Wildflower Walks

Pinedrops

Pterospora andromedea

Description: Bell-shaped whitish flowers one-quarter to three-eighths of an inch wide hang downward from sticky, purplish brown stems 1 to 4 feet tall. Leaves are narrow scales on lower stem. Grows in medium-moist to dry soil with decaying plant material under coniferous stands. Blooms late June to August. (“Peterson Field Guides’ Rocky Mountain Wildflowers,” by John J. Craighead, Frank C. Craighead Jr. and Ray J. Davis.)

Recently seen: Pattee Canyon National Recreation Area.

The walk: In the past, I’ve seen single stalks of pinedrops here and there in Pattee Canyon. This year, they’re even growing in clusters. Look for the plants in the duff along the edge of the trails throughout this walk. The Crazy Canyon trailhead in Pattee Canyon is 3 1/2 miles up Pattee Creek Road from South Higgins Avenue. Follow Trail 302 uphill from the kiosk above the north side of the parking lot. When you reach the junction with Crazy Canyon Road, after about a third of a mile, follow it downhill slightly to Trail 302.7. Continue east on this trail. After less than a quarter of a mile and a slight rise, turn south on Trail 302.5 and follow it about a third of a mile downhill to the trailhead.

Justin Grigg