More from Bear Trap

More Images from Bear Trap Meadow-Casper, Wyoming-Early July

And there's mum. I told her to stand and wait for the butterfly's to land to photograph.

Blooming Bear Trap Meadow

Although these images were not taken in August I'm going to show them anyway as I didn't show them last bloom day. Bear Trap meadow is an open meadow on top of Casper Mountain. Casper mountain is a long mountain on the north part of the Laramie mountains overlooking Casper, Wyoming along the North Platte River. Elevation is 8130 and there is a 3000 foot climb to the top.
 It holds a special place in my heart as I have fond memories picnicing there while young with my parents, taking my boys there when they were young, and of course enjoying it even more in my "later" years. This is part of the Natrona County Park System and when I was in junior high I had a summer job picking up trash and downed lumber. I didn't appreciate the splendor then but I do now.
The meadow is used extensively for winter sports such as snowmobile races, cross country and of course sledding. In the summer large parties use the pavilions, camping and picnic areas. Wildflowers are abundant as you will see. In early August there is the Beartrap Music Festival which brings in quite a few bluegrass bands.

 A Juncus variety I think Allium canadense-wild onion-(thanks Susan for the ID)

I have spent hours trying to identify some of these plants, as above.

Geum triflorium-Prairie smoke, Antennaria arcuata-meadow pussytoes with Juncus-above

 

Balsamorhiza-Balsamroot

More photos to come.

As always the 15h of the month means Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, join Carol at May Dreams Garden to view blooms from around the world.

Wildflower Wednesday - March 2012

Gail at Clay and Limestone hosts the Wildflower Wednesday meme the fourth Wednesday of the month. Gail always has something special to share and I enjoy reading her detailed post as well as the great photography.

Image above is Geum triflorum 'Prairie Smoke'. This new transplant Geum was added to the 'prairie garden' in October via a bare root plant purchased from Prairie Moon Nursery.

Cercis canadensis, the Eastern Redbud is the state tree of Oklahoma and is native here in Kansas. This understory tree is a harbinger of spring.

Verbascum thapsus, the common mullein. Although this is not native to Kansas this introduced species has been around long enough to grandfather in I believe. Most people call it a weed as it is commonly found in open disturbed soils in ditch banks and poor soils. I especially like the foliage.

Please join Gail and other native wildflower aficionados and plant natives!