Luminous ID is an alpine plant recognition and field guide smartphone app that was launched in May 2015 after a year-long collaborative project between Niwot Ridge LTER and the University of Colorado, Boulder (CU). The app uses visual recognition software to identify the alpine cushion plant Silene acaulis in photographs taken by users. Positively identified S. acaulis photographs and associated location data are uploaded to a server. S. acaulis is a common alpine species throughout the Northern Hemisphere, and information collected through this citizen science project will be used to quantify the spatial distribution of this plant. The field guide component of the app is comprised of photographs and information on alpine forbs commonly found at Niwot Ridge and the surrounding Indian Peaks Wilderness area, providing a useful tool for recreational visitors and scientists alike. Luminous ID is freely available for download on Android and Apple (iOS) mobile devices, and already has over 300 users.