Jeff Goulden Pictures, Images and Stock Photos

Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte are two prominent and beautiful sandstone peaks at the south edge of the red rock formations of the Coconino National Forest near Sedona, Arizona, USA.

Cumulus clouds appear in a blue sky over the desert west of Kayenta, Arizona, USA.

The Common Sunflower (Helianthus annus), a wild native of the American Southwest, is a member of the Asteraceae family. It has a well-known characteristic, called heliotropism, of pivoting its leaves and buds to track the path of the sun from sunrise to sunset. Once the flowers open, they are oriented to the east to greet the rising sun. The common sunflower thrives in the dry, brown disturbed soils of the southwest, turning the arid landscape into a shimmering yellow carpet that attracts wildlife, insects and human visitors alike. In Northern Arizona, the Navajo ancestors extracted a dark red dye from the outer seed coats and the Hopi cultivated a purple sunflower to make a special dye. The sunflower seed was an important food source for most North American tribes. The sunflower, with its large yellow flowers, is also an iconic art symbol and the state flower of Kansas. After the Summer Monsoon rains bring moisture to the region, sunflowers bloom in fields all over Northern Arizona. This group of sunflowers was photographed in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Common Sunflower (Helianthus annus), a wild native of the American Southwest, is a member of the Asteraceae family. It has a well-known characteristic, called heliotropism, of pivoting its leaves and buds to track the path of the sun from sunrise to sunset. Once the flowers open, they are oriented to the east to greet the rising sun. The common sunflower thrives in the dry, brown disturbed soils of the southwest, turning the arid landscape into a shimmering yellow carpet that attracts wildlife, insects and human visitors alike. In Northern Arizona, the Navajo ancestors extracted a dark red dye from the outer seed coats and the Hopi cultivated a purple sunflower to make a special dye. The sunflower seed was an important food source for most North American tribes. The sunflower, with its large yellow flowers, is also an iconic art symbol and the state flower of Kansas. After the Summer Monsoon rains bring moisture to the region, sunflowers bloom in fields all over Northern Arizona. This group of sunflowers was photographed in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Cameron Suspension Bridge is a significant piece of Arizona's transportation history and has played a crucial role in connecting the northern and southern parts of the state. It was built in 1911 by the Midland Bridge Company of Kansas City, Missouri to provide a crossing over the Little Colorado River for both vehicles and pedestrians. At the time of its construction, the Cameron Suspension Bridge was a modern engineering marvel and provided a reliable river crossing for travelers, particularly those heading to the Grand Canyon. It was crucial for the development of the region and facilitated trade and tourism in the area. The Cameron Suspension Bridge is located near the Cameron Trading Post in Cameron, Arizona, USA.

The Common Sunflower (Helianthus annus), a wild native of the American Southwest, is a member of the Asteraceae family. It has a well-known characteristic, called heliotropism, of pivoting its leaves and buds to track the path of the sun from sunrise to sunset. Once the flowers open, they are oriented to the east to greet the rising sun. The common sunflower thrives in the dry, brown disturbed soils of the southwest, turning the arid landscape into a shimmering yellow carpet that attracts wildlife, insects and human visitors alike. In Northern Arizona, the Navajo ancestors extracted a dark red dye from the outer seed coats and the Hopi cultivated a purple sunflower to make a special dye. The sunflower seed was an important food source for most North American tribes. The sunflower, with its large yellow flowers, is also an iconic art symbol and the state flower of Kansas. After the Summer Monsoon rains bring moisture to the region, sunflowers bloom in fields all over Northern Arizona. This group of sunflowers was photographed in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Cameron Suspension Bridge is a significant piece of Arizona's transportation history and has played a crucial role in connecting the northern and southern parts of the state. It was built in 1911 by the Midland Bridge Company of Kansas City, Missouri to provide a crossing over the Little Colorado River for both vehicles and pedestrians. At the time of its construction, the Cameron Suspension Bridge was a modern engineering marvel and provided a reliable river crossing for travelers, particularly those heading to the Grand Canyon. It was crucial for the development of the region and facilitated trade and tourism in the area. The Cameron Suspension Bridge is located near the Cameron Trading Post in Cameron, Arizona, USA.

