Flora

Wildflowers Persist

Arizona, Desert Southwest, Flowers, Photography, Sequoia

It’s almost September but wildflowers are remaining relevant in Northern Arizona’s Kaibab National Forest.

Dark Clouds Over Bright Flowers.

Desert Southwest, Flowers, Images, In The Country, Seasons, Utah, Weather

Angry thunderstorms provide a contrast to the colorful wildflowers growing in high elevation farmland in Southern Utah.

Thunderstorms pass through some colorful farmland iand wildflowers in Southern Utah.

Now For Something Very Pretty.

Desert Southwest, Flowers, In The Country, Photos, Seasons, Utah

These wildflowers don’t grow in a national park but at high elevation pastureland in Southern Utah.

Undamaged Flora From Recent Kaibab National Forest Visit.

Arizona, Desert Southwest, Flowers, Grand Canyon, National Parks, Photography, Seasons

Even though Kaibab NF sustained heavy damage from last years fires, there still is some life.

Lupine Wildflower- Now Appearing Daily

Abstract, Arizona, Desert Southwest, Flowers, Grand Canyon, National Parks, Seasons

This wildflower is known for its blue color but I like the leaves of the plant. They show an abstract form that changes shape and color throughout the summer. The word lupine means flower as a noun and “like a wolf” as an adjective.

Desert Flora Now Appearing

Desert Southwest, Flowers, Images, National Parks, Photos, Seasons, Utah, Zion

Near Zion National Park, the Prickly Pear Cactus, Cholla Cactus, Claret Cup and the Cliffrose are among the desert plant species showing off their colors and textures. Ninety degree temperatures in March accelerated the growing and flowering of these desert classics.

A prickly Pear Cactus blooms during Spring near Zion National Park, Utah.

The many spines of a Cholla cactus just before bloom during spring near Zion National Park, Utah. Also referred to as the Teddy Bear Cholla but I learned early on not to hug this well-defensed cactus.

The Claret Cup Cactus AKA as the Hedgehog Cactus.

The Daisy-Like Uinta Groundsel.

A Cliffrose bush in full bloom during spring near Zion National Park, Utah. The fragrance is so sweet, I wish I could provide it in this post but even AI can’t do that.

New pine cones appear during spring on a Pinyon Pine tree near Zion National Park, Utah. The cones will produce a white pine nut and are usually harvested during autumn.

Pinyon Pine needles.

Utah Serviceberry blooms early in the season.

Grand Canyon’s Invasive Black Locust Tree (Robinia pseudoacacia)

Arizona, Flowers, Grand Canyon, National Parks, Seasons

This bushy deciduous tree grows above the rim at Grand Canyon National Park. In late June, it blooms a white pinkish flower that is ubiquitous this year. The video shows how the roads near the North Rim are lined with these plants. Google Search

If You Like Wildflowers, You’ll Like This Post

Colorado, Flowers, National Parks

This is a long post showing about 50 photos I took this year in the upper elevations of the Western Slope of Colorado. The fun of this project was playing Inspector Clouseau.

Not sure of this one, any guesses? It may be a wildflower that hasn’t quite flowered yet.

The Summer Scene At Crested Butte, Colorado

Colorado, Flowers, Rocky Mountains, Seasons, Wildlife

Crested Butte is know for it’s spectacular winter ski scene but is quite popular in the summer for it’s flora, fauna and mountain biking. The surrounding Gunnison National Forest provides a spectacular landscape and numerous outdoor activities.