2021
Central Rockies

The Central Rockies counties of Summit, Park, Eagle and Chaffee; and Routt County further north and Gunnison County further south provided ample wildflower photo opportunities during the summer of 2021, including 15 new species for this website. 
Please contact us with comments and if you see errors in identification.

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NEW! Alyssum simplex (Wild Alyssum) 6651
Common Name Wild Alyssum
Scientific Name Alyssum simplex
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard)
Date May 15, 2021
Location Lower Cataract Lake Road, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 800
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NEW! Anemone narcissiflora (Narcissus Anemone) 9400
Common Name Narcissus Anemone
Scientific Name Anemone narcissiflora var. zephyra
Family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
Date July 26, 2021
Location Hoosier Ridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810 and Nikon RC1 Macro Flash
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 800
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Antennaria anaphaloides (Pearly Pussytoes) 0313
Common Name Pearly Pussytoes
Scientific Name Antennaria anaphaloides
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date August 8, 2021
Location Along CR 16 west of Yampa, Routt County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 800
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Artemisia scopulorum (Alpine Sagebrush) 9376
Common Name Alpine Sagebrush
Scientific Name Artemisia scopulorum
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 26, 2021
Location Hoosier Ridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810 and Nikon RC1 Macro Flash
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/11
Speed 1/60 sec.
ISO 400
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Boechera grahamii (Graham's Rockcress) 9319
Common Name Graham's Rockcress
Scientific Name Boechera grahamii
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard)
Date July 23, 2021
Location Along GH38, Golden Horseshoe, Breckenridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 800
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Boechera stricta (Drummond's Rockcress) 9396
Common Name Drummond's Rockcress
Scientific Name Boechera stricta
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard)
Date July 26, 2021
Location Hoosier Ridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810 and Nikon RC1 Macro Flash
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/60 sec.
ISO 400
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Calochortus gunnisonii (Mariposa Lily) 9522
Common Name Mariposa Lily
Scientific Name Calochortus gunnisonii
Family Liliaceae (Lily)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 311, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 90 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
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NEW! Castilleja flava
(Yellow Indian Paintbrush) 0196
Common Name Yellow Indian Paintbrush
Scientific Name Castilleja flava
Family Orobanchaceae (Broomrape)
Date August 8, 2021
Location Along CR 16 west of Yampa, Routt County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 800
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NEW! Cercocarpus montanus
(Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany) 9859
Common Name Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany
Scientific Name Cercocarpus montanus
Family Rosaceae (Rose)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 375, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/18
Speed 1/80 sec.
ISO 800
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NEW! Claytonia lanceolata
(Western Spring Beauty) 6600
Common Name Western Spring Beauty
Scientific Name Claytonia lanceolata
Family Montiaceae (Miner's-lettuce)
Date May 15, 2021
Location Lower Cataract Lake, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 160 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/640 sec.
ISO 800
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NEW! Cryptantha crassisepala
(Thicksepal Catseye) 9680
Common Name Thicksepal Catseye
Scientific Name Cryptantha crassisepala
Family Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 373, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 800
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Descuriana incana
(Mountain Tansey Mustard) 9461
Common Name Mountain Tansey Mustard
Scientific Name Descurainia incana
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard)
Date July 26, 2021
Location Hoosier Ridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810 with Nikon RC1 Macro Flash
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/100 sec.
ISO 800
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Dieteria bigelovii
(Bigelow’s Tansy-aster) 9941
Common Name Bigelow's Tansey-aster
Scientific Name Dieteria bigelovii
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 373, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/400 sec.
ISO 800
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Eremogone congesta
(Ballhead Sandwort) 8247
Common Name Ballhead Sandwort
Scientific Name Eremogone congesta
Family Caryophyllaceae (Pink)
Date July 6, 2021
Location Curecanti Needle Overlook, Gunnison County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 130 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 800
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Erigeron leiomerus
(Rockslide Daisy) 9050
Common Name Rockslide Daisy
Scientific Name Erigeron leiomerus
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 19, 2021
Location Hoosier Pass, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 150 mm
Aperture f/18
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 800
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Eriogonum alatum var. alatum (Winged Buckwheat) 0153
Common Name Winged Buckwheat
Scientific Name Erigonum alatam var. alatum
Family Polygonaceae (Buckwheat)
Date August 8, 2021
Location Along CR 16 west of Yampa, Routt County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/800 sec.
ISO 800
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Epilobium brachycarpum (Tall Annual Willowherb) 0323
Common Name Tall Annual Willowherb
Scientific Name Epilobium brachycarpum
Family Onagraceae (Evening Primrose)
Date August 8, 2021
Location Along CR 16, west of Yampa, Routt County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 800
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Eriogonum cernuum
(Nodding Buckwheat) 9729
Common Name Nodding Buckwheat
Scientific Name Eriogonum cernuum
Family Polygonaceae (Buckwheat)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 311, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 800
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Heterotheca pumila
(Alpine Goldenaster) 9251
Common Name Alpine Goldenaster
Scientific Name Heterotheca pumila
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 23, 2021
Location Along GH38, Golden Horseshoe, Breckenridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 800
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Hieracium triste
(Woolly Hawkweed) 9363
Common Name Woolly Hawkweed
Scientific Name Hieracium triste
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 26, 2021