The White-Faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) is a medium-sized wading bird whose breeding range includes the western United States south through Mexico, southeastern Brazil and Bolivia south to central Argentina and the coast of Chile. The winter range extends from southern California and Louisiana south to include the rest of their breeding range. This species breeds in colonies around saltwater and freshwater marshes, usually nesting in bulrushes, cattails, bushes or low trees. The nest is built from reeds. Its breeding range extends from the western United States south through Mexico, as well as from southeastern Brazil and southeastern Bolivia south to central Argentina, and along the coast of central Chile. The white-faced ibis is an overall iridescent bronze-brown color. There is a thin band of white feathers around its face, thus giving it the name white-faced. The bill is long and downward curving. It has red eyes and long red legs and feet. The curved bill is used to probe for a variety of organisms, including invertebrates such as insects, snails, leeches, crayfish and earthworms. The diet may also include vertebrates such as newts, fish and frogs. This white-faced ibis with its breeding plumage was photographed while standing on the bank of Walnut Canyon Lakes in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Northern Harrier or Marsh Hawk (Circus cyaneus) is a migratory bird of prey that breeds in the northern hemisphere and winters in the southernmost USA, Mexico and Central America. It hunts by swooping low and following the contours of the land. Its prey consists of mice, snakes, insects and small birds. This female was found in Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area near McNeal, Arizona, USA.

The Gunnison's Prairie Dog (Cynomys gunnisoni) is a rodent and member of the squirrel family. They are primarily distributed in the Four Corners region of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. Their coats are light brown mixed with black-colored hairs. The top of the head, cheeks, and eyebrows are darker than the rest of the body. The tail is mostly white. The prairie dog’s eyes are on the sides of the head to give them wide peripheral vision to more easily spot predators. The Gunnison's prairie dog typically feeds during the day on grasses, herbs, and leaves. In the spring, they feed on newly grown shrubs. In the summer they mainly consume seeds. Prairie dog habitat includes meadows, grasslands, high desert and floodplains. They are often found in areas of rabbitbrush, sagebrush, and saltbrush. Gunnison's prairie dogs live in large colonies of up to several hundred. They are more active in the early morning and late afternoon especially during hot weather. When the temperatures are cooler, they become more active throughout the day. When it rains or snows, the prairie dog will spend its time underground. When they are above ground, they feed, make social contact, look out for predators, groom and dig their burrows. During the winter, the Gunnison's prairie dog hibernates for long periods of time without food or water, instead relying on stored fat and physiological adaptations to slow their metabolism. After hibernation, they become active from April through October. The Gunnison's prairie dog has a complex system of vocal communication. Their bark is a combination of high-pitched syllables to identify various predators. They also have different sounds for an "all-clear" signal. There may be up to 11 distinct warning calls used by the prairie dog. This Gunnison’s prairie dog was photographed in a prairie dog colony by Walnut Canyon Lakes in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Cameron Suspension Bridge is a significant piece of Arizona's transportation history and has played a crucial role in connecting the northern and southern parts of the state. It was built in 1911 by the Midland Bridge Company of Kansas City, Missouri to provide a crossing over the Little Colorado River for both vehicles and pedestrians. At the time of its construction, the Cameron Suspension Bridge was a modern engineering marvel and provided a reliable river crossing for travelers, particularly those heading to the Grand Canyon. It was crucial for the development of the region and facilitated trade and tourism in the area. The Cameron Suspension Bridge is located near the Cameron Trading Post in Cameron, Arizona, USA.

The Northern Harrier or Marsh Hawk (Circus cyaneus) is a migratory bird of prey that breeds in the northern hemisphere and winters in the southernmost USA, Mexico and Central America. It hunts by swooping low and following the contours of the land. Its prey consists of mice, snakes, insects and small birds. This female was found in Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area near McNeal, Arizona, USA.

