In early spring we see the first emergence of wildflowers and flowering shrubs on the lower-south-facing slopes, but because the sun reaches an angle of about 45 degrees, any steeper slope that is about 45 degrees will receive more of … Continue reading →
The open slopes of Dewdrop Ridge invite us to hike the 1 km route up the ridge. A few wind-blown