Found in open woodlands
Seen blooming in May in Abiquiu
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Chokecherry is a native, deciduous, woody, thicket-forming, large shrub or small tree, rarely reaching 30 feet tall. It can be erect or straggling, dependent on moisture and site. Leaves are oval, often widest above the middle, with fine, sharp teeth. Bark is smooth, reddish-grey to greyish-brown with small, raised, horizontal slits, called lenticels. The aromatic flowers grow in long clusters over four inches long. Chokecherry fruit is pea-sized, dark red to black in color and is bitter, but excellent for syrup, jam or jelly with lots of added sugar. The stones are toxic due to production of hydrocyanic acid. Many wildlife animals eat the fruit and distribute it; birds, rabbits, hares, rodents and bears all seek out and eat its fruit. For many Native American tribes chokecherries are the most important fruit in their traditional diets and are part of pemmican, a staple traditional food. The bark of chokecherry root is used to ward off or treat colds, fever and stomach maladies. The inner bark of the chokecherry is also used by some tribes in ceremonial smoking mixtures, known as kinnikinnick. Source.
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If you trying to identify a different flower then you can check what other flowers bloom this month. If you cannot identify a flower from the website send a photo and where you took it to contact@rockymountainsflora.com. Read online for tips.   

Found in moist areas, stream sides
Seen blooming in April by the Rio Chama

Silver Buffaloberry is a native shrub growing to 15 feet tall in thickets. The silvery leaves, habitat and thorny stems cause it to be mistaken for Russian Olive, which is an invasive species. Several things differentiate them; leaves grow in opposite pairs while the leaves of the Russian Olive are alternate, flowers of the Russian Olive are much larger, brighter yellow, tubular and bloom later, the fruit is a red or gold berry while the Russian Olive produces “olives” covered with silvery scale, and the Russian Olive can grow to 35 feet tall. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants. The tiny yellowish-brown flowers cluster on the stems. The photo is of male flowers. The fruits are an important source of food for birds and animals and are edible for humans, but tart. Native Americans consumed fruits both fresh and dried. Fruits were eaten as a laxative and for stomach troubles and fevers.  Fruits were used occasionally in ceremonial feasts at female puberty rites and to make a red dye. Source.
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If you are trying to identify a different flower then you can check what other flowers bloom this month. If you cannot identify a flower from the website, send a photo and where you took it to contact@rockymountainsflora.com. Read online for tips.   

Found in sandy, dry areas
Photo taken in April in Red Wash Canyon

The Astragalus genus is very large and individual species are usually identified by their seed pod rather than their flower or leaves; several varieties of Milkvetch grow in this area. This beautiful little plant grows low to the ground with five to eleven silky leaflets. Flowers are showy, bright pink/purple with a lighter center and are over one inch long. Seed pods are curved and covered in silky, white hairs. Specific uses for this species are unknown, but other species in the genus have uses. The plant is considered poisonous, especially to stock and horses, however medicinally; a decoction of whole plant used as a wash for the head, hair and whole body, plant used for stomach disorders, as a gargle for sore throats, poultice of crushed leaves applied to lame back, applied as an ointment for animals with urination troubles, roots chewed as a cathartic, infusion of root used as a wash for sores and as a wash for granulated eyelids and toothaches, also plants used as a ceremonial emetic, seeds used for food, and pounded seeds mixed with other foods and used as a spice. Source.

If you trying to identify a different flower then you can check what other flowers bloom this month. If you cannot identify a flower from the website, send a photo and where you took it to contact@rockymountainsflora.com. Read online for tips.   

By Marilyn Phillips

Found in dry, disturbed areas, on slopes
Seen blooming in April in Arroyo Trujillo

Another early bloomer, Golden Smoke grows to about 12 inches tall and is easily recognized by the irregular yellow flowers in long, loose clusters and its finely divided, bluish-green leaves. The seed pods are bean-like and curve upwards. Corydalis species are potentially toxic in moderate doses. However, a tea made from the plant is used in the treatment of painful or irregular menstruation, diarrhea, bronchitis, heart diseases, sore throats and stomach aches. Externally, it is used as a lotion on backaches, hand sores etc. and as a gargle for sore throats. Source.

If you trying to identify a different flower then you can check what other flowers bloom this month. If you cannot identify a flower from the website send a photo and where you took it to contact@rockymountainsflora.com. Read online for tips.   

Found in dry, sandy, gravelly areas
Seen blooming in March on the Pajaro Trail below Abiquiu Dam

The first blooms I saw this year were New Mexico False Carrots. Flowers in the Parsley family bloom early and have tiny flowers with five petals in usually flat heads. This family is also commonly called Parsley or Celery. The New Mexico False Carrot grows to 8 inches high in a dense bright green tuft with dry stalks from the previous year. The flowers bloom on stalks barely 2 inches high which elongate with age. Leaves are divided into narrow segments. It is listed as a New Mexico Rare Plant but it is not difficult to find in Plaza Blanca and Red Wash Canyons. Source. No traditional uses could be found but other members of this family are edible.
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If you trying to identify a different flower then you can check what other flower bloom this month. If you cannot identify a flower from the website send a photo and where you took it to contact@rockymountainsflora.com. Read online for tips.