The California Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata) is a non-venomous snake native to the western United States and northern Mexico. It is known for its vibrant and distinctive color pattern. The adult kingsnake measures between 24 to 36 inches although some can reach up to 48 inches. They are primarily found in the southwest United States, including parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. They also inhabit northern Mexico. These snakes are often found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, woodlands, grasslands, and rocky areas. They are known for their adaptability to diverse environments. This mountain kingsnake was photographed in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Common Sunflower (Helianthus annus), a wild native of the American Southwest, is a member of the Asteraceae family. It has a well-known characteristic, called heliotropism, of pivoting its leaves and buds to track the path of the sun from sunrise to sunset. Once the flowers open, they are oriented to the east to greet the rising sun. The common sunflower thrives in the dry, brown disturbed soils of the southwest, turning the arid landscape into a shimmering yellow carpet that attracts wildlife, insects and human visitors alike. In Northern Arizona, the Navajo ancestors extracted a dark red dye from the outer seed coats and the Hopi cultivated a purple sunflower to make a special dye. The sunflower seed was an important food source for most North American tribes. The sunflower, with its large yellow flowers, is also an iconic art symbol and the state flower of Kansas. After the Summer Monsoon rains bring moisture to the region, sunflowers bloom in fields all over Northern Arizona. This lone sunflower was photographed in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Common Sunflower (Helianthus annus), a wild native of the American Southwest, is a member of the Asteraceae family. It has a well-known characteristic, called heliotropism, of pivoting its leaves and buds to track the path of the sun from sunrise to sunset. Once the flowers open, they are oriented to the east to greet the rising sun. The common sunflower thrives in the dry, brown disturbed soils of the southwest, turning the arid landscape into a shimmering yellow carpet that attracts wildlife, insects and human visitors alike. In Northern Arizona, the Navajo ancestors extracted a dark red dye from the outer seed coats and the Hopi cultivated a purple sunflower to make a special dye. The sunflower seed was an important food source for most North American tribes. The sunflower, with its large yellow flowers, is also an iconic art symbol and the state flower of Kansas. After the Summer Monsoon rains bring moisture to the region, sunflowers bloom in fields all over Northern Arizona. This group of sunflowers was photographed in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Whiplash Daisy (Erigeron flagellaris) is a species of perennial plant in the Asteraceae family. It has small flowers with narrow, typically white petals and a yellow center. The species is native to North America and grows in small clusters. It is often found in open, dry, and rocky habitats, including prairies, meadows, and slopes. This whiplash daisy was photographed in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

Flagstaff is surrounded by the 1.8 million-acre Coconino National Forest, one of the largest national forests in the country. This national forest has a diversity of habitat ranging from desert to mountain peaks. It is also home to the largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest in North America. Interspersed among the pines are vast meadows of grasses and seasonal wildflowers. This grassy meadow ringed by Ponderosa Pines is located south of Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The California Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata) is a non-venomous snake native to the western United States and northern Mexico. It is known for its vibrant and distinctive color pattern. The adult kingsnake measures between 24 to 36 inches although some can reach up to 48 inches. They are primarily found in the southwest United States, including parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. They also inhabit northern Mexico. These snakes are often found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, woodlands, grasslands, and rocky areas. They are known for their adaptability to diverse environments. This mountain kingsnake was photographed in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The California Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata) is a non-venomous snake native to the western United States and northern Mexico. It is known for its vibrant and distinctive color pattern. The adult kingsnake measures between 24 to 36 inches although some can reach up to 48 inches. They are primarily found in the southwest United States, including parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. They also inhabit northern Mexico. These snakes are often found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, woodlands, grasslands, and rocky areas. They are known for their adaptability to diverse environments. This mountain kingsnake was photographed in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The California Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata) is a non-venomous snake native to the western United States and northern Mexico. It is known for its vibrant and distinctive color pattern. The adult kingsnake measures between 24 to 36 inches although some can reach up to 48 inches. They are primarily found in the southwest United States, including parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. They also inhabit northern Mexico. These snakes are often found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, woodlands, grasslands, and rocky areas. They are known for their adaptability to diverse environments. This mountain kingsnake was photographed in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The California Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata) is a non-venomous snake native to the western United States and northern Mexico. It is known for its vibrant and distinctive color pattern. The adult kingsnake measures between 24 to 36 inches although some can reach up to 48 inches. They are primarily found in the southwest United States, including parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. They also inhabit northern Mexico. These snakes are often found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, woodlands, grasslands, and rocky areas. They are known for their adaptability to diverse environments. This mountain kingsnake was photographed in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

