Distinctive, upright green and brown cones, with a handful of yellow, yellow and orange rings, or red petals. Upright growth pattern with flowers on tall stalks. Feathery, olive green leaves. Common in prairies, sunny open areas in low pine forests, plains, and disturbed soil. Usually at low or mid-level elevation (by Boulder standards), 5,000-7,5000 ft. Individual plants may have 1 or many stems. Younger flowers usually have a lighter green top, and small (sometimes hard to see) petals.