-
Yellow Alyssum -or- Pale Madwort (Alyssum alyssoides), family Brassicaceae (Mustard). Quote: 'Alyssum alyssoides is a species of flowering plant in the mustard family known by several common names, including pale madwort and yellow alyssum. It is native to Eurasia, but it can be found throughout much of the temperate world as an introduced species and sometimes a common weed. WIKI names the species in the genus at 100-170. They are annual/biennial herbs.
TECHNICAL: This is a hairy annual or biennial herb producing stems which grow upright or lie along the ground to a maximum length of 30 to 40 centimeters. It produces white or cream-colored flowers with small petals a few millimeters long. The fruit is a hairy capsule up to half a centimeter long containing seeds which are winged and have an embryonic root already present.' End quote.
Plant location: Seen in the Big Bend campground in the Cache La Poudre Canyon, Colorado, on April 10, 2009. These widespread plants are found in almost every state of the U.S. and Canada.
Bloom season: -
Sagebrush Buttercup (Ranunculus glaberrimus), family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup). This was not the very first wildflower we saw in 2009 but it is one of the earliest blooming that we saw. There were very few other wildflowers yet in the area. The bloom was captivating with it's lively color and distinctive center. Good thing we didn't handle the plants. They are toxic to the touch. Quote WIKIPEDIA: 'This is a small plant native to interior western North America, from central British Columbia east to southern Saskatchewan, southwest to northeastern California, and southeast to northern New Mexico. It prefers habitat near junipers (Juniperus occidentalis) and sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) in damp ground.' End quote. 
USES: Per the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center website is this: POISONOUS PARTS: All parts. Low toxicity if eaten. Minor skin irritation lasting minutes if touched. Symptoms include burning of the mouth, abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Skin redness, burning sensation, and blisters following contact with cell sap. Toxic Principle: Protoanemonin, released from the glycoside ranunculin. The toxin in buttercups is unstable and is rendered harmless by drying or boiling the leaves. There are a few records of uses by Native Americanns of these plants: Okanagan-Colville - Poultice of mashed and dampened whole plants applied to pains of any kind. Poultice of mashed and dampened whole plants applied to sore joints. Dried or mashed, fresh whole plant placed on a piece of meat as poisoned bait for coyotes. Thompson - Poultice of mashed flowers used for warts. Flowers or whole plant rubbed on arrow points as a poison. Plant considered a skin irritant.
The number of species in this genus is anywhere from 93 (USDA) to 600 (Wikipedia) with two varieties of glaberrimus; glaberrimus and ellipticus. Our species is a perennial herb.
FunFacts: The name Ranunculus is Late Latin for "little frog". This probably refers to many species being found near water, like frogs. In the interior of the Pacific Northwest of the United States the buttercup is called "Coyote's eyes" - in Nez Perce. In the legend, Coyote was tossing his eyes up in the air and catching them again when Eagle snatched them. Unable to see, Coyote made eyes from the buttercup.
Plant location: Off a roadside along Larimer County Road 80C. Coordinates N-40.55.514 W-105.37.595. The altitude was 8223 feet. April 23, 2009. Found in the following United States: AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY.
Bloom
season: Typically blooming in March and April but sometimes as early as February. 
Alpine Avens -or- Ross Avens -or- Slender Stemmed Avens (Geum rossii var. turbinatum), family Rosaceae (Rose). This lovely variety of Ross Avens (Geum rossii) is one of two others; rossii, and depressum. The genus is somewhat small having only roughly 23-50 members. They are native to Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa and New Zealand.It is a perennial herb. Quote: Ross's avens is a yellow-flowered plant that grows from mid-elevations (where it is a taller plant) to well above treeline. The name rossii honors arctic explorer Sir James Clark Ross (1800-1862). End quote. Although the species is NOT in Weber-Wittmann's Colorado Flora (Eastern Slope), the species are shown as present where we recorded them in the USDA Plant Database, and the Floristic Synthesis of North America © 2009 BONAP (John Kartesz). See the foliage slide for identifying characteristics.
Plant location: Mt Evans Colorado on July 20, 2008. This species is found in the following United States: AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WY.
