Wildflower Report - Crested Butte Area - July 15, 2010

[Doug Beezley]

After three days in the Crested Butte area here are the wildflower conditions we experienced:

Kebler Pass Road from Marcellina Mountain to Crested Butte: predominate wildflowers - Mule-earred sunflowers and blue lupine. The closer you get to Crested Butte, the greater the density. Lupine are especially showy but are peaking now. Ferns are excellent. Mule-earred sunflowers are not as dense as in past years and are about a week late. Very little Sneezeweed and few columbines. Cow parsnip good and blooming skunkweed everywhere.

Gothic Valley Road from Crested Butte to Gothic: large fields of Mule-earred sunflowers close to town on west side of road; the farther north the lighter the density. Flowers at the base of Gothic Mountain appear to be about a week from full bloom except blue lupine which are peaking now. Some columbines are showing in aspen groves. Wild blue flax good near Gothic Mountain. Overall - not up to past years.

Washington Gulch Road: Good overall variety of flowers on northside of road at mile 6 - look for columbines around edges of skunk cabbage. A lot of Scarlett Gilla present and peaking. Harebell all along the road and a lot of Cases Fitweed in prime condition.

Paradise Basin: Some Marsh Marigold present at base on Mt. Baldy but much less than last year - few blooms. Some Bittercress present in wet areas. Large patches of Moss Campion along road from pond to base of Mt Baldy.

Ohio Pass Road: the best displays of Mule-earred sunflowers in the area area along the Ohio Pass road.

Overall: Lush, green but starting to dry. Flower displays average to above average. Go now - most species are in prime or will peak in next 7 - 10 days.