Goose Branta canadensis Scattered records Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Scattered records Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Scattered records Osprey Pandion haliaetus Western Rocky Mountain Nap, and Dillon Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Grand Mesa Swainson’s Hawk Buteo swainsoni Winter Park Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Scattered records American Kestrel Falco sparverius Near Fairplay Gambel’s Quail Callipepla gambelii Colorado National Monument White-tailed Ptarmigan Lagopus leucurus Loveland Pass American Coot Fulica americana A few records California Gull Larus californicus Scattered records Band-tailed Pigeon Columba fasciata Rock Dove Columba livia Widespread Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Widespread and common Northern Pygmy-owl Glaucidium gnoma Grand Mesa White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatilis Colorado National Monument etc. Broad-tailed Hummingbird Selasphorus platycercus Widespread Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus Scattered records Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus Rocky Mountain National Park Three-toed Woodpecker Picoides tridactylus A pair in Rocky Mountain National Park Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus borealis Rocky Mountain National Park Cordilleran Flycatcher Empidonax occidentalis Hammond’s Flycatcher Empidonax hammondii Grand Mesa Ash-throated Flycatcher Myiarchus cinerascens Colorado National Monument Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus Rocky Mountain National Park Steller’s Jay Cyanocitta stelleri Scattered records Western Scrub Jay Aphelocoma californica Scattered records Gray Jay Perisoreus canadensis Pinyon Jay Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus Colorado National Monument Clark’s Nutcracker Nucifraga columbiana Black-billed Magpie Pica hudsonia Widespread and common American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Widespread and common Raven Corvus corax Widespread Northern Rough-winged Stelgidopteryx serripennis Scattered records Swallow Bank Swallow (Sand Martin) Riparia riparia Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina Scattered records Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor Scattered records Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Scattered records Black-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus Grand Mesa etc.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 36

Mountain Chickadee Poecile gambeli Grand Mesa White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta candensis Canyon Wren Catherpes mexicanus Colorado National Monument American Dipper Cinclus mexicanus A few records Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Colorado National Monument Mountain Bluebird Sialia currucoides Scattered records Townsend’s Solitaire Myadestes townsendi American Robin Turdus migratorius Widespread and common European Starling Sturnus vulgaris American Pipit Anthus rubescens Several in the alpine Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata Scattered records Wilson’s Warbler Wilsonia pusilla Guanella Pass Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina Scattered records Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia Widespread and common White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys Widespread and common Lincoln’s Sparrow Melospiza melodia Rocky Mountain National Park Dark-eyed (Gray-headed) Junco Junco hyemalis Common and widespread Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Scattered records Brewer’s Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus Scattered records Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater A few records. Bullock’s Oriole Icterus bullockii Brown-capped Rosy Finch Leucosticte australis Mt.Evans Cassin’s Finch Carpodacus cassinii House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus Scattered records Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 37

Systematic List Number 4 Mammals

Nomenclature follows ‘The Guide to Colorado Mammals’ by Mary Taylor Young, Fulcrum 2012.

American Pika Ochotona princeps Much in evidence in the alpine Desert Cottontail Sylvilagus audubonii Colorado National Monument Least Chipmunk Neotamias minimus Widespread, seen at many sites Colorado Chipmunk Neotamias quadrivittatus Scattered records Yellow-bellied Marmot Marmota flaviventris Widespread in the subalpine and alpine White-tailed Antelope Squirrel Ammospermophilus leucurus Colorado National Monument Wyoming Ground Squirrel Spermophilus elegans Golden-mantled Ground Spermophilus lateralis Widespread and much in evidence Squirrel Rock Squirrel Spermophilus variegatus Colorado National Monument Gunnison’s Prairie Dog Cynomys gunnisoni Between Colorado Springs and Gunnison Pine Squirrel (Chickaree) Tamasciurus hudsonicus Scattered records Northern Pocket Gopher Thomomys talpoides Burrows seen American Beaver Castor canadensis Sign Bushy-tailed Woodrat Neotoma cinerea A sadly recent road casualty near Cedaredge Long-tailed Weasel Mustela frenata Grand Mesa Elk Cervus elaphus A few records Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionis Scattered records, e.g. Grand Mesa White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus Seen in the east Moose Alces americanus Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain Bighorn Ovis canadensis canadensis Pike’s Peak and Mount Evans

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 38