Summer In Colorado Means Wildflowers!
By Chase Smith
Colorado is home to more than 3,200 species of wildflowers. Here at Frowning Cactus Ranch several species are popping up including some of my favorites. These bright bursts of color speckled in the meadows or among the high desert rock formations bring joy.
These are the wildflowers that are growing on the ranch right now!
Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus – also known as Claret Cup Cactus
Indian Paintbrush – Just gorgeous
Plains Prickly pear – This is a fruit bearing cactus species. The fruit is high in fiber, antioxidants, and carotenoids. A favorite for the prairie dogs and pronghorn antelope.
Purple Locoweed – Also known as wooly locoweed and crazyweed. It is toxic to livestock.
Whitest Evening Primrose – Traditionally used by the Zuni people in rain ceremonies
Common Star Lily – Star of Bethlehem found mostly in the Rocky Mountains
Colorado’s State Flower – Rocky Mountain Columbine
My sister-in-law, Debbie, recommended the app Picture This to me a few years back to learn more about the flowers I come across every day. This app is fantastic – it helps identify both plants and flowers! My friends and I use it often on our treks in the mountains. As you see a flower, you take a picture of it, and the app identifies it – tells you what it can be used for, and you can add it to your “garden”. Your “garden” creates a fun jog down memory lane of all the beautiful flowers you have come across on your adventures.