ROCKY MOUNTAIN Rules and Regulations 1920

BIRDS AND PLANTS.

POPULAR REFERENCE LIST OF BIRDS FOUND IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK.

The following list has been revised and extended to include all recent information on the bird life of the region. A few unusual records have been included, based on the statements of careful observers, whose names are given in parentheses at the end of the annotations. These records are believed to be authentic; but it will be understood that the species so listed are not yet to be considered of general or regular occurrence within the park boundaries. At the request of several ornithologists the scientific nomenclature is given, thus permitting the use of a number of brief local or vernacular names in place of the sometimes clumsy English descriptive names used in books.

WATER BIRDS.

Grebe family.

Eared grebe (Colymbus nigricollis californicus.): One was found near Grand Lake in the fall; probably a regular transient.

Pied-billed grebe; dabchick (Podilymbus podiceps): Transient, occasionally seen on ponds in the spring.

Duck family.

Mallard (Anas platyrhyncos): summer resident on a few montane lakes and beaver ponds; common in migration.

Green-winged teal (Nettion carolinense): Reported as occasionally occurring with the preceding. (Andrews.)

Barrow's golden-eye (Clangula islandica): Recently seen on upper beaver ponds; possibly a summer resident. (Johnson.)

Wild goose (Branta canadensis): Frequently seen flying overhead in the fall, and lately reported in the park in summer.

Heron family.

Great blue heron (Ardea herodias): A rare or accidental visitant.

Rail family.

Sora (Porzana carolina): Reported as a rare summer resident. (Widmann.)

Coot (Fulica americana): Irregular transient on submontane ponds and streams.

Phalarope family.

Wilson's phalarope (Steganopus tricolor): Reported from the eastern edge of the park. (Rockwell.)

Snipe family.

Jack snipe (Gallinago delicata): Summer resident, May to August, in open marshes, 9,000 feet and lower.

Spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularia): Summer resident, breeding on lakes and beaver ponds, up to 9,000 feet.

Placer family.

Killdeer (Oxyechus vociferus): A common spring migrant (April); usually a summer resident, in marshes, submontane or occasionally higher.

LAND BIRDS.

Quail family.

Bob white (Colinus virginianus): Occasionally reported during the last few years; possibly a rare resident at lower altitudes.

Grouse family.

Dusky grouse (Dendragapus obscurus): Permanent resident of the high forest region, and frequently seen in late summer in open glades down to 9,000 feet.

Ptarmigan (Lagopus leucurus): Permanent resident. Common in summer on the alpine meadows, nesting up to 12,000 feet; in winter at timberline, or irregularly down to the montana parks.

Pheasant family.

Chinese ringneck (Phasianus torquatus): An introduced species, which seems to be getting established at the eastern edge of the park, at 7,000 feet; once seen at seen at 9,000 feet.

Pigeon family.

Band-tailed pigeon (Columba fasciata): An irregular summer visitant, or possibly rare summer resident. The few records are from the yellow-pine region.

Mourning dove (Zenaidura macroura carolinensis): Summer resident, submontane often around barns and ranches.

Hawk family.

Marsh hawk (Circus hudsonius): Transient, common in fall migration (about Aug. 15 to Sept. 15). Usually seen flying low over wet meadows, but sometimes along high ridges, at timberline or above.

Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter velox): A rare summer resident of the upper montane forests. Frequently seen in fall migration.

Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperi): Known only as a rare summer visitant.

Goshawk (Accipiter atricapillus subsp.): A rare but regular winter resident, October to March. One specimen killed in the park evidently belonged to the eastern subspecies.

Red-tailed hawk (Buteo borealis calurus): Summer resident, May to October. The commonest of the large soaring hawks, frequently seen throughout the park.

Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni): Apparently a rare visitant, at the lower altitudes.

Rough-legged hawk (Archibuteo lagopus sanctijohannis): winter visitant; infrequent, not common.

Squirrel hawk (Archibuteo ferrugineus): Summer resident at the lower altitudes.

Golden eagle (Aquila chrysætos): Permanent resident, now occurring throughout the park, but more frequently seen among the high peaks of the range.

Bald eagle (Haliæetus lueucocephalus): A very rare transient; twice observed in the fall.

Prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus): Known only as an infrequent visitant. Has been taken in the park, and observed several times recently.

Pigeon hawk (Falco columbarius Richardsoni?): Transient, in spring and fall; not common.

Sparrow hawk (Falco sparverlus subsp.): Summer resident, April to September in open woods, montane and lower. The commonest small hawk.

Owl family.

Saw-whet owl (Cryptoglaux acadica): Permanent resident of the montane forests; not common.

Screech owl (Otus asio maxwelliæ): Permanent resident; frequently heard in the evening. Otus flammeolus has been taken in the region, but is probably much less common than the preceding.

Horned owl (Bubo virginianus pallescens): Permanent resident, occurring regularly throughout the park, although nowhere common.

