Denver EcoFlora Project's Journal

February 26, 2024

Tracking Townsendia

Townsendia, or Easter daisy, are one of the first plants to bloom in the foothills. Like their common name suggests, you will typically begin seeing them bloom around Easter. Although the weather can be quite cold this time of year, Easter daisy is adapted to withstand freezing conditions and blankets of snow. These plants form low mounds close to the ground, a successful strategy that helps to maximize heat retention during colder periods.

As a member of the Compositae (Asteraceae), or aster family, these “flowers” are not all that they appear at first glance. Indeed, what looks like a single flower is actually a composite of many flowers arranged in an inflorescence called a head. Inside of this head, there are even two different types of flowers present – ray flowers, which are petal-like, on the outer periphery of the head, and disk flowers in the center. These heads are nested amongst a rosette of leaves, protecting them from potentially cold conditions.

There are two species of Townsendia in the metro area that you might see flowering – T. exscapa and T. hookeri. These two species can be very difficult to tell apart – the main difference being that T. exscapa has larger heads with disk flowers over 6.5 mm while T. hookeri has smaller heads with disk flowers under 6 mm in length.

Documenting the flowering period of species such as these can ultimately aid our understanding of plant responses to a warming climate. By comparing observations, in combination with natural history collections dating back over 100 years, we can better understand how seasonal patterns are changing, and even make predictions for the future.

See if you can locate some Easter daisies and help Denver Botanic Gardens document their flowering period by photographing as many plants as possible in the month of March. Post your findings to iNaturalist so they will automatically be added to the Denver EcoFlora Project.


@astrobirder
T. hookeri


@christian_nunes
T. hookeri

Posted on February 26, 2024 06:34 PM by alissa_iverson alissa_iverson | 0 comments | Leave a comment

February 2, 2024

February EcoQuest: Looking for Love(ly Lichens)

As Valentine's Day warms our hearts, let's explore the forest's most romantic residents—lichens! Imagine a love story where fungi and algae join forces, creating the ultimate power couple—that’s a lichen. Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between two or even three different species—one or two fungi paired with an algae or even cyanobacteria! These partnerships give lichens structure through the fungi and energy through the photosynthetic algae (you could say they’re a bit co-dependent).

In addition to being biologically fascinating, they are also ecologically important. They provide food, shelter, and even habitat for various other species. For example, birds will use lichens for building their nests—and tiny tardigrades (aka water bears) live within lichen like a real bear might live in a forest. Lichens perform ecosystem services like carbon capture, nutrient cycling, and can act as pioneer species, able to obtain nutrients from sheer rock and sunlight.

Beard lichens are a specific genus of lichens called Usnea. Although lichens are notoriously challenging to identify, this genus is quick to spot—look for tangled masses of silvery-green threads hanging from tree branches and bark. This genus is prolific in its range and grows from the Arctic to the tropics. Usnea is often confused with Spanish moss (which actually isn’t a moss or a lichen and doesn’t grow in Colorado). To identify Usnea, pull apart the outer sheath of its main stem. If there is tiny, white central cord inside, with the pull of an elastic thread—it’ll be Usnea. If not, it’ll likely be a different genus.

Usnea, and other lichens are known for their valuable benefits to humanity. For example, they are known for their usefulness in traditional medicine. The species in Usnea aren’t edible but are widely regarded for their medicinal uses, especially for their antibacterial and antifungal properties. Lichens are also known as bioindicators, meaning they can be used to monitor changes in environmental health. Some lichens, such as the beard lichen, are sensitive to common air pollution contaminants, like sulfur dioxide. This means that they can only thrive in areas with good air quality.

We still have a lot to learn about lichens. Learning more about where they grow can help us better understand air quality in the Front Range. In February, get more acquainted with this romantic fellow and contribute to our understanding of beard lichens by searching for these fascinating forest lovebirds and posting your findings on iNaturalist.


Usnea hirta by @phyllisholst


Usnea hirta by @bolmstead42

Posted on February 2, 2024 09:33 PM by alissa_iverson alissa_iverson | 0 comments | Leave a comment

December 18, 2023

January EcoQuest: Make the Grade

iNaturalist has unwrapped the Year in Review, showcasing highlights and scientific triumphs from the year. Let’s take a moment to celebrate our local community!

