Vines in the High Country

Clematis columbiana

Tumbling down a rock ledge along the roadside, this clematis doesn't really climb, but rambles and leans on its neighbors. Cascading down a rock retaining wall would be a fun place to try this in the landscape.

Fairy-Slipper Orchids in the Gore Range

Calypso bulbosa var. americana

Local Flora

Jeeping up the road along Haystack Mountain near Green Mountain Reservoir this spring found the most splendid dry meadows in the draws between the ridges.

The perfect combination where Lupine and Arrowleaf Balsamroot were prevalent. In some areas, Serviceberry rounded out the mix, gradually giving way to the ridges that were dominated by sage and grassland.