Flagstaff is surrounded by the 1.8 million-acre Coconino National Forest, one of the largest national forests in the country. This national forest has a diversity of habitat ranging from desert to mountain peaks. It is also home to the largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest in North America. Interspersed among the pines are vast meadows of grasses and seasonal wildflowers. This grassy meadow ringed by Ponderosa Pines is located south of Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Golden Crownbeard (Verbesina encelioides) is a member of the Asteraceae family and is related to the sunflower. It is also called American Dogweed, Butter Daisy, Cowpen Daisy, Crown-beard, Gold Weed, Wild Sunflower and South African Daisy. It is native to the southwest desert and mountains up to 8,000 feet elevation where it grows in open meadows and forest patches. The golden crownbeard is annual and also perennial from a taproot. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall with numerous yellow flower heads. The leaves are green and arrow-shaped with a serrated edge. The blooming plant has a pungent odor. The flowering season is April through November. This close-up of golden crownbeard was photographed on Campbell Mesa in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Golden Crownbeard (Verbesina encelioides) is a member of the Asteraceae family and is related to the sunflower. It is also called American Dogweed, Butter Daisy, Cowpen Daisy, Crown-beard, Gold Weed, Wild Sunflower and South African Daisy. It is native to the southwest desert and mountains up to 8,000 feet elevation where it grows in open meadows and forest patches. The golden crownbeard is annual and also perennial from a taproot. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall with numerous yellow flower heads. The leaves are green and arrow-shaped with a serrated edge. The blooming plant has a pungent odor. The flowering season is April through November. This close-up of golden crownbeard was photographed on Campbell Mesa in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Golden Crownbeard (Verbesina encelioides) is a member of the Asteraceae family and is related to the sunflower. It is also called American Dogweed, Butter Daisy, Cowpen Daisy, Crown-beard, Gold Weed, Wild Sunflower and South African Daisy. It is native to the southwest desert and mountains up to 8,000 feet elevation where it grows in open meadows and forest patches. The golden crownbeard is annual and also perennial from a taproot. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall with numerous yellow flower heads. The leaves are green and arrow-shaped with a serrated edge. The blooming plant has a pungent odor. The flowering season is April through November. This close-up of golden crownbeard was photographed on Campbell Mesa in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The pink-flowered Rocky Mountain Bee Plant (Cleome serrulata) is one of the showiest wildflowers in the western parts of the United States. It is an annual plant with a pungent odor that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The blossoms are full of nectar and attract bees, butterflies and wasps. The bee plant blooms from May through September, depending on elevation, and produces fruit pods up to four inches long that droop downward from beneath the flower. The bee plant is an important dye, medicine and food plant for many Southwest native tribes. This close-up of a bee plant was photographed at Soliere Meadows in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The 200 species of Castilleja are commonly known as Indian Paintbrush. These annual and perennial plants are native to the western part of the Americas from Alaska south to the Andes, northern Asia, and one species as far west as the Kola Peninsula in northwestern Russia. These plants are classified in the broomrape family. They are considered a parasitic plant which grows on the roots of grasses and forbs. The name honors the Spanish botanist Domingo Castillejo. In Northern Arizona they can be found in open meadows among the grasses they need to thrive. These Wholeleaf Paintbrush (Castilleja integra) were photographed on Campbell Mesa in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The 200 species of Castilleja are commonly known as Indian Paintbrush. These annual and perennial plants are native to the western part of the Americas from Alaska south to the Andes, northern Asia, and one species as far west as the Kola Peninsula in northwestern Russia. These plants are classified in the broomrape family. They are considered a parasitic plant which grows on the roots of grasses and forbs. The name honors the Spanish botanist Domingo Castillejo. In Northern Arizona they can be found in open meadows among the grasses they need to thrive. These Wholeleaf Paintbrush (Castilleja integra) were photographed on Campbell Mesa in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Golden Crownbeard (Verbesina encelioides) is a member of the Asteraceae family and is related to the sunflower. It is also called American Dogweed, Butter Daisy, Cowpen Daisy, Crown-beard, Gold Weed, Wild Sunflower and South African Daisy. It is native to the southwest desert and mountains up to 8,000 feet elevation where it grows in open meadows and forest patches. The golden crownbeard is annual and also perennial from a taproot. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall with numerous yellow flower heads. The leaves are green and arrow-shaped with a serrated edge. The blooming plant has a pungent odor. The flowering season is April through November. This close-up of golden crownbeard was photographed on Campbell Mesa in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) is a large wading bird common near open water and wetlands in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands. It is the largest of the heron family native to North America. Blue herons are distinguished by slate-blue colored flight feathers, long legs and a long neck which is curved in flight. The face and head are white with black stripes. The long-pointed bill is a dull yellow. The great blue heron is found throughout most of North America from Alaska through Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America. East of the Rocky Mountains herons are migratory and winter in the coastal areas of the Southern United States, Central America, or northern South America. Great blue herons thrive in almost any wetland habitat and rarely venture far from the water. The blue heron spends most of its waking hours hunting for food. The primary food in their diet is small fish. It is also known to feed opportunistically on other small prey such as shrimp, crabs, aquatic insects, rodents, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Herons hunt for their food and locate it by sight. Their long legs allow them to feed in deeper waters than other waders are able to. The common hunting technique is to wade slowly through the water and spear their prey with their long, sharp bill. They usually swallow their catch whole. The great blue heron breeds in colonies called rookeries, located close to lakes and wetlands. They build their large nests high up in the trees. This heron was photographed while standing in the snow by Walnut Canyon Lakes in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Hartweg's Evening Primrose (Oenothera hartwegii) is a wildflower that is native to western North America, including California, Nevada, and Arizona. It is named after the Swiss botanist Karl Theodor Hartweg, who collected plants in the Americas during the 19th century. The Hartweg's Evening Primrose is known for its bright, large and showy yellow flowers that open in the evening and remain open throughout the night. This evening primrose species is commonly found in dry and arid habitats, including deserts and scrublands. It can often be seen growing in sandy or rocky soils. This evening primrose was photographed alongside the Sinclair Wash Trail in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a common plant native to North America. It is well known for causing allergic reactions in humans due to its potent oil called urushiol. The poison ivy plant is a woody vine or shrub that can vary in appearance depending on its growth environment. It usually has three shiny, almond-shaped leaflets arranged in a cluster, with the middle leaflet having a longer stem than the two side leaflets. The leaves can be green during the spring and summer, turning red or orange in the fall. This poison ivy plant was photographed by the Sinclair Wash Trail in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The pink-flowered Rocky Mountain Bee Plant (Cleome serrulata) is one of the showiest wildflowers in the western parts of the United States. It is an annual plant with a pungent odor that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The blossoms are full of nectar and attract bees, butterflies and wasps. The bee plant blooms from May through September, depending on elevation, and produces fruit pods up to four inches long that droop downward from beneath the flower. The bee plant is an important dye, medicine and food plant for many Southwest native tribes. This close-up of a bee plant was photographed at Soliere Meadows in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