For the Denver-Boulder Metro EcoFlora project, in 2023 we contributed over 80,000 total observations—10,000 more observations than last year! We spotted 1250 plant species and 255 fungi and lichen species, for 1505 total species observed in the area. Kudos to the 5,500+ observers and nearly 1500 identifiers who made this possible! Shout out to the Research & Conservation department at Denver Botanic Gardens who contributed over 500 observations in 2023.

Despite this achievement, over 52,000 observations are eagerly awaiting their research-grade gold star! In fact, of the 323,560 observations included in the Denver EcoFlora project, 51% have not made research grade status. This month let’s work together to practice our identification skills by reviewing these observations so they can make the grade!

To achieve research grade, two or more reviewers must agree on the same species name. Once they’ve made the grade, these observations are uploaded to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility database of over 1 billion biodiversity records. Your observations can then be used by researchers worldwide to answer questions such as: the past and potential spread of invasive species, the influence of climate change on biodiversity, the role of rare species in protecting critical ecosystem functions, and the identification of priority areas for plant conservation.

You can also use this opportunity to hone your plant identification skills. Pick a few species – maybe your favorite wildflowers, or a group that’s piqued your curiosity. Learn the characteristics of these, and then apply this knowledge to the Denver EcoFlora observations. From the project page on iNaturalist , simply click on “Observations” and then “Identify.” You can narrow this list down by entering a specific species in the search box. We can’t wait to see how many observations make the grade!

Comment below the number species you observed or how many iNaturalist observations you contributed in 2023. Which species won your heart this year? Any thrilling discoveries you’re hoping for in 2024?

Here are some Denver EcoFlora specimens observed in 2023


Greater Sea-Spurry (Spergularia media) | @erniem


White Bog Orchid – Platanthera dilatate @zerkenbeck


Red-juice tooth (Hydnellum peckii) | @alexmerryman

Posted on December 18, 2023 05:01 PM by alissa_iverson alissa_iverson | 0 comments | Leave a comment

December 4, 2023

December EcoQuest: Chasing Cattails

For our December EcoQuest, let's dive into the intriguing world of cattails! Cattails grow in or near slow moving or still waters—think of the margins of ponds, lakes, and streams. These species are easy to spot, even in December! They grow can grow up to 10 feet tall and have grass-like leaves, with long slender stalks topped with a brown, corndog-shaped flowering head.

Cattails, known scientifically as the Typha genus, are very useful. Every part of the plant, from roots to shoots, leaves, and the fluffy bits have practical use. For example, Native Americans would use the cottony fluff for dressing wounds and pillow stuffing, while the leaves were used for weaving baskets, mats, or roof thatching. In addition to practical uses, nearly all parts of the plant are edible. Flour can be made from the pollen or the roots and the tender young shoots are delicious steamed or fried.

While spotting a cattail might be quick and easy, distinguishing between species is trickier. Colorado hosts three common cattail species, broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), narrowleaf cattail (T. angustifolia), and southern cattail (T. domingensis). The flower spikes are very helpful when distinguishing species. The corndog-like part of the spike holds the female flowers, while above is a thinner spike that holds the male flowers.

Broadleaf cattail doesn’t have a gap between the male and female parts, but narrowleaf and southern cattail do. In narrowleaf cattail the male and female spikes are roughly the same length, but in southern cattails the male spike is longer than the female spike. Additionally, narrowleaf cattail is typically taller and has narrower leaves (6-15 mm wide) compared to broadleaf cattail (10-30 mm wide). These species can be difficult to tell apart, especially in the winter when the male flower spike might not be present. If you can’t distinguish the species, leave the genus at Typha and take good pictures of the leaves and flower spike.

Cattails are ecologically important as they provide important habitat for animals. If you find cattail, notice what other creatures you might see or hear, in the water or perching on the stalks. Wetland habitats are important hotspots for biodiversity so monitoring the species present in these areas is a meaningful endeavor. So, Let’s bundle up for a frosty adventure, search for cattails, and post our findings on iNaturalist to better understand these useful and ecologically important plants.