Location Hoosier Ridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810 with Nikon RC1 Micro Flash
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/60 sec.
ISO 800
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NEW! Holodiscus dumosus
(Rock Spirea) 9693
Common Name Rock Spirea
Scientific Name Holodiscus dumosa (Holodiscus discolor var. dumosa)
Family Rosaceae (Rose)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 311, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 800
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NEW! Hymenopappus filifolius var. cinereus
(Fineleaf Hymenopappus) 9875
Common Name Fineleaf Hymenopappus
Scientific Name Hymenopappus filifolius var. cinereus
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 373, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/18
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 800
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NEW! Hymenoxys richardsonii var. floribunda
(Colorado Rubberweed) 9485
Common Name Colorado Rubberweed
Scientific Name Hymenoxys richarsdonii var. floribunda
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 311, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 800
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NEW! Lappula occidentalis var. occidentalis
(Western Stickseed) 9650
Common Name Western Stickseed
Scientific Name Lappula occidentalis var. occidentalis (Lappula redowskii var. redowskii)
Family Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 311, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 800
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Lepidium virginicum
(Peppergrass) 9830
Common Name Peppergrass, Virginia Pepperweed
Scientific Name Lepidium virginicum
Family Brassicaceae (Mustard)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 311, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 100 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
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Lithophragma glabrum
(Woodland Star) 6588
Common Name Woodland Star
Scientific Name Lithophragma glabrum
Family Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage)
Date May 15, 2021
Location Lower Cataract Lake, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 800
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NEW! Mertensia humilis
(Rocky Mountain Bluebells) 6646
Common Name Rocky Mountain Bluebells
Scientific Name Mertensia humilis
Family Boraginagaceae (Forget-me-not)
Date May 15, 2021
Location Lower Cataract Lake, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/320 sec.
ISO 800
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Oenothera coronopifolia
(Cut-leaf Evening Primrose) 9548
Common Name Cut-leaf Evening Primrose
Scientific Name Oenothera coronopifolia
Family Onagracaceae (Evening Primrose)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 311, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/18
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
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Penstemon virgatus var. asa-grayi
(Upland Blue Beardtongue) 9842
Common Name Upland Blue Beardtongue
Scientific Name Penstemon virgatus var. asa-grayi
Family Plantaginaceae (Plantain)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 373, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 100 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
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NEW! Philadelphus microphyllus
(Littleleaf Mock Orange) 8215
Common Name Littleleaf Mock Orange
Scientific Name Philadelphus microphyllus
Family Hydrangeaceae (Hydrangea)
Date July 6, 2021
Location Curecanti Needle Overlook, Gunnison County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/18
Speed 1/100 sec.
ISO 400
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NEW! Potentilla effusa
(Branched Cinquefoil) 9571
Common Name Branched Cinquefoil
Scientific Name Potentilla effusa
Family Rosaceae (Rose)
Date July 28, 2021
Location Along FR 373, Four Mile Area, Chaffee County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/250 sec.
ISO 800
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Pulsatilla patens ssp. multifida
(Pasqueflower) 6562
Common Name Pasqueflower
Scientific Name Pulsatilla patens ssp. multifida
Family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
Date May 15, 2021
Location Lower Cataract Lake, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 110 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 800
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Purshia tridentata
(Antelope Bitterbrush) 8271
Common Name Antelope Bitterbrush
Scientific Name Purshia tridentata
Family Rosaceae (Rose)
Date July 6, 2021
Location Curecanti Needle Overlook, Gunnison County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 130 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/160 sec.
ISO 2000
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NEW! Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus
(Sagebrush Buttercup) 6617
Common Name Sagebrush Buttercup
Scientific Name Ranunculus glaberrimus var. ellipticus
Family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
Date May 15, 2021
Location Lower Cataract Lake, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/50 sec.
ISO 800
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Senecio atratus
(Tall Black-tip Ragwort) 9220/9234
Common Name Tall Black-tip Ragwort
Scientific Name Senecio atratus
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 23, 2021
Location Along GH38, Golden Horseshoe, Breckenridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 140 mm
Aperture Focus stack of 13 images at f/7.1
Speed 1/500 sec.
ISO 800
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Senecio eremophilus var. kingii (King’s Ragwort) 9281
Common Name King's Ragwort
Scientific Name Senecio eremophilus var. kingii
Family Asteraceae (Sunflower)
Date July 23, 2021
Location Along GH38, Golden Horseshoe, Breckenridge, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/200 sec.
ISO 800
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NEW! Solanum triflorum (Cut-leaf Nightshade) 0225
Common Name Cutleaf Nightshade
Scientific Name Solanum triflorum
Family Solanaceae (Nightshade)
Date August 8, 2021
Location Along CR 16 west of Yampa, Routt County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 800
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Spergularia rubra (Red Sandspurry) 0382
Common Name Red Sandspurry
Scientific Name Spergularia rubra
Family Caryophyllaceae (Pink)
Date August 8, 2021
Location Along CR 16 west of Yampa, Routt County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/125 sec.
ISO 800
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Trifolium parryi (Parry’s Clover) 9088
Common Name Parry's Clover
Scientific Name Trifolium parryi
Family Fabaceae (Pea)
Date July 19, 2021
Location Hoosier Pass, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/16
Speed 1/50 sec.
ISO 800
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Viola nuttallii (Yellow Violet) 6611
Common Name Yellow Violet
Scientific Name Viola nuttallii
Family Violaceae (Violet)
Date May 15, 2021
Location Lower Cataract Lake, Summit County
Camera Nikon D810
Lens Nikkor-Micro 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6
Focal Length 180 mm
Aperture f/14
Speed 1/80 sec.
ISO 800

© Tom Lebsack 2024

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