Plants of the Western Slope February 20, 2013

Photo © Al SchneiderSouthwestern
Colorado Wildflowers

I'm a native of Colorado, but years ago I left to teach school in Las Vegas, Nev. There I met the native plants of the Mojave Desert and I've been amazed and enamored by all native plants since then.

Now I'm "into birds" but my first love is still native plants, and many of my columns for the Delta County Independent have been about our 'dobe wildflowers.

And I have an exciting new tool, my computer. Through my computer I have found www.swcoloradowildflowers.com with plants found within a 150-mile radius of the Four Corners.

If you've been reading my columns lately, you've probably seen Al Schneider's photos in my work. The Old-Man-of-the-Mountain pictured here is found in our alpine regions (above tree limit). Notice the fine, wooly hairs on the plant (to protect against ultraviolet radiation at high elevations). I have neither the equipment nor the skill to capture such exquisite detail in a photo! So now, when the winter blues come calling, I just go to the website and admire gorgeous flowers!

This group, San Juan/Four Corners Native Plant Society, has monthly winter meetings at Fort Lewis College in Durango with presentations by college students, faculty and guest speakers. Summer brings twenty or so field trips gauged for those who just want to experience the beauty of our native plants, or for those who want to learn more or those who want to delve into the details. Of course, the meetings and trips are open to the public. The group works with botanical and environmental groups in Colorado, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico and they are part of the San Juan Chapter of the Native Plant Society of New Mexico.

The website, www.swcoloradowildflowers.com has not only the names of plants but information on habitat, the location of the plant pictured, botanical information, and even an offer to send your photo to them for help in identifying a "mystery plant." Plus, an app is available.

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