Typha sp. by @bolmstead42


Typha latifolia by @nickmoore91

Posted on December 4, 2023 03:14 PM by alissa_iverson alissa_iverson | 1 comment | Leave a comment

November 2, 2023

November EcoQuest: Searching for Snowberries

As we enter late fall and most plants go dormant, it gets trickier to identify species. It might feel as if quests for native flora will have to rest until spring, but some species stand out this time of year! Braving a wintry walk may bring into focus plants such as snowberry, which can be spotted even in the late fall and winter months due to their white berries that persist into the colder months.

Snowberries have ecological and ethnobotanical importance. For birds and small mammals, the berries serve as important winter food, while the woody shrubbery provides important habitat. Ethnobotanically, these species were used for a variety of purposes by Native Americans, from hair soap to tonics and eyewashes. However, these fruits are poisonous when consumed outside small amounts.

Snowberries, known scientifically as the Symphoricarpos genus, are in the Honeysuckle family, or Caprifoliaceae. Species in this family are often woody and have opposite leaves, pithy stems, and twin flowers and fruits. Symphoricarpos contain species that are small deciduous shrubs, with opposite leaves and bell-shaped pink to white flowers. "Symphoricarpos" is from the Greek "symphorein" meaning "borne together," and "karpos" meaning "fruit", referring to the closely packed berries.

In Colorado there are three common species in the Symphoricarpos genus: western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis), common snowberry (S. albus), and mountain snowberry (S. rotundifolius). These species can be challenging to tell apart, and they often occupy similar habitats. It’ll be tricky to identify to the species level without all the plant parts present—so take good pictures of the remaining berries, stem, and leaves and bring along a key or field guide.

This November, turn your winter hike into a scientific exploration by searching for snowberries! Help Denver Botanic Gardens document Symphoricarpos in the greater metro area by photographing as many as possible in the month of November. Post your findings to iNaturalist so they will automatically be added to the Denver EcoFlora Project.

Photo by Sue Janssen
@suejanssen

I'd love to hear your feedback and connect with those participating! Post a comment below to say hello. Thanks for reading!

Posted on November 2, 2023 04:51 PM by alissa_iverson alissa_iverson | 1 comment | Leave a comment

October 2, 2023

October EcoQuest: Leaf Peeping for Science

October has arrived and with it the leaves are beginning to change their colors in the Front Range. But have you every wondered why this happens and what determines the colors we see?

The green in leaves is a result of chlorophyll, a pigment which allows plants to make their own energy by converting sunlight into sugars through photosynthesis. Deciduous trees prefer to make the bulk of their sugars in the warmer seasons and store it for the winter, so they drop their leaves to prevent damage from snowfall and freezing temperatures. The shorter fall days reduce direct sunlight, causing chlorophyll to break down, unveiling hidden yellow and orange pigments in the leaves. Rich red hues in trees such as red maples or sumac arise from a different process. In order to drop leaves, a layer of cells is formed between the leaf and branch. When this happens, sugars become trapped in the leaves and produce anthocyanins, the source of deep auburn shades.

Here in Colorado, when we think of fall colors we typically think of the iconic quaking aspen. The scientific name, Populus tremuloides, reflects the ‘trembling’ characteristic of the leaves in the wind. Aspen is in the Salicaceae family, which was named after the chemical salicin found in the bark of aspen and its relatives. Salicin is converted by the body into salicylic acid—a major ingredient of aspirin. Many species in this family, such as willows, have been cherished for their medicinal properties for millennia.

In addition to their medicinal significance, aspen are also ecologically important. They serve as keystone species which support biodiverse forest habitats. They are also considered an indicator species for environmental health and can be sensitive to changes in soil conditions and climate. Unfortunately, aspen have been declining in North America for several decades. Consequently, monitoring their locations and health offers valuable insights into the effects of climate change and land management practices.

This October, let's turn our leaf peeping into a scientific adventure. As you marvel at the changing colors of our local aspen trees, consider making iNaturalist observations of your sightings. By documenting these moments, you're not only capturing the beauty of nature but also contributing to valuable research on environmental health and climate change effects.

@nmwmson

Posted on October 2, 2023 03:12 PM by alissa_iverson alissa_iverson | 0 comments | Leave a comment

August 30, 2023

Fungi Friends: Searching for Chlorophyllum

For September we are introducing our first fungal friend to the EcoQuest—the genus Chlorophyllum! Even though mushrooms aren’t plants, the term “botany” historically included all plant-like organisms, so terms like “botanical” or “flora” include fungi. Here at the Denver Botanic Gardens—we study fungi as well as plants!

Derived from Greek roots, the name “Chlorophyllum” means “green leaf”, or in this case “green gill,” as some species in the genus do have green spores. It was designated as a genus at a time when spore color was an important identifier for separating genera. Spore prints are a useful tool for identifying fungi—to make a spore print, place a mature mushroom cap with the stem cut, gill down on a piece of white paper overnight. Putting a container over it can help protect it from getting moved. In the morning, you’ll find a pattern of spores—the color of which can help in identification.

Members of the Chlorophyllum genus are often found in grassy areas, lawns, and woodlands in late summer to early autumn. Characteristics of this genus include a large cap that is often scaly and white, with a central stem and conspicuous ring toward the upper part of the stem. The stem is typically smooth and hollow with an enlarged base. The gills are especially distinctive in that they are “free”, meaning that they do not attach directly to the stalk.

In the Denver metro area, you can expect to find Chlorophyllum molybdites (commonly called “green-spored Parasol”), C. rhacodes, and C. brunneum. The latter two species are commonly referred to as “shaggy Parasol.” Chlorophyllum molybdites is poisonous, but unfortunately tastes rather good and as the other similar-looking species are edible, it causes more poisonings than any other mushrooms in the area. To distinguish, C. molybdites has green spores while the other two have white spores. Additionally, the textures of the caps are different, C. molybdites is softer, less scaly, and more granular. Telling these three species apart is challenging and especially discouraged for foraging, unless you are an expert.
If you stumble upon a Chlorophyllum mushroom in the Denver area, leave it as the genus Chlorophyllum on iNaturalist unless you are certain. Be sure to take a good picture of the ring—especially from the side, as this can help the fungal experts identify it to species level. If you can, make a spore print and upload a picture of it in your observation. Your contributions amplify our understanding of this captivating genus and urban ecology.

Help Denver Botanic Gardens document Chlorophyllum in the greater metro area by photographing as many as possible in the month of September. Post your findings to iNaturalist so they will automatically be added to the Denver EcoFlora Project.


Green-spored Parasol (Chlorophyllum molybdites) by @bradenmays


Shaggy Parasol (Chlorophyllum rhacodes) by @patcooper

Posted on August 30, 2023 07:23 PM by alissa_iverson alissa_iverson | 1 comment | Leave a comment

August 1, 2023

Ground Nesting Bees

Insect Alert!
In August we are taking a break from our usual plant-focused programming to help Cornell researchers with Project GNBee learn more about ground nesting bees. What are ground nesting bees anyway? Well, when we think of a bee, we might imagine a beehive—which is a colony of bees, but many native bees don’t fit into this stereotype. In fact, 90% of all bees are solitary, and 70% are ground nesting. Ground nesting bees are solitary bees, meaning they don’t have colonies with a queen and worker bees. Instead of building a beehive, each female bee constructs her own nest in the soil. Just like colony forming bees (or eusocial bees), ground nesting bees are important pollinators and critical for biodiversity and ecosystem health. Despite their importance, little is known about their nesting requirements—which is where Project GNBee comes in. They are aiming to utilize the amazing resource that is community scientists to locate and map ground nesting bee habitat.

Contribute to the effort to learn more about ground nesting bees by making iNaturalist observations. Please join the GNBee project on iNaturalist , and post pictures of ground nesting bees entering or leaving their nests and estimate the number of entrances. To find ground nesting bees, check areas with well-draining soil—gardens, meadows, and sandy areas. Your contributions can aid in understanding the vital role ground nesting bees play and how we can protect them.

To learn more, check out Project GNBee’s website and Instragram.


@tom_barnes_


@slowswakey

Posted on August 1, 2023 04:07 PM by alissa_iverson alissa_iverson | 1 comment | Leave a comment

July 5, 2023

July EcoQuest - Milkweeds and Monarchs

Milkweeds (Asclepias sp.) are one of the most common, showy flowers now blooming in the greater metro area. Milkweeds are easily identifiable—they have sepals and petals, but they also have an elaborate corona, usually comprised of a “horn” and “hood.” Milkweeds also have opposite leaves and milky sap. There are 10 species of Asclepias found in the greater metro area, but Asclepias speciosa (showy milkweed) is our most common species. The Xerces Society has a great guide to the milkweeds of Colorado that you can use to recognize the most common native species of milkweeds in our region.

Milkweeds are the sole food source for monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) caterpillars. Although milkweeds are toxic to most insects, monarch caterpillars can eat the leaves and store the toxins in their bodies, in turn making them toxic as well. Once these caterpillars have developed into butterflies, they then drink the nectar from the milkweed flowers for food. And in drinking this nectar, the butterfly’s foot sometimes slips into a structure of the corona called the stigmatic slit, within which lies a ball of sticky pollen called pollinia. This pollinia then becomes attached to the butterfly, traveling with it as it moves on to the next flower, where it is again deposited into another stigmatic slit, thus completing the act of pollination. And pollination ensures that the milkweed will produce fruit and seeds for the next generation. It’s a win-win for milkweed and monarchs!

Monarch butterflies migrate an astounding 6,000 miles each year, roundtrip from Mexico to Canada, through successive generations (it will take 3-4 generations before they reach Canada from Mexico). And as they migrate, monarchs lay eggs on milkweeds before dying. Migrating monarchs are divided into two populations – with the eastern one east of the Rocky Mountains and the western one west of the Rocky Mountains. In Colorado, our monarchs are part of the eastern population. You can help the monarchs along on their journey by planting a milkweed or two in your own garden!

Help Denver Botanic Gardens document monarchs and milkweed in the greater metro area by photographing as many plants and caterpillars (or even monarch butterflies!) as possible in the month of July. Post your findings to iNaturalist so they will automatically be added to the Denver EcoFlora Project.


Photo by @davidemartin


Photo by @cheriphillips

Posted on July 5, 2023 03:49 PM by alissa_iverson alissa_iverson | 0 comments | Leave a comment

June 1, 2023

Tracking Tradescantia

For June’s EcoQuest, let’s look out for prairie spiderwort, or Tradescantia occidentalis. Tradescantia occidentalis is easily recognizable by its three purple-blue petals and leaves with parallel venation. Prairie spiderwort is often found in sandy soil in the eastern plains and lower foothills. Tradescantia is a member of the spiderwort family (Commelinaceae), a primarily tropical and subtropical family, with some species extending into North and South American temperate zones. The common name, spiderwort, comes from the weblike fibers that are exposed when a leaf or stem is broken. Commelinaceae are typically characterized by succulent stems, parallel veins and sheathing leaves. The petals sometimes have a sparkly appearance—like they are encrusted with tiny jewels! Although mostly tropical, many plants within this family are commonly used as houseplants in temperate zones.

In Colorado, there are only three species of Commelinaceae—two Commelina (dayflowers) and Tradescantia occidentalis, but only Tradescantia is located within the Denver metro area. Tradescantia is named for John Tradescantia, a well-known English gardener and botanist, who had a strange collection of curiosities. These curiosities were opened to the public in 1634 and formed the first public museum in England. The stems and leaves of prairie spiderwort are considered edible and used in salads. This species is also used medicinally–the roots are considered a laxative and are used in tea for stomachaches, while the leaves are used as a poultice to treat insect bites. The flowers open in the morning and turn into a jelly-like substance following bloom.

See if you can locate some prairie spiderwort and help Denver Botanic Gardens document their flowering period by photographing as many plants as possible in the month of June. Post your findings to iNaturalist so they will automatically be added to the Denver EcoFlora Project.

Posted on June 1, 2023 04:11 PM by alissa_iverson alissa_iverson | 0 comments | Leave a comment