Clematis hirsutissima, Sugar Bowls

Clematis hirsutissima, Sugar Bowls

Of all the common names for Clematis hirsutissima, Sugar Bowls is surely the best. The other common names include Hairy Clematis (ugh), Vase Flower, Leatherflower, and Lion’s Beard. No contest in my mind! Although they are defined as being ‘common’...
Bearberry

Bearberry

The urn-shaped blossoms of Bearberry. Worth getting down on your knees for! Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, commonly known as  Bearberry is blooming now. You have to be on the lookout for these little treasures, because they’re not only tiny but often partially hidden...
A Native Dandelion

A Native Dandelion

Nothocalais cuspidata, native to Colorado and appearing at the right time for our native pollinators. That’s right! This is a native dandelion, not a European import. Nothocalais cuspidata has many common names associated with it:  Wavyeaf dandelion, Sharp...
Spring Comes to Joder Ranch

Spring Comes to Joder Ranch

Purple partners: Pulsatilla nuttalliana, commonly known as Pasqueflowers. Often found in colonies one of the first showy blooms in spring. The first flowers of the year always bring a boost of exhileration, don’t they? And when spring comes to Joder Ranch lucky...
The Gambel Oak

The Gambel Oak

The leaves of Gambel oak are pinnately  lobed at least halfway to the midrib, and are rounded. The lower leaf surface has stellate hairs, with five or fewer arms. Fall colors are vibrant! It’s no gamble at all with the Gambel oak, Quercus gambelii, which is Colorado’s...