This green out of focus background was photographed in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a common plant native to North America. It is well known for causing allergic reactions in humans due to its potent oil called urushiol. The poison ivy plant is a woody vine or shrub that can vary in appearance depending on its growth environment. It usually has three shiny, almond-shaped leaflets arranged in a cluster, with the middle leaflet having a longer stem than the two side leaflets. The leaves can be green during the spring and summer, turning red or orange in the fall. This poison ivy plant was photographed by the Sinclair Wash Trail in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The pink-flowered Rocky Mountain Bee Plant (Cleome serrulata) is one of the showiest wildflowers in the western parts of the United States. It is an annual plant with a pungent odor that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The blossoms are full of nectar and attract bees, butterflies and wasps. The bee plant blooms from May through September, depending on elevation, and produces fruit pods up to four inches long that droop downward from beneath the flower. The bee plant is an important dye, medicine and food plant for many Southwest native tribes. This close-up of a bee plant was photographed at Soliere Meadows in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) is a North American bird in the finch family. In Northern Arizona they are a common feeder bird throughout the winter. This bird with its yellow wing feathers was photographed at Walnut Canyon Lakes in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The pink-flowered Rocky Mountain Bee Plant (Cleome serrulata) is one of the showiest wildflowers in the western parts of the United States. It is an annual plant with a pungent odor that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The blossoms are full of nectar and attract bees, butterflies and wasps. The bee plant blooms from May through September, depending on elevation, and produces fruit pods up to four inches long that droop downward from beneath the flower. The bee plant is an important dye, medicine and food plant for many Southwest native tribes. This close-up of a bee plant was photographed at Soliere Meadows in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The 200 species of Castilleja are commonly known as Indian Paintbrush. These annual and perennial plants are native to the western part of the Americas from Alaska south to the Andes, northern Asia, and one species as far west as the Kola Peninsula in northwestern Russia. These plants are classified in the broomrape family. They are considered a parasitic plant which grows on the roots of grasses and forbs. The name honors the Spanish botanist Domingo Castillejo. In Northern Arizona they can be found in open meadows among the grasses they need to thrive. These Wholeleaf Paintbrush (Castilleja integra) were photographed on Campbell Mesa in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

