Montane, subalpine.  Woodlands, openings. Summer.
Lone Mesa State Park, July 9, 2008.

Packera crocata is not common but when it finds suitable habitat, it can be abundant  --  and easy to spot because of its rich red, orange, and yellow buds and flowers.  Look for Packera crocata scattered in moist, thickly vegetated meadows of the high mountains. 

Lower stem leaves can be as large as the basal leaves but upper leaves are clasping and quite small; see the last photograph below for basal leaves.

"Packera" is for John Packer, 20th century Canadian Professor of Botany.  (More biographical information.)  "Crocata" is Greek for "orange".  All species of the genus Packera are often given the common name, "Groundsel", as are flowers of the Senecio genus to which Packera formerly belonged.

Montane, subalpine.  Woodlands, openings. Summer.
Groundhog Meadow Trail, July 31, 2004.

Montane, subalpine.  Woodlands, openings. Summer.
Navajo Lake Trail, July 11, 2006.

My wife and I find the shapes and colors of Packera crocata so very delicate and appealing.

Montane, subalpine.  Woodlands, openings. Summer.
Lone Mesa State Park, July 9, 2008.

Montane, subalpine.  Woodlands, openings. Summer.
Lone Mesa State Park, July 9, 2008.

Packera crocata basal leaves are two to five inches long, and often lobed, long-petioled, and vertical.