Kingfisher family.

Belted kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon): Permanent resident along large streams. In summer irregularly up to 8,000 or 9,000 feet; in winter hardly within the park, migrating to lower altitudes.

Woodpecker family.

Hairy woodpecker (Dryobates villosus monticola): Permanent resident, chiefly in the montane forests.

Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens homorus): Permanent resident, less common than the preceding. Breeds chiefly below 8,000 feet, but occasionally wanders to higher altitudes in fall and winter.

Three-toed woodpecker (Picoides americanus dorsalis): Rare permanent resident of the subalpine forests. Observed as yet only on the western slope of the range, but may occur on the eastern also.

Red-naped sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius nuchalis): Summer resident, common and conspicuous; nesting chiefly in aspen groves, up to 9,500 feet.

Williamson's sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus): Summer resident in open woods, chiefly submontane but occasionally ranging up to 10,000 feet.

Red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus): Visitant, or rare summer resident, at the lower altitudes.

Lewis woodpecker (Asyndesmus torquatus): Resident in the foothill zone, but occasionally seen in the lower montane.

Flicker (Colaptes cafer collaris): Common throughout the park in summer; occasionally seen in winter at the lower altitudes.

Goatsucker family.

Poor will (Phalaeunoptilus nuttalli): A rare summer resident, submontane.

Nighthawk (Chordeiles virginianus henryi): Summer resident, June to August; common almost everywhere breeding up to 10,000 feet; very conspicuous in flight.

Swift family.

White-throated swift (Aeronautes melanoleucus): Probably only a rare summer visitant. (Widmann.)

Hummingbird family.

Broad-tailed hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus): Summer resident; common and widely distributed from June to early August.

Flycatcher family.

Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus): Summer resident below 9,000 feet; not common.

Arkansas kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis): Observed several times recently in the submontane zone. Probably a rare summer resident.

Olive-sided flycatcher (Nuttallornis borealis): Summer resident, June to August, in the coniferous forests, up to timberline; generally distributed, but nowhere common.

Wood pewee (Mylochanes richardsonni): Summer resident in the yellow-pine region.

Little flycatchers (Empidonax): Three species, in summer: E. difficilis, in willow thickets along streams, submontane E. wrighti, in open montane woods. E. hammondi is known to occur, but is probably less common than the preceding, from which it is hardly distinguishable in the field.

Lark family.

Horned lark (Otocoris alpestris leucolaema): Known only as an occasional winter visitant at the eastern edge of the park; but might be expected on the alpine meadows in summer.

Crow family.

Magpie (Pica pica hudsonia): Permanent resident up to 9,000 feet. Common but rather erratic.

Crested jay (Cyanocitta stelleri diademeta): Resident at middle and lower altitudes. Common and conspicuous at all seasons. Locally called blue jay.

Camp bird (Perisoreus canadensis capitalis): Resident in the coniferous forests above 9,000 feet. A common and familiar bird; very tame, and frequently seen at all seasons around camps and dwellings within its range.

Raven (Corvus corax sinuatus): Apparently only an occasional visitant.

Crow (Corvus brachyrhyncos subsp.): A rare and irregular visitant, usually in the fall.

Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana): Permanent resident throughout the park, often in limber pine forests. Common but rather erratic, sometimes ranging far above timberline. Also known as Clarke's crow.

Pinyon jay (Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus): An irregular visitant in spring or fall.

Blackbird family.

Cowbird (Molothrus ater): Reported at the eastern edge of the park; probably not frequent. (Widmann.)

Red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoenicius fortis): Summer resident, March to early August, in marshes up to 9,000 feet.

Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta): Common summer resident in submontane fields.

Brewer's blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus): Summer resident; common around barns and ranches up to 9,000 feet.

Finch family.

Pine grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator montana): Resident in the coniferous forests. Breeds in the subalpine spruce regions; wanders in winter irregularly down to the montane parks.

Purple finch (Carpodacus cassini): Resident in the region, but of irregular distribution and migrating to lower altitudes in winter.

House finch (Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis): Resident in villages, at least in summer; perhaps hardly within the park.

Crossbill. (Loxia curvirostra minor): Visitant, or sometimes resident, in the coniferous forests; infrequent and erratic.

White-winged crossbill (Loxia leucoptera): Rare winter visitant in the subalpine forests.

Rosy finch (Leucosticte): Three species: L. australis is common in summer on the highest peaks, nesting up to 13,000 feet; in winter it migrates to lower altitudes, where it joins in flocks with L. tephrocotis and L. tephrocotis littoralis, visitants from the north.

Goldfinch (Astragalinus sp.): Reported in late summer, probably in migration, by several observers. A. psaltria is known to occur, but A. tristis may also be expected. (Widmann and Johnson.)

Pine siskin (Spinus pinus): Resident, chiefly in the yellow-pine zone; common but erratic.

Vesper sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus confinis): Summer resident, on dry grasslands, chiefly submontane.

Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis alaudinus): Known only as a visitant in late summer.

White-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys): Common summer resident, near open marshes, to above timberline.

Tree sparrow (Spizella monticola ochracea): Winter resident, October to March, up to 9,000 feet.

Chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina arizonae): Summer resident, frequently near habitations, up to 9,000 feet. Common and conspicuous in flocks in late summer.

Clay-colored sparrow (Spizella pailida): Migrant and sometimes a rare summer resident.

White-winged junco (Junco aikeni): Winter resident, below 9,000 feet.

Pink-sided junco (Junco hyemalis mearnsi): Winter resident, submontane; common and conspicuous in spring and fall migration.

Shufeldt's junco (Junco hyemalis connectens): Occurs in flocks with the preceding species.

Gray-headed junco (Junco phaeonotus caniceps): One of the commonest summer residents of the montane zone: in winter at lower altitudes.

Song sparrow (Melospiza melodia montana): Summer resident near streams or swamps; submontane.

Lincoln's sparrow (Melospiza Lincolni): Summer resident in open marshy places; montane and subalpine.

Fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca schistacea): Recently noted for the first time as a summer resident in a marsh at 9,000 feet. It is rare in Colorado.

Green-tailed towhee (Oreospiza chlorura): Summer resident, in sagebrush or willow thickets, montane and lower.

Black-headed grosbeak (Zamelodia melanocephala): Rare summer resident at the eastern edge of the park, below 8,000 feet.

Tanager family.

Western tanager (Piranga ludoviciana): Summer resident along streams below 8,000 feet.

Swallow family.

Cliff swallow (Petrochelidon lunifrons): Summer resident, submontane; common locally.

Barn swallow (Hirundo erythrogastra): Summer resident, around buildings, occasionally up to 9,000 feet.

Violet-green swallow (Tachycineta thalassina lepida): Common and widely distributed from June to August, up to 9,000 feet; nesting in cliffs, trees, or around buildings.

Waxwing family.

Bohemian waxwing (Bombycilla garrula): Winter visitant or resident, October to April; sometimes quite common.

Shrike family.

Northern shrike (Lanius borealis): Winter visitant.

Migrant shrike (Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides): Transient visitant in spring and fall.

Vireo family.

Warbling vireo (Vireosylva gilva swainsoni): Summer resident, along streams or in aspen groves, below 9,000 feet.

Plumbeous vireo (Lanivireo solitarius plumbeus): Summer resident in the foothills. (Widmann.)

Warbler family.

Virginia's warbler (Vermivora virginiae): Reported as a rare summer resident at the eastern edge of the park. (Widmann.)

Yellow warbler (Dendroica aestiva): Summer resident along streams; common below 8,000 feet, rare above.

Audubon's warbler (Dendroica auduboni): Common and widely distributed through the montane zone, from about May 15 to September 15. Abundant in migration.

Townsend's warbler (Dendroica townsendi): A rather common fall transient, September or late August.

MacGillivray's warbler (Oporornis tolmiei): Summer resident along streams, up to 9,000 feet at least; fairly common, but shy and inconspicuous.

Black-capped warbler (Wilsonia pusilla pileolata): Common summer resident, May to September; usually in the willows near streams, 9,000 to 11,000 feet.

Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla): Very rare transient visitant; once seen in the spring.

Wagtail family.

Pipit (Anthus rubescens): Summer resident above timberline, nesting up to 12,000 feet; common at lower altitudes during spring and fall migrations.

Dipper family.

Water ousel (Cinclus mexicanus unicolor): Common along streams; in summer up to the subalpine lakes, in winter only at lower altitudes. Nests throughout its range, often under bridges.

Thrasher family.

Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis): Summer resident, submontane.

Brown thrasher (Toxostoma rufum): Summer visitant, rare or accidental.

Wren family.

Rock wren (Salpinctes obsoletus): Summer resident in rocky places, up to 11,500 feet; widely distributed, but nowhere common.

House wren (Troglodytes aedon parkmani): Common summer resident up to 9,000 feet.

Creeper family.

Brown creeper (Certhia familiaris montana): Resident in the coniferous forests; rather rare and inconspicuous, but more frequently seen in winter than in summer.

Nuthatch family.

White-breasted nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis nelsoni): Common permanent resident of the yellow pine zone.

Red-breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis): Permanent resident of the dense forests, subalpine and upper montane; frequently seen in early fall and winter.

Pygmy nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea): Resident in the yellow pine forests; common but rather erratic.

Titmouse family.

Long-tailed chickadee (Penthestes atricapillus septentrionalis): Resident, usually in deciduous growth; breeds mostly below 8,500 feet, but wanders higher in fail and winter. Locally called willow chickadee.

Mountain chickadee (Penthestes gambeli): A common and characteristic bird of the coniferous forests, throughout the park; permanent resident, 8,000 to 11,000 feet.

Kinglet family.