Grasslands occupy one-third of Arizona, taking up some 24 million acres. They provide a unique habitat for wildlife and are part of a large and diverse network of grasslands found throughout the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. Semi-desert grasslands found in central and southeastern Arizona reach into Sonora, Mexico and New Mexico. Grasslands in Northern Arizona are similar to those found in the Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau in Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. In the mountainous areas of Northern Arizona, grassland meadows can be found interspersed within the conifer forests. Hart Prairie is a vast grassland located on the northwest side of the San Francisco Peaks. Hart Prairie is in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

In spite of the dry climate of the American Southwest, ferns thrive in and around the San Francisco Peaks of Northern Arizona. These Bracken Ferns were found growing in an aspen grove on Hart Prairie near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Arizona Sun Blanket Flower (Gaillardia grandiflora) is a perennial plant member of the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies and sunflowers. It is known for its stunning red and yellow bicolored flowers. The center of each flower is dark red or burgundy, while the outer petals are bright golden yellow. The flowers have a daisy-like appearance with fringed petals and a raised central disc. The Blanket Flower from which the Arizona Sun Blanket Flower cultivar originates, is native to North America, including parts of Northern Arizona. This plant typically grows to a height of about 12 to 18 inches and has a spread of around 12 to 24 inches. It forms clumps of foliage and produces numerous flower stems. This Blanket Flower was photographed growing by the Sinclair Wash Trail in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a common plant native to North America. It is well known for causing allergic reactions in humans due to its potent oil called urushiol. The poison ivy plant is a woody vine or shrub that can vary in appearance depending on its growth environment. It usually has three shiny, almond-shaped leaflets arranged in a cluster, with the middle leaflet having a longer stem than the two side leaflets. The leaves can be green during the spring and summer, turning red or orange in the fall. This poison ivy plant was photographed by the Arizona Trail in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a common plant native to North America. It is well known for causing allergic reactions in humans due to its potent oil called urushiol. The poison ivy plant is a woody vine or shrub that can vary in appearance depending on its growth environment. It usually has three shiny, almond-shaped leaflets arranged in a cluster, with the middle leaflet having a longer stem than the two side leaflets. The leaves can be green during the spring and summer, turning red or orange in the fall. This poison ivy plant was photographed by the Arizona Trail in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

Grasslands occupy one-third of Arizona, taking up some 24 million acres. They provide a unique habitat for wildlife and are part of a large and diverse network of grasslands found throughout the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. Semi-desert grasslands found in central and southeastern Arizona reach into Sonora, Mexico and New Mexico. Grasslands in Northern Arizona are similar to those found in the Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau in Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. In the mountainous areas of Northern Arizona, grassland meadows can be found interspersed within the conifer forests. Hart Prairie is a vast grassland located on the northwest side of the San Francisco Peaks. Hart Prairie is in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a common plant native to North America. It is well known for causing allergic reactions in humans due to its potent oil called urushiol. The poison ivy plant is a woody vine or shrub that can vary in appearance depending on its growth environment. It usually has three shiny, almond-shaped leaflets arranged in a cluster, with the middle leaflet having a longer stem than the two side leaflets. The leaves can be green during the spring and summer, turning red or orange in the fall. This poison ivy plant was photographed by the Arizona Trail in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

In spite of the dry climate of the American Southwest, ferns thrive in and around the San Francisco Peaks of Northern Arizona. These Bracken Ferns were found growing in an aspen grove on Hart Prairie near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Foxtail Barley" or Squirreltail Barley" (Hordeum jubatum) is a grass species known for its distinct appearance, with tall green grass blades and characteristic nodding inflorescences that are pale or whitish in color, resembling the tails of small animals. It is a native grass that can be found in various regions, including Northern Arizona. It typically grows in open areas, meadows, grasslands, and disturbed sites. The nodding inflorescences are the most recognizable feature of this grass, and they can persist even after the plant has gone to seed, adding an interesting visual element to the landscape. These foxtail barley grasses were photographed at Sinclair Wash near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

In spite of the dry climate of the American Southwest, ferns thrive in and around the San Francisco Peaks of Northern Arizona. These Bracken Ferns were found growing in an aspen grove on Hart Prairie near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

