paradox lupine, Lupinus crassus

Another of the wonderful western lupines. This one is a bit of a rarity, at least in Colorado. Colorado was very much a manifest destiny destination. Apparently a bit of that feeling lingers, and they have no state level laws to identify and protect rare animals and plants. The Colorado Natural Heritage Program at Colorado State University does publish information to support conservation efforts, including a list of rare plants. Paradox lupine is on that list. This paradox only occurs in CO and UT. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Montrose Co CO, 6/20/13.