Golden-crowned kinglet (Regulus satrapa): Rare summer resident in the dense subforests; more common in migration, especially in the fall, at lower elevations.

Ruby-crowned kinglet (Regulus calendula): Common summer resident in the coniferous forests, montane and subalpine; conspicuous in fall migration.

Thrush family.

Solitaire (Myiadestes townsendi): Widely distributed, from March to November, throughout the park, although nowhere common. A few usually remain through the winter at the lower altitudes.

Willow thrush (Hylocichla fuscescens salicicola): A rare and irregular summer resident, along streams at 9,000 feet and below.

Olive-backed thrush (Hylocichla ustulata swainsoni): Regular summer resident, up to 9,000 feet, usually near streams.

Hermit thrush (Hylocichla guttata auduboni): Summer resident throughout the forest region, from 8,500 feet to timberline.

Robin (Planesticus migratorius propinquus): Resident. Abundant in summer throughout the park, a few usually remaining through the winter at the lower altitudes.

Chestnut-backed bluebird (Sialia mexicana bairdi): An infrequent visitant, or rare summer resident at the eastern edge of the park. (Widmann.)

Mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides): Summer resident, March to October; abundant almost everywhere in open country, nesting up to 9,500 feet at least, and wandering to above timberline in the fall.

KEY TO THE BIRDS OCCURRING REGULARLY IN THE SUMMER IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK.

GROUP I. Aquatic.—Birds found only near water, or in wet places.

GROUP II. Terrestsrial.—Birds usually seen on or near the ground, in open dry meadows or rocky places.

GROUP III. Aerial.—Birds of long and powerful flight, usually seen on the wing.

GROUP IV. Arboreal.—Birds occurring in forests, copses, or thickets; often, but not necessarily, near streams.

GROUP V. Miscellaneous.—Birds of various habits and general or irregular distribution, found in almost all situations; often seen near ranches, hotels and other habitations, and along roads. This group includes several familiar birds, which are the most common and conspicuous in the park.

POPULAR REFERENCE LIST OF PLANTS FOUND IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK.

The following list includes the seed-bearing plants of the park, exclusive of the grass, sedge, and rush families; and enumerates all species which have been definitely identified up to date, in the case of several large groups of closely related species it has been found impossible to name all the varieties until after more material has been collected; therefore these have been listed simply by the generic name. Other large groups have been partly worked out, as indicated; and it is believed that throughout the list the species named are the more common and characteristic ones, at least on the eastern side of the Continental Divide. A very conservative system of nomenclature has been followed, based mainly on Coulter and Nelson's Manual.

For convenience in noting the distribution of plants, frequent reference has been made to the life zones generally recognized by biologists. Four of these zones are included within the national park boundaries. Their limits are not sharply marked, and vary somewhat according to local topography; but they may be defined approximately by altitude, as follows:

Alpine zone, 11,200 to 14,000 feet: The regions above timberline. Subalpine zone, 10,000 to 11,200 feet, or locally lower: The region of dense spruce forests, including the dwarf conifers at timberline.

Montane zone, 8,500 to 10,000 feet: The region of more or less open, dry pine forests, broken by meadows and burnt lands.

Submontane zone, 7,000 to 8,500 feet: The foothill region. Comparatively little of this zone is included in the park.

Lily family.

Sand lily (Leucocrinum montanum): In the foothills in early spring. Called Star of Bethlehem.

Purple wild onion (Allium geyeri): Montane meadows.

Nodding onion (Allium cernuum): Dry hills and roadsides.

Red lily (Lilium montanum): In shady copses at middle elevations.

Alpine lily (Lloydia serotina): On dry grass slopes above timberline, in July.

Yellow snow lily (Erythronium parviflorum): At the edge of receding snowdrifts, in June, near timberline on the main range. Also called dogtooth violet.

Mariposa lily (Calochortus gunnisonii): Montane meadows, July and August.

Bunch-flower family.

Poison Camas (Zygadenus elegans): In moist meadows and swales, up to 11,500 feet.

Lily-of-the-valley family.

Twisted-stalk (Streptopus amplexifolius): Along shady stream banks, at middle elevations.

Solomon's seal (Smilacina stellata): In shady gulches.

Iris family.

Blue flags; fleur-de lis (Iris missouriensis): Wet meadows up to 9,000 feet, in early summer.

Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium occidentale): Wet grassy places at middle elevation summer.

Orchid family.

Lady's slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum): Rare; in montane forests.

Calypso (Calypso bulbosa): In shady gulches at middle altitudes: May and June.

Bog orchid (Limnorchis): Two species, L. borealis and L. viridiflora, in forest swamps.

Ladies' tresses (Spiranthes stricta): Common in August, in moist montane meadows.

Twayblade (Listera nephrophylla): In forest bogs at high altitudes.

Coral root (Corallorhiza multiflora): Found locally in dry upper montane forests. A variety of C. corallorhiza also has been reported.

Mistletoe family.