Grasslands occupy one-third of Arizona, taking up some 24 million acres. They provide a unique habitat for wildlife and are part of a large and diverse network of grasslands found throughout the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. Semi-desert grasslands found in central and southeastern Arizona reach into Sonora, Mexico and New Mexico. Grasslands in Northern Arizona are similar to those found in the Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau in Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. In the mountainous areas of Northern Arizona, grassland meadows can be found interspersed within the conifer forests. Hart Prairie is a vast grassland located on the northwest side of the San Francisco Peaks. Hart Prairie is in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Prickly Pear cactus or Opuntia is tolerant of many different soils and climates. It exists all over Arizona from the hot dry Sonoran desert to the pine forests of Northern Arizona. These prickly pear cacti with yellow blooms were photographed on Campbell Mesa in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus coccineus) is in the cactus family (Cactaceae), which is a group of about 350 species, all native to the New World. Most cacti grow in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions. A few species can thrive in much colder climates and at higher elevations. Scarlet hedgehog cactus is in this group. These scarlet hedgehog cacti with their brilliant flowers were growing in the rocks at Fort Valley in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus coccineus) is in the cactus family (Cactaceae), which is a group of about 350 species, all native to the New World. Most cacti grow in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions. A few species can thrive in much colder climates and at higher elevations. Scarlet hedgehog cactus is in this group. These scarlet hedgehog cacti with their brilliant flowers were growing in the rocks at Fort Valley in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

Grasslands occupy one-third of Arizona, taking up some 24 million acres. They provide a unique habitat for wildlife and are part of a large and diverse network of grasslands found throughout the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. Semi-desert grasslands found in central and southeastern Arizona reach into Sonora, Mexico and New Mexico. Grasslands in Northern Arizona are similar to those found in the Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau in Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. In the mountainous areas of Northern Arizona, grassland meadows can be found interspersed within the conifer forests. Hart Prairie is a vast grassland located on the northwest side of the San Francisco Peaks. Hart Prairie is in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus coccineus) is in the cactus family (Cactaceae), which is a group of about 350 species, all native to the New World. Most cacti grow in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions. A few species can thrive in much colder climates and at higher elevations. Scarlet hedgehog cactus is in this group. These scarlet hedgehog cacti with their brilliant flowers were growing in the rocks at Fort Valley in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus coccineus) is in the cactus family (Cactaceae), which is a group of about 350 species, all native to the New World. Most cacti grow in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions. A few species can thrive in much colder climates and at higher elevations. Scarlet hedgehog cactus is in this group. These scarlet hedgehog cacti with their brilliant flowers were growing in the rocks at Fort Valley in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus coccineus) is in the cactus family (Cactaceae), which is a group of about 350 species, all native to the New World. Most cacti grow in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions. A few species can thrive in much colder climates and at higher elevations. Scarlet hedgehog cactus is in this group. These scarlet hedgehog cacti with their brilliant flowers were growing in the rocks at Fort Valley in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

Grasslands occupy one-third of Arizona, taking up some 24 million acres. They provide a unique habitat for wildlife and are part of a large and diverse network of grasslands found throughout the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. Semi-desert grasslands found in central and southeastern Arizona reach into Sonora, Mexico and New Mexico. Grasslands in Northern Arizona are similar to those found in the Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau in Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. In the mountainous areas of Northern Arizona, grassland meadows can be found interspersed within the conifer forests. Hart Prairie is a vast grassland located on the northwest side of the San Francisco Peaks. Hart Prairie is in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a small hummingbird, about 3 inches in length with a long, straight and very slender bill. They use their bills to feed mainly on plant nectar but will also eat small insects. These birds are known for their incredible flight skills. Some will fly 2,000 miles between their breeding ground and their winter home. Not known to rest for very long, this hummingbird was photographed while perched on a branch next to the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

The Common Sunflower (Helianthus annus), a wild native of the American Southwest, is a member of the Asteraceae family. It has a well-known characteristic, called heliotropism, of pivoting its leaves and buds to track the path of the sun from sunrise to sunset. Once the flowers open, they are oriented to the east to greet the rising sun. The common sunflower thrives in the dry, brown disturbed soils of the southwest, turning the arid landscape into a shimmering yellow carpet that attracts wildlife, insects and human visitors alike. In Northern Arizona, the Navajo ancestors extracted a dark red dye from the outer seed coats and the Hopi cultivated a purple sunflower to make a special dye. The sunflower seed was an important food source for most North American tribes. The sunflower, with its large yellow flowers, is also an iconic art symbol and the state flower of Kansas. After the Summer Monsoon rains bring moisture to the region, sunflowers bloom in fields all over Northern Arizona. This lone sunflower blossom was photographed near the Rio de Flag in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.