Bloom season: June through August. Note: Pinnatifid (feather-like) leaves help to identify this species, as do the purple-tinged stems and calyces. Also note the leaves are slightly overlapping, another identifying characteristic. -
Unidentified Ranunculus specimen, family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup). 
Plant location: We found this montane example of Ranunculus at Lake John near Walden Colorado on April 24, 2009. The elevation was around 8000'. 
Bloom season: Unknown. Some of the difficulty in identifying which species of Ranunculus this is could be due to the very early bloom time of the plants. They are possibly
too immature to be certain of. Even using William Webers keys were not enough to claim a certainty. -
Spreading Wallflower (Erysimum repandum), family Brassicaceae (Mustard). Wallflower species can be challenging to identify. At first glance they may look the same but a closer inspection yields interesting distinctions. This plant displays a number of characteristics (see Weber's plant key in Colorado Flora of the Eastern Slope) that pinpoint this species. The plants are low rather than tall with the stems (pedicels) nearly the same thickness as the siliques (those long green stem-looking structures pushing off from the stems). Notice that the siliques are quite long (widely spreading from the stem). The pedicels (stems) of the plant are also spaced rather far apart from one another. Click on the plant frame in our
thumbnail for the best view of these characteristics. The foliage of the species is sinuate (wavy) at the basal area. This is not clearly shown in our example but can be seen when we crop in closely in our high resolution copy of the photograph. Finally, the siliques of the plant are green and fairly glabrous (smooth rather than hairy). Per WIKIPEDIA the plants are native to Eurasia but it is known in many other parts of the world as an introduced species and a common roadside weed. We think it quite pretty, not a condition we commonly consider in weeds :). The plants are annual herbs with a total of about 22 species in the genus. 
Plant location: Sighted in the Rocky Mountain National Park on July 17, 2008. There are a great many uses by Native American tribes of other
species in this genus. Per the website Plants for a Future is this about this specific species: 'The plant is used in Spain as an antiscorbutic. The seeds are used in the treatment of fevers.' End quote. 
Bloom season: May to August. 
Blackeyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), family Asteraceae (Aster/Sunflower). This beautiful and showy species has many common names, almost TOO many: Black-eyed Susan, Blackiehead, Brown Betty, Brown Daisy, Gloriosa Daisy, Golden Jerusalem, Poorland Daisy, Yellow Daisy, and Yellow Ox-eye Daisy. The species is native to North America and was named the state flower of Maryland in 1918. There are slightly over 20 species in this genus. As with Rudbeckia laciniata, this species is said to possibly be toxic to cattle, sheep and pigs. The flowers are annual/biennial/perennial herbs. USES: Native American records include: Cherokee - Used as wash for "swelling caused by worms." Warm infusion of root used to bathe sores. Root ooze used for earache. (Gynecological Aid) Taken for "flux and some private diseases." Infusion taken for dropsy. Used as wash for snakebites. Poultice of blossoms and another plant used for babies. Iroquois - Infusion of roots given to children with worms. Decoction of plants taken for the heart. Potawatomi - Infusion of root taken for colds. Disk florets boiled with rushes to dye them yellow. Rushes used to make woven mats. Shuswap - Plant used for sore eyes. In cultivated gardens these plants appear resistant to browsing deer. The flowers attract birds and butterflies.
Plant location: Seen off the roadside on Hwy 285 Colorado, before the town of Buena Vista. The date was August 23, 2008. This species is found virtually throughout the United States and most of Canada.
Bloom season: Commonly July and August, with seeds maturing from August to October. 
Tall Coneflower -or- Thimbleweed -or- Goldenglow -or- Cutleaf Coneflower -or- Green-headed Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata), family Asteraceae (Aster/Sunflower). An imposing looking flower, this is a well recommended plant for the mountain (montane to subalpine) garden. It wants a lot of room since it spreads enthusiastically from stems under the ground. The Lady Bird Johnson website uses the word rampant :). William Weber (Colorado Flora Eastern Slope) calls this species Rudbeckia ampla. It is also known as Rudbeckia laciniata var. ampla. The species is a perennial herb.