Mistletoe (Arceuthobium americanum): Parasitic on the branches of pines.

Buckwheat family.

Sulphur flower (Eriogunum): Several species, common on dry meadows in all zones. E. flavum; E. subalpinum; E. umbellatum.

Mountain sorrel (Oxyria digyna): Alpine moist rock crevices.

Dock (Rumex): Several specius.

Wild buckwheat (Polygonum): In wet meadows, P. viviparum, alpine; P. bistortoides, alpine and montane.

Goosefoot family.

Squaw paint (Blitum capitatum): Roadsides and open woods, montane and lower.

Purslane family.

Spring beauty (Claytonia rosea): On moist grass slopes, in April and May.

Alpine spring beauty (Claytonia megarrhiza): Wet rock crevices at high altitudes.

Water spring beauty (Montia chamissonis): Stream banks and springy places.

Pink family.

Moss campion (Silene acaulis): Abundant on the alpine meadows, in early summer.

Catchfly (Silene scouleri): Montane fields, in August.

Starwort (Stellaria): Several species.

Chickweed (Cerastium oreophilum): Abundant and widely distributed.

Sandwort (Arenaria): Several species; A. sajnensis is common on the alpine meadows.

Waterlily family.

Yellow pond lily (Nymphaea polysepala): On several shallow ponds, upper montane.

Buttercup family.

Marsh marigold (Caltha rotundifolia): In wet meadows up to 12,000 feet.

Globeflower (Trollius albiflorus): Open swamps and stream banks, chiefly subalpine.

Red columbine (Aquilegia elegantula): Only on the western slope; submontane.

Blue columbine (Aquilegia coerulea): In woods and copses at middle elevations in early summer, and later on moist slopes above timber line. State flower of Colorado.

Dwarf columbine (Aquilegia saximontana): On rocky ridges and mountain tops above 10,500 feet: not common.

Larkspur (Delphinium): Three or more species: D. subalpinum, in damp glades in the forest: D. nelsonii, montane hillsides, in June; D. glaucescens August.

Monkshood (Aconitum): Two or more species; one, A. columbianum with flowers either blue or whitish.

Windflower (Anemone): Three species: A. zephyra, subalpine swales and lake shores; A. blobosa, open montane woods; A. canadensis, moist thickets in late summer.

Pasque flower (Pulsatilla hirsutissima): Common in April and May, on dry hillsides, up to 9,500 feet.

Purple virgin's bower (Clematis occidentalis): In submontaine thickets.

Buttercup (Ranunculus): Four or more species, growing in open wet places; R. adoneus alpine; R. cardiophyllus and R. inamoenus, montane or lower; R. glaberrimus, one of the first spring flowers.

Meadow rue (Thalictrum): Two or more species.

Barberry family.

Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium): Submontane dry hillsides.

Poppy family.

Golden corydalis (Corydalis aurea): Along roadsides, up to 9,000 feet.

Mustard family.

Wild candytuft (Thalspi coloradense): Abundant on fields in early spring; montane and lower.

Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense): A barnyard weed.

Brook cress (Cardamine cordifolio): Along stream banks, chiefly subalpine, occasionally lower.

Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris): A common roadside weed.

Rock Cress (Draba streptocarpa): Dry meadows and rocky hillsides.

Arabis (Arabis): Widely distributed in open stony places. A. drummondii and several others.

Wallflower (Erysimum): Three or more species not sharply differentiated: E. nivale, E. wheeleri, and E. asperum. Common on open hillsides, in all zones.

Orpine family.

Yellow stonecrop (Sedum stenopetalum): Common on rocky slopes.

King's crown (Sedum integrifolium): Alpine marshes and stream banks.

Red orpine (Sedum rhodanthum): Wet meadows and stream banks, 9,000 to 12,000 feet.

Saxifrage family.

Grass of parnassus (Parnassia fimbriata): Rare; in subalpine forest bogs.

Alumroot (Heuchera): Several rather similar species, in crevices on rocky cliffs.

Miterwort (Mitella pentandra): In wet places in the spruce forests.

Running yellow saxifrage (Saxifraga flagellaris): High alpine ridges; not common.

Dotted saxifrage (Saxifraga austromontana): On stony slopes, chiefly montane.

Brook saxifrage (Saxifraga arguta): On banks of rapid streams, up to 11,500 feet.

Early saxifrage (Saxifraga rhomboidea): Common in June on moist montane hillsides.

Rose family.

Strawberry (Fragariamericana): Montane meadows and roadsides.

Leafy cinquefoil (Drymocallis fissa): Very common at middle elevations.

Cinquefoil (Potentilla): Many species, widely distributed in open places, to above timberline.

Burr avens (Geum strictum): In damp thickets; montane and lower.

Feathery avens (Sieversia ciliata): Montane meadows; July.

Alpine avens (Sieversia turbinata): One of the commonest flowers above timberline, up to the highest altitudes.

