Colorado Pollen Atlas

A pollen atlas is an image-based reference collection of pollen grains collected from a certain region. The Colorado Pollen Atlas documents both wind and animal (specifically bees) transported pollen from the Colorado and Rocky Mountain Regions. The pollen atlas includes images that highlight the pollens morphological characteristics in addition to providing a brief description. Pollen is identified based on its shape, size, apertures, sculpturing and other features unique to the pollen grain. From this identification you can know what plant(s) a pollinator has visited as well as what plant(s) were and are currently in an area. In addition, pollen identification can assist in determining where a person has been using material collected from their clothing.The pollen used in the Colorado Pollen Atlas came from unknowns collected from bees on the CU Denver campus as well as plant and herbarium specimens collected throughout Colorado and at the Denver Botanical Gardens. The pollen has been identified by an expert palynologist and the plant specimens have been identified by an expert botanist. This pollen atlas is currently in the development stage and the ongoing process will result in additions and corrections along the way. If you have any comments, additions or corrections please email Dr. Christy Briles at christy.briles@ucdenver.edu.