USES: This handy species offers itself in several ways to the benefit of humanity - edible, medicinal, and dye. The website North American Ethnobotany has these records of uses by Native Americans: Cherokee - Cooked spring salad eaten to "keep well." Leaves and stems tied together and hung up to dry or sun dried and stored for future use. Tender leaves and stems frozen in early spring. Young shoots and leaves boiled, fried with fat and eaten. Leaves and stems parboiled, rinsed and boiled in hot grease until soft. Leaves and stems cooked alone or with poke, eggs, dock, cornfield creasy or any other greens. Leaves and stems preserved by blanching, then boiling in the "can" with or without salt. San Felipe - Young stems eaten like celery. Chippewa - Compound poultice of blossoms applied to burns. Compound infusion of root taken for indigestion. Compound infusion of root applied to chest and legs of horse as a stimulant. From the website Plants For a Future: A green dye is obtained from the flowers. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer. This plant is reputed to be poisonous to cattle, sheep and pigs.
The USDA Plant Database lists 5 varieties of laciniata: ampla, bipinnata, digitata, heterophylla, laciniata. In Rhode Island the species is threatened. Alternatively, it is listed in the book Weeds of the North Central States.
Plant location: Seen along Hwy 36, approximately 6000' elevation, towards the Rocky Mountain National Park. July 17, 2008. This species pretty much blankets the states of the U.S. and much of Canada. Habitats include low rich woods; wet fields; alluvial thickets.
Bloom season: July through October. 
Gray Rabbitbrush -or- Rubber Rabbitbrush - or- Golden Rabbitbrush -or- Chamisa (Chrysothamnus nauseosus), family Asteraceae (Aster/Sunflower). This specimen is a less mature example of the plant. They are very common and can grown quite a bit larger in diameter. Weber describes this species as "the most abundant and showy species in the area". This species favors dry regions of North America and is highly variable. There are almost 30 distinct subspecies identified. Weber (as of his 3rd edition of Colorado Flora Eastern Slope) names 8 of them as present in Colorado. The plants provide valuable browsing food for ranging wildlife. Sometimes this species is named Ericameria nauseosa. USES: Per the website Plants For a Future, there a quite a few uses of this species, only one of which can be called edible - a chewing gum coming from the plant root. Quote: 'A decoction of the twigs has been used in the treatment of toothaches, coughs and chest pains. An infusion of the flowering stems has been used in the treatment of colds and TB. An infusion of the leaves and stems has been used to treat colds, diarrhoea, stomach cramps etc. It has also been used externally as a wash for sores and skin eruptions, especially smallpox. The plant shows slight bactericidal activity. In small doses, the extracts lowered the blood pressure briefly in rabbits. In large doses, the fall in blood pressure was pronounced, accompanied by circulatory and respiratory failure. The plant is a source of latex, used in making rubber. There is no commercially viable method of extracting it as yet. The leaves have been used as a sanitary towel, especially after childbirth. A green dye is obtained from the bark. A yellow-gold dye is obtained from the flowers. The growing plant repels insects. The cottony fruiting heads are used as a stuffing material for pillows etc'.
Oddly enough: Specimens of this species growing in Bayo Canyon, near Los Alamos, New Mexico, exhibit a concentration of radioactive strontium-90 300,000 times higher than a normal plant. Their roots reach into a closed nuclear waste treatment area, mistaking strontium for calcium due to its similar chemical properties. The radioactive shrubs are "indistinguishable from other shrubs without a Geiger counter."
Plant location: Hwy 285 headed towards Buena Vista Colorado, on August 23, 2008. Off the roadside.
Bloom season: August to October. 