Mountain dryad (Dryas octopetala): On alpine meadows in July.

Flax family.

Blue flax (Linum lewisii): Dry meadows below 8,000 feet.

Pea family.

Yellow pea (Thermopsis divaricarpa): Abundant and widely distributed, flowering in early summer.

Lupine; blue bonnet (Lupinus): Several species, all rather similar; common in August.

Clover (Trifolium): Several species, on meadows in ail zones.

Vetch (Astragalus): Many species, especially on the submontane fields and hillsides.

Loco (Aragallus): Several species, one with purple flowers, A. lambertii, in montane meadows.

Geranium family.

Purple cranesbill (Geranium fremontii): Common generally up to 9,500 feet.

White cranesbill (Geranium richardsonii): In damp copses, lower montane.

Violet family.

Violet (Viola): Probably four species, but nowhere common: V. canaadensis, var., in moist aspen thickets; V. bellidifolia, in open subalpine swales; V. blanda, stream banks and moist aspen thickets, in montane zone.

Cactus family.

Ball cactus (Mamillaria viripara): Dry submontane hillsides.

Evening primrose family.

Baby's breath (Gayophytum ramosissimum): Sandy hills and roadsides; submontane.

Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium): Abundant in late summer throughout the park, up to timberline.

Willow herb (Epilobium): Several species, in wet places E. hornemannii, E. adenocaulon.

Yellow evening primrose (Onagra strigosa): Submontane fields and roadsides.

White evening primrose (Anogra): One, or perhaps two, species at lowest altitudes in the park.

Fragrant primrose (Pachylophus macroglottis): On dry ground, below 8,000 feet.

Parsnip family.

Sweet cicely (Washingtonia obtusa): In damp montane woods.

Caraway (Carum carui): Adventive, along roads.

Lovage (Ligusticum porteri): In montane aspen groves.

Angelica (Angelica): One very tall, stout species, A. ampla, in swamps, montane and lower. Another, A. grayi, along rapid subalpine streams.

Oxypolis (Oxypolis fendleri): Subalpine forest bogs.

Cow-parsnip (Heracleum lanatum): Very common along streams, up to 10,000 feet.

Yellow meadow parsnip: A large group, the genera not clearly defined. Harbouria trachypleura and species of Pseudocymopterus have been identified.

Wintergreen family.

Wintergreen (Pyrola): Two species; P. chlorantha and P. secunda, in dense, dry forests,

Purple wintergreen (Pyrola uliginosa): In forest bogs, upper montane.

One-flowered wintergreen (Moneses uniflora): Damp subalpine forests.

Pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata): Dry montane woods.

Indian pipe family.

Pinedrops (Pterospora andromeda): Rather rare; in dry coniferous forests.

Heath family.

Mountain laurel (Kalmia polifolia): Subalpine, bogs and lake shores.

Bearberry; Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi): Abundant on gravelly hillsides at middle elevations.

Huckleberry family.

Bilberry (Vaccinium): Two species, upper montane, in forests or often on burnt lands.

Primrose family.

Alpine primrose (Primula angustifolia): On the dry grassland above timberline.

Brook primrose (Primula parryi): Along cold streams and on wet cliffs; alpine and subalpine.

Rock jasmine (Drosace carinata): Alpine meadows.

Androsace (Androsace): Two species, alpine and montane; not common.

Shooting star (Dodecatheon pauciflorum): Swamps and springy places, in June.

Gentian family.

Marsh felwort (Pleurogyne fontana): Montane wet meadows; late summer. Also called white gentian.

Moss gentian (Chondrophylla americana): Rare; on alpine stream banks. Also called dwarf blue gentian.

Fringed gentian (Gentiana elegans): Montane marshes and stream banks; common in August.

Fragrant gentian (Gentiana barbellata): In damp montane copses; also in mossy places above timberline.

Rose gentian; two species: Gentiana strictiflora, montane and lower; G. plebeja, subalpine, and a form of the latter var. holmii, on alpine meadows.

Alpine gentian (Gentiana romanzovii): Common in August on the grassland above timberline.

Field gentian (Gentiana parryi): Montane and subalpine.

Closed gentian; two species, rather similar, on dry fields: Gentiana affinis and G. bigelovii.

Star gentian (Swertia): two species; S. congesta, in open subalpine marshes; S. palustris, in damp thickets and shaded bogs, chiefly montane.

Monument plant (Frasera speciosa): On open, dry slopes up to 11,000 feet or higher. Also called green gentian.

Buckbean family.

Marsh trefoil (Menyanthes trifoliata): On a few shallow subalpine ponds.

Dogbane family.

Indian hemp (Apocynum androsaemifolium): On rocky ground, chiefly submontane; not common.

Phlox family.

Alpine phlox (Phlox caespitosa): In dense beds on open slopes; alpine and subalpine.

Skyrocket (Gilia aggregata): Only on the western edge of the park. Also called red trumpet flower.

