Getting up into the mountains in the summertime is a treat, and Colorado wildflowers make it extra special.
Today, I’m venturing outside the garden gate; a complete change of habitats, from the gentle hills of Northeast Ohio to the alpine meadows of the West.
The views are amazing, and a reward for the climb.
I find the flora equally amazing. Sure, some of the species are the same. Yet, the clear air and cool nights make the colors so vivid. (Or, maybe it’s the thin atmosphere and legalization of cannibus? Ha!)
Columbine
Columbine is Colorado’s state flower. This beauty was enjoying the shade next to a very bumpy road on the way to the tiny town of Crystal.
Flax
Flax is a common wildflower, but here it shines radiantly in the sunlight.
Rose
Wild rose is another commoner, here popping through boulders along a steep path up Mount Daly.
Columbine, Too
I thought that this wild columbine was exclusive to the Rockies (where this photo was taken), but I stumbled upon a photo of it in an Ohio wildflowers field guide. Sorry to say, I’ve never seen it in Ohio.
False Solomon’s Seal
False Solomon’s seal fills the ground around stands of Aspen trees. It’s the foliage which is eye-catching.
Salsify
Yellow salsify has European origins, and is common in the western U.S. Its roots are edible, but I didn’t test this fact.
For more amazing photos of flora from around the world, visit the originator of “Six on Saturday,” aka, The Propagator.
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Like the other commenters, I really like the red columbine. I’ve never seen one like that in the wild or a garden. The blue of the flax, simply gorgeous. And the false Solomon’s seal . . . I don’t have true SS in my garden for many reasons, but that one is lovely. How I’d love to see Colorado! Hope you enjoy your entire trip.
It does look like M. stellatum. More investigation needed!
Interesting that the Maianthemum is flowering much later in the wild than it does here in my garden, where it flowered mid may. I suspect it may be M. stellatum though. You seem to have so many more really garden worthy wild flowers than the UK.
What a lovely six you’ve posted. I can’t imagine having these pretty flowers growing wild.
Yes, I do feel challenged. And, I think the weeds are taking advantage of me while I write…
Unusual six and pretty colours. I don’t know about you, but I find it is becoming a challenge to keep up with all the Sixes!!
I often see other colors here and this red is lovely.
It was so much fun, and gorgeous!
Well, coming from you, that is quite a compliment!
Right?! I thought I had stumbled upon something rare, but it turns out that this wildflower is common throughout the US. I’ve never seen it before.
Thanks!
Me, too! There’s something about true blue flowers, almost surreal.
I’m a sucker for blue flowers…loved the flax!
Wow, beautiful!?
Nice pictures! The red Columbine is gorgeous
Great pics!
Your flowers from alpine meadows are beautiful, JoAnn. I can tell you had splendid hikes!