Fabulous Funky Thistle!
Funky Thistle is funky indeed. This woolly alpine plant was discovered only two years ago in 2022 near Leadville by Dr. Jennifer Ackerfield at Denver Botanic Gardens. It had been mislabeled as another species for years. Dr. Ackerfield named it in honor of her mentor Dr. Vicki Funk.
Funky Thistle is important to the alpine ecosystem as bumblebees fall asleep in its soft warm flowers and pikas have been seen carrying its spiky leaves back to their haypiles. You can find this funky plant in alpine meadows, scree slopes, and sometimes in subalpine forests!
Alpine EcoQuests are botanical scavenger hunts that are open to everyone. Each month of the short alpine growing season, community scientists focus on finding a specific plant for the Colorado Alpine EcoFlora Project.
The Colorado Alpine EcoFlora Project invites botany-enthusiasts of all levels to observe, study and conserve native Rocky Mountain alpine plants using iNaturalist, an easy-to-use mobile app. All you need is a sense of curiosity and to start exploring!
As you enjoy hiking into the alpine this summer, please adhere to Leave No Trace guidelines for recreating responsibly in the alpine. This environment is adapted to the toughest conditions but is still vulnerable to human disturbance. Stay on hard surfaces and trails; pack out all your waste; clean up after your pets; and always be prepared.
Happy botanizing!
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