Gilia (Gilia): A few species, with inconspicuous flowers.

Collomia (Collomia linearis): Sandy stream banks.

Polemonium (Polemonium): Five species. Three with blue flowers: P. occidentale, montane; P. pulcherrimum, subalpine; P. confertum, high alpine. White: P. mellitum. Yellow: P. brandegeei. Both at high altitudes.

Waterleaf family.

Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum fendleri): Moist meadows and copses at middle elevations.

Blue pincushion (Phacelia sericea): Common along roads, in early summer.

Scorpion weed (Phacelia): Several species; roadsides and waste ground.

Borage family.

Stickseed (Lapula): One or two species, at middle elevations.

Miner's candle (Oreocarya virgata): Dry fields and roadsides.

Chiming bells (Mertensia): Five or more species; M. virdis, M. coriacea, and M. ovata, alpine; M. ciliata and varieties, common along stream banks; M. bakeri and M. lanceolata, on dry ground, montane.

Forget-me-not (Eritrichium argenteum): Dry alpine meadows.

Mint family.

Scullcap (Scutellaria brittoni): Hillsides up to 9,000 feet.

Wild mint (Mentha canadensis): Submontane swamps and springy places.

Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris): Along roads in the foothills.

Woundwort (Stachys palustris): Moist meadows, at middle elevations.

Horsemint (Monarda menthaefolia): On submontane hills and moraines. Also called wild bergamot.

Figwort family.

Blue-eyed Mary (Collinsia tenella): Hillsides, montane and lower.

Figwort (Scrophularia occidentallis): At lower altitudes; infrequent.

Pentstemon (Pentstemon): Several species, widely distributed in open places. P. glaucus a subalpine form, with dull purple flowers.

Chionophila (Chionophila jamesii): Common, on the alpine grassland.

Speedwell (Veronica): Two species; V. alpina, in wet meadows near timber line; V. americana, montane, in brooks and springs.

Monkey flower (Mimulus langsdorfii): In shaded subalpine bogs and thickets. M. floribundus, submontane roadsides.

Pedicularis (Pedicularis): Two species, in forests; P. racemosa, subalpine; P. grayi, montane.

Little red elephant (Pedicularis groenlandica): In open marshes, 9,000 to 11,000 feet.

Paintbrush (Castilleja): Many species, widely distributed at all altitudes.

Owl's clover (Orthocarpus luteus): On grassy hillsides, montane and lower, in August.

Madder family.

Redstraw (Galium): Two species, montane; G. boreale, very common everywhere; G. triflorum, in damp thickets.

Honeysuckle family.

Rider (Sambucus sp.): Occasional, in montane woods.

Twin-flower (Linnaea americana): In the dense coniferous forests at high altitudes.

Bush honeysuckle; twin-berry (Lonicera involucrata): A shrub, rather generally distributed.

Bluebell family.

Herebell (Campanula): Three species; C. uniflora, on the alpine meadows, not common; C. rotundifolia, abundant throughout the park, in all zones; C. Parryi, submontane fields.

Valerian family.

Valerian (Valeriana): Two species of diverse aspect; V. acutiloba, rare, in subalpine forest bogs; V. furfurescens, common on montane meadows.

Composite family.

Gum plant, (Grindelia): One or more species, submontane.

Golden aster (Chrysopsis): Several species, very similar, common in late summer on open slopes at all altitudes.

Goldenrod (Solidago): Many species, generally distributed.

Stemless daisy (Townsendia exscapa): One of the earliest flowers in the foothill region.

Aster (Aster): Several species, flowering in late summer; A. laevis, A. adscendens, A. porteri, and others.

Tansy aster (Machaeranthera): Two or more species, on dry ground at lower altitudes.

Daisy (Erigeron): Many species, throughout the park. Among the more common are: E. melanocephelus, subalpine swales; E. salsuginosus, and varieties, along cold streams; E. macranthus, abundant through the montane zone; E. glandulosus, and E. flagellaris.

Cat's paw; everlasting (Antennaria): Two or more species: A. rosea, the pink ever lasting; A. parrvifolia.

Pearly everlasting (Anaphalis subalpina): Often in burnt forests.

Cone flower (Rudbeckia hirta): Dry fields below 9,000 feet. Also called Black-eyed Susan.

Sunflower (Helianthus): Two or more species at lower altitudes.

Rydbergia (Rydbergia grandiflora): Common on the alpine grasslands in early summer. Sometimes called Alpine sunflower.

Woolly actinella (Actinella acaulis): On the alpine meadows.

Gaillardia (Gaillardia aristata): On dry meadows, below 9,000 feet.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Abundant and widely distributed.

Sage (Artemisia): Several species, generally distributed in all zones.

Arnica (Arnica): Five or more species: A cordifolia, open woods in June; A. subplumosa, subalpine stream banks; A. ventorum and A. pumila, in montane forests; A. fulgens, fields and roadsides at middle elevations.