Klamath Weed -or- Common St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), family Clusiaceae (St John's Wort). We need better photographs of this species, maybe this can happen in 2010. The genus hosts between 76 and 400 species with the classification of noxious or ivasive weed in Colorado, California, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Worldwide the weed desingation holds in over 20 countries. Too bad the plants can't be utilized in some efficient way as there are many records of beneficial uses of the plants. The perennial herbs are indigenous to Europe. William Weber shows 2 other species in Colorado: majus and formosum. USES: Native American records include: Cherokee - Compound decoction taken "to promote menstruation." Infusion taken for bloody flux and bowel complaint. Milky substance rubbed on sores. Infusion taken for fever. Crushed plant sniffed for nosebleed. Root chewed, a portion swallowed and rest used as poultice for snakebite. Infusion of root used as wash to give infants strength. Milky substance used for venereal disease. Iroquois - Roots used to prevent sterility. Montagnais Decoction of plant used as a cough medicine. Excellent additional information comes from the Colorado State University Extension website, Herbals for Health page: Orally: Treat depression - Improve premenstrual syndrome - Treat obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) - Treat seasonal affective disorder - Topically: Used for wounds (inflammation), muscle aches, first-degree burns. Possible side effects from use of this species can include: Insomnia, anxiety, irritability, gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, and headache, potosensitvity, and hypomania in depressed patients. Not recommended for people with major depression, bipolar chronic depression. disorder, Alzheimer's disease, or ADHD. CAUTIONS: Do not take with antidepressants, barbiturates, or alcohol. Check with pharmacist/doctor about other potential herb-drug interactions. Women taking St. John's Wort and oral contraceptives concurrently should use an additional or alternative form of birth control.For livestock, ingestion can cause photosensitization, central nervous system depression, spontaneous abortion, and can lead to death.
FunFacts: The common name comes from the species traditional flowering and harvesting on St John's day, 24 June. The genus name Hypericum is derived from the Greek words hyper in reference to the traditional use of the plant to ward off evil, by hanging plants over a religious icon in the house during St John's day.
Perhaps the most important thing to learn about this species, to successfully gain the benefits the plant offers, is that it must be used carefully and appropriately.
Plant location: Seen in the Rocky Mountain foothills in Colorado state at Hwy 72 and Plainview Road. The date was July 11, 2008. This species is found in all but a few of the United States and most of Canada. Habitats include pastures, fields, waste ground, roadsides, railroads.
Bloom season: June to September. -
Tansy Mustard -or- Flixweed -or- Fluxweed (Descurainia sophia), family Brassicaceae (Mustard). The genus descurainia is a small one, with only 8 species total. This species is both annual and biennial - an herb. It is found abundantly throughout the United States and Canada. The plants have long been known to have healing properties and were named "The Wisdom of Surgeons" by ancient herbalists. USES: Native American tribes have used this species for both food and medicine: Navajo, Ramah - Poultice of plant applied for toothache. Ground seeds used to make cakes. Used as sheep feed. Keres, Western - Leaves stored with corn to prevent spoiling. Infusion of plant used to soak seed corn for faster maturity. Leaves buried with seed corn as a fertilizer or fungicide. Pueblo - Young plants boiled with a pinch of salt and eaten as greens. Young plants boiled, pressed, rolled into balls and eaten. Plant made into a stew with wild onions, wild celery, tallow or bits of meat. Young plants boiled, pressed, rolled into balls, dried and stored for winter use. Paiute, Northern - Seeds stored for winter use. Seeds roasted, cooled, ground, mixed with cold water and eaten. Seeds dried, cooked, ground, water added, kneaded, water added to make a fine batter and drunk. Seeds parched, ground and eaten as meal. Roasted, ground seeds mixed with water and used as a cooling beverage for hot weather.
TECHNICAL: This species is an angiosperm (plant with covered seed). It's flowers are bisexual (male and female parts in same flower), and it fertilizes itself. The leaves are bi- to tri-pinnate (divided 2 to 3 times); siliques (is the fruit derived from two-carpellate - two female organs - in which the two halves split from a persistent partition where the seeds are attached) are linear (long and narrow with parallel edges); pedicels (flower stalk) spreading. Family characteristics: 4 petals are in the shape of a cross; 4 sepals; superior ovary (petals attached at base of ovary); flowers of Onograceae also have 4 petals but have an inferior ovary (petals attached at top of ovary); 6 (4 long, 2 short) stamens (male or pollen-bearing organ), fruits divided in two by a papery replum (as in money plant); alternate (one leaf per node - joint of the stem where the leaves join stem) leaves; peppery tasting juice; includes many important vegetables such as kale, cabbage, broccoli. Thanks to the Colorado State University Extension website for technical information that laymen can understand.
