COLORADO WILD FLOWERS 1 



Plants and Their Distribution 



There are more different species of wild flowering plants in Colorado 

 than in any state of the Union except California, the number thus far 

 recognized being about 3,000. It is largely because of the varied con- 

 ditions of climate that so many plants are able to grow within the borders 

 of the state. A single small area, such as Boulder County, has more 

 different climates than could be found in a whole state such as Pennsyl- 

 vania or Illinois. 



Besides the climatic differences, which are chiefly the result of altitude, 

 an important feature which makes Colorado so rich in plant forms 

 is its central location. Passing through the state is the continental 

 divide which is the westward limit of extension for eastern plants, and 

 the eastern boundary for western plants. Botanically speaking the 

 state may be said to lie half way between the Atlantic and Pacific, 

 although geographically it is somewhat nearer the Pacific. 



In the western half of the state the plants are such as occur also in 

 Utah, Idaho and Nevada, while on the plains to the east of the continental 

 divide the plants are related to those of Nebraska and Kansas. The 

 flora of the higher mountains is much the same on the two sides of the 

 divide. 



Probably the easiest way to gain an idea of the Colorado flora is to 

 consider in order some of the conditions under which plants grow. The 

 simplest classification is made according to altitude. Changes in altitude 

 mean differences in climate and, because of this, differences in the trees 

 and herbs. It is possible to recognize a series of zones or belts of vegeta- 



1 There is no popular work of any kind dealing with Colorado plants. The author has in preparation 

 an extended work, which may prove useful. Only one technical book of wide scope has been pub- 

 lished in recent years, viz., Rydberg's Flora of Colorado, which may be obtained from the Director of the 

 Experiment Station, Colorado Agricultural College, Ft. Collins. Professor Aven Nelson, of the University 

 of Wyoming, will soon have ready a manual of Rocky Mountain Botany. 