Ragwort (Senecio): Many species, widely distributed. Among the more conspicuous are: S. holmii, S. soldanella, and S. carthamoides, alpine; S. triangularis and S. serra, on stream banks in the forest; S. glaucescens, montane hillsides.

Thistle (Carduus): Several species, at all altitudes.

Crepis (Crepis): One or more species.

Hawkweed (Hieracium): One or more species.

False dandelion (Troximon): At least one species, common on montane fields in late summer.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): The common weed, rapidly invading meadow lands. Also possibly one native species.

Tonestus pygamaeus: In the alpine meadows.

FLOWERING SHRUBS.

Gooseberry family.

Gooseberry (Ribes): Occasional, up to timberline.

Currant (Ribes coloradense): The subalpine black currant, and one or two others.

Hydrangea family.

Jamesia (Jamesia americana): A common shrub on montane canyon sides and rocky cliffs.

Rose family.

Wild rose (Rosa): One or mere species, in open woods, and on dry hills, slopes, and roadsides.

Nine-bark (Physocarpus ramaleyi): A shrub of submontane canyons.

False raspberry (Bossekia deliciosa): Cliffs and canyon sides, up to 9,000 feet.

Raspberry (Rubus strigosus): On dry slopes, often on burnt lands, up to timberline.

Shrubby cinquefoil (Dasiophora fruticosa): In open places, throughout the montane and subalpine zones, flowering all summer. Also called yellow rose, and sage rose.

Apple family.

Mountain ash (Sorbus scopulina): A small shrub, occasional, up to 10,000 feet.

Serviceberry (Amelanchier): One species reported, from the lowest altitudes.

Plum family.

Chokecherry (Prunus melanocarpa): Rocky slopes and canyons, chiefly submontane.

Buckthorn family.

Mountain balm (Ceanothus velutinus): A low dense shrub, common on dry hills and moraines; submontane.

Oleaster family.

Buffaloberry (Sheperdia canadensis): In woods, middle elevations.

Honeysuckle family.

Elder (Sambucus): Occasional, at middle elevations.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera involucrata): In woods, to 9,000 to 10,000 feet.

SHRUBS WITHOUT CONSPICUOUS FLOWERS.

Juniper (Juniperus sibirica): Open rocky places, up to 10,000 feet.

Willow (Salix): Many kinds, mostly near streams or in swamps, up to 12,000 feet; 6 species are easily distinguished.

Rocky Mountain birch (Betula fontinalis): Along streams, below 8,500 feet.

Bog birch (Betula glandulosa): Chiefly on alpine meadows and marshes, 11,000 to 11,500 feet, but occasionally lower.

Alder (Alnus tenuifolia): Large shrub or small tree, along streams, up to 9,500 feet.

Rocky Mountain maple (Acer glabrum): Widely distributed up to at least 9,500 feet.

TREES.

Pine family.

Limber pine (Pinus flexilis): A tree of dry slopes, and wind-swept ridges, 9,000 to 11,000 feet, assuming pictueresque forms at timberline.

Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta, var. Murrayana): The characteristic conifer of the montane zone, often forming dense second-growth forests on burnt lands, at middle elevations.

Western yellow pine (Pinus ponderosa, var. scopulorum): A prevailing tree of the foothills, but extending onto the lower edge of the montane zone in favorable situations.

Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmanni): The characteristic tree of the subalpine zone, growing tall and pyramidal in sheltered gorges, but becoming a low, matted shrub at timberline.

Blue spruce; Silver spruce (Picea parryana): Along streams, chiefly below 8,500 feet. State tree of Colorado.

Balsam fir (Abies lasiocarpa): Occurs with the Engelmann spruce in the subalpine forests, chiefly near streams.

Douglas spruce or fir (Pseudotsuga taxifolia): On dry and often northerly slopes, up to 10,000 feet on the higher foothills, but infrequent along the main range. Also called red fir and false hemlock.

Red Cedar; Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum): A small tree of scattered growth, in rocky places, mostly below 8,000 feet.

Dwarf juniper (Juniperus communis, var. sibirica): A low, matted shrub, widely distributed up to 10,000 feet.

Willow family.

Aspen (Populus tremuloides): The commonest deciduous tree of the park, occurring at all altitudes up to 11,200 feet, and varying greatly in size and form. Most abundant in the montane parks, where it forms handsome groves. Also called "quakin' asp."

Balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera): Very rare and local. Only one small grove has yet been discovered in the park.

Narrow-leaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia): Along streams, below 8,000 feet.

Willow (Salix): Many species, ours all shrubs, abundant throughout the park.

Birch family.

Black birch (Betula fontinalis): Shrub or small tree, along streams below 8,500 feet.

Bog birch (Betula glandulosa): A low shrub of alpine meadows and marshes.

Alder (Alnus tenuifolia): Shrub or small tree, common along streams up to 9,500 feet.

KEY TO THE EVEEGREEN OR CONIFEROUS TREES OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK.