Botanists on the prairie

Some days the shortgrass prairie doesn’t seem to hold much of interest to botanists. It’s hot, windy, dry, and grazed as far as the eye can see. CNHP Botanist Pam Smith sent these photos of a 2011 prairie bioblitz.

How hot was it? Check out the temperature on the speedometer!

In situations like this one last summer, it isn't too surprising that the searchers were drawn to a couple of the prairie’s biggest plants - not that much shade was available.

 CSU herbarium manager Jennifer Ackerfield and CNHP's Renée Rondeau

with Asclepias latifolia, the broadleaf milkweed.

Ipomoea leptophylla, the bush morning-glory.

Pam, Jennifer, and Renée managed to add 33 new plants to the list of documented species at Brett Gray Ranch. Thanks for the report, Pam!