This species was introduced from Eurasia. It has been classed as an invasive weed in some areas.
Plant location: Big Dry Creek Trail, Colorado, May 3, 2009. This is a plains and montane dweller. Habitats include disturbed areas, fallow fields, roadsides.
Bloom season: Tansy Mustard will be around for a good while ... since it blooms from April to August! -
Lavendar-leaf sundrops -or- Lavender-leaf primrose (Calylophus lavandulifolius), family Onagraceae. These bright yellow flowers were amoung the most showy, as well as numerous, of the flowers that we encountered on our hike on Pawnee Butte Trail# 840. The following is a quote from SW Colorado Wildflowers.com: 'This member of the Evening Primrose Family is a very close look-alike to some Oenotheras but the latter bloom in the evening and begin withering early in the morning whereas Calylophus lavandulifolia blooms during the day. The long trumpet-like flowers (see left center of the photograph) dry to shades of pink-orange-rust. Leaves are short and narrow with smooth edges. "Caly" is Greek for "calyx" and "lophus" is Greek
for "a crest", both referring to a small projection from the sepals. "Lavandulifolia" refers to the lavender-like leaves. The first specimen of this plant was collected for science by Edwin James near the Platte in Colorado in 1820 and the plant was named Oenothera lavandulaefolia by Torrey and Gray in 1840; it was renamed Calylophus lavandulifolia by Peter Raven in 1964.' End quote. Now you might agree with us, the BUDS of these flowers are very attractive all by themselves. With reddish/pinkish striped areas on the unopened buds, the plant was putting on a show before even blooming. See more photos of Calylophus lavandulifolia.
Plant location: Seen on a hike in the Pawnee National Grasslands - Pawnee Butte, Trail #840 on May 26, 2008. This was an excellent hike
for sighting wildflowers!! We identified no less than TWENTY-FIVE new species of wildflowers on this hike. Having just moved to Colorado, this was a wonderful introduction to the Plains wildflowers of Colorado. We highly recommend this specific hike.
Bloom period: Mid Spring through Summer. These really made a nice show. They could be found perching in the most unfriendly looking places, dressing up the views nicely as in our plant slide. Note the narrow non-toothed foliage in this frame, an identifying charactaristic of this species. -
Rocky Mountain Spurge -or- Horned Spurge -or- Shorthorned Spurge (Tithymalus montanus), family Euphorbiaceae (Spurge). Also known, more commonly, as Euphorbia brachycera. William Weber (Colorado Flora Eastern Slope) calls the genus Euphorbia a 'wastebasket genus'. Wikipedia numbers the species in Euphorbia (one of the most diverse genera in the plant kingdom, maybe exceeded only by Senecio) at 2160 - USDA says 96. The plants are perennial herbs. These plants exude a milky sap that is toxic (it contains latex) and will irritate the skin.
CAUTIONS: Per WIKIPEDIA: Spurges should be handled with caution. Latex coming in contact with the skin should be washed off immediately and thoroughly. Partially or completely congealed latex is often no longer soluble in water, but can be removed with an emulsion (milk, hand-cream). A physician should be consulted regarding any inflammation of a mucous membrane, especially the eyes, as severe eye damage including possible permanent blindness may result from acute exposure to the sap. It has been noticed, when cutting large succulent spurges in a greenhouse, that vapours from the latex spread and can cause severe irritation to the eyes and air passages several metres away. Precautions, including sufficient ventilation, are required. Small children and domestic pets should be kept from contact with spurges.
USES: From the excellent website Native American Ethnobotany are the following interesting uses of this species by Native American tribes: Navajo, Ramah Poultice of root applied to hard areas of "caked breast." Root tasted, rubbed on the clothing so that opponents smell it and used for good luck in gambling. Navajo - Compound infusion of plants taken for purging. Plant rubbed as a liniment or poultice of plant applied to boils and pimples. Navajo, Kayenta - Plant used for injuries and pain. Plant used for bewitchment.
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), the popular 'Christmas Plants' are members of this family. We show a young example of Tithymalus montanus here. See the beautiful Snow On the Mountain (same plant family) here.
Plant location: Seen in Boulder Colorado, 28th St and Vineyard Place. This early bloomer was photographed on April 19, 2009.
Bloom season: Per Guennel this blooms from May through July, can be found in bloom as early as March. -
Hairy Yellow Primrose -or- Hairy Evening Primrose (Oenothera villosa), family Onagraceae (Primrose). Villosa is a member of the Oenothera genus with about 125 species and two subspecies of villosa: villosa and strigosa. Both also are recorded in Colorado. USES: Per WIKIPEDIA: 'Young roots can be eaten like a vegetable (with a peppery flavor), or the shoots can be eaten as a salad. The whole plant was used to prepare an infusion with astringent and sedative properties. It was considered to be effective in healing asthmatic coughs, gastro-intestinal disorders, whooping cough and as a sedative pain-killer. Poultices containing O. biennis were at one time used to ease bruises and speed wound healing. One of the common names for Oenothera, "Kings cureall", reflects the wide range of healing powers ascribed to this plant, although it should be noted that its efficacy for these purposes has not been demonstrated in clinical trials.' End quote. From Native American Ethnobotany are these records of the use of subspecies strigosa: Navajo, Ramah Drug (Disinfectant) Cold infusion of dried root taken for "deer infection." Dried leaves and tobacco smoked for good luck in hunting.
Plant location: Seen in the Rocky Mountain foothills in Colorado state at Hwy 72 and Plainview Road. The date was July 11, 2008. This perennial herb is found in almost every state of the U.S. and a good portion of Canada.
Bloom season: July to September. -
Prickly Lettuce -or- China lettuce -or- Wild Lettuce -or- Compass Plant (Lactuca serriola), family Asteraceae (Aster/Sunflower). This species is an example of a little plant that packs a lot of power. Including classification as an invasive weed in some pretty extensive areas. The genus Lactuca has 13 species, this one being both annual and biennial herbs. This species is the closest wild example of cultivated lettuce. USES: There is only one recorded use of Wild Lettuce by Native Americans: Navajo, Ramah - Compound decoction of plant used as a ceremonial emetic. Plants For a Future has more: Young leaves - raw or cooked. A bitter flavour. The young tender leaves are mild and make an excellent salad but the whole plant becomes bitter as it gets older, especially when coming into flower. As a potherb it needs very little cooking. Large quantities can cause digestive upsets. Young shoots - cooked. Used as an asparagus substitute. An edible oil is obtained from the seed. The oil must be refined before it is edible. A pleasant flavour. The whole plant is rich in a milky sap that flows freely from any wounds. This hardens and dries when in contact with the air. The sap contains 'lactucarium', which is used in medicine for its anodyne, antispasmodic, digestive, diuretic, hypnotic, narcotic and sedative properties. Lactucarium has the effects of a feeble opium, but without its tendency to cause digestive upsets, nor is it addictive. It is taken internally in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, neuroses, hyperactivity in children, dry coughs, whooping cough, rheumatic pain etc. Concentrations of lactucarium are low in young plants and most concentrated when the plant comes into flower. It is collected commercially by cutting the heads of the plants and scraping the juice into china vessels several times a day until the plant is exhausted. This species does not contain as much lactucarium as L. virosa. An infusion of the fresh or dried flowering plant can also be used. The plant should be used with caution, and never without the supervision of a skilled practitioner. Even normal doses can cause drowsiness whilst excess causes restlessness and overdoses can cause death through cardiac paralysis. The fixed oil from the seeds is said to possess antipyretic and hypnotic properties. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of chronic catarrh, coughs, swollen liver, flatulence and ailments of the urinary tract.
TECHNICAL: From the Colorado State University Extension website: pappus (extension of the ovary) bright white; leaf margins and/or midrib and veins spiny. Simple leaf type (not divided into similiar parts). Fruit Type: achene (small, dry, indehiscent - does not open upon maturity - fruit with a thin close-fitting wall surrounding a single seed). The height of the plants at maturity is from 1 - 5 feet tall.
Plant location: This cheery little flower was photographed in the Adams Country Regional Open Space in Colorado State. The date was September 11, 2008. This species is found in every state of the U.S. as well as Canada. It is, in fact, on every temperate regions of all major continents. Habitats are fields, gardens, and disturbed areas. The species is a plains and foothills dweller.
Bloom season: July to October. In Colorado June through August, commonly -
Hairy Evening Primrose (Oenothera villosa ssp. strigosa), family Onagraceae (Primrose). This is the TALL version of the Stemless variety in the previous slide.
USES: The website Native American Ethnobotany has these uses of this species by Native American tribes: Navajo, Ramah Cold infusion of dried root taken for "deer infection." Dried leaves and tobacco smoked for good luck in hunting.
Plant location: Seen in the Adams Country Open Space, Colorado on August 19, 2008. This subspecies is found in the following United States: AZ, CA, CO, ID, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WI, WY.
Bloom season: July to September. -
Golden Aster Villosa -or- Hairy False Goldenaster -or- Hairy Golden Aster (Heterotheca villosa), family Asteraceae, (Aster/Sunflower). Thank you Dr.JohnC.Semple for taking his busy time to confirm the identity of this species.
In his words "Yes, the photo's are of Heterotheca villosa (Pursh) Shinners and possibly var. foliosa (Nutt.) Harms based on leaf shape. I can't tell if the leaves were just hairy or hairy and glandular". End quote. This species has also been known as Chrysopsis villosa. We learned from Dr. Semple's comment to gently touch the plant parts we find to check for stickiness (glandular consistency) as a clue to identification. When we found this specimen we were not yet noting elevations and GPS coordinates - another aid to identification. This species is classified as threatened in the state of Indiana. There are about 20 species in the genus Heterotheca, with Weber and Wittmann naming only 5 found in the Eastern Slope area of Colorado. Species villosa is described as being highly variable and in fact there are 9 distinct varieties of the species: ballardii, depressa, foliosa, minor, nana, pedunculata, scabra, villosa, and sierrablancensis.
USES: Two of these varieties are recorded as being used by Native American tribes - minor: Isleta tribe - plant, when touched, caused a skin irritation similar to ant bites. Navajo, Ramah - Poultice of leaves applied to ant bites or sore nose. Poultice of root applied for toothache. villosa: Cheyenne - Plant burned as incense to remove evil spirits from the house. Infusion of tops and stems taken for feeling poorly and made one sleepy. Hopi - Infusion of leaves and flowers used for chest pain. Navajo, Kayenta - Plant used in the ceremonial corral dance. Navajo, Ramah - Plant used as a ceremonial emetic and chant lotion. Plant used as a ceremonial and sweathouse emetic for various ailments. Cold infusion of leaves used to kill a swallowed red ant. Plant used as a sweathouse emetic for indigestion. Plant used as an "aorta medicine for the heart." Infusion thrown on ant hill to kill red ants. Root used as a "life medicine." Poultice of heated root applied for toothache. Plant used as a sweathouse emetic for sexual infection. Fodder: Used for sheep feed.
For a Bloomin' FunFact mouse click the foliage panel of this species. See the other Heterotheca species on the website: canescens - pumila.
Plant location: Date photographed October 4, 2008 in a Jackson County Colorado Open Space, Lookout Mountain area. The presence of this species in the USA is considerable: (AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY) - And Canada as well (AB, BC, MB, ON, SK). Native Habitat: Open plains, rocky slopes, cliffs, from low elevations into coniferous forests. This species is typically a foothills and montane dweller.
Bloom season: Commonly July to September. This pretty species attracts butterflies. It is native to both the continental United States and to Canada.
FunFacts: Bloom periods are mostly about attracting pollinators. The plant family that this species belongs to (Asteraceae) is considered to be highly evolved in the plant kingdom. For one, the complex flower heads both attract and provide 'landing platforms' for pollinators. Also, many species in this family offer a 'double payoff' to their visitors, both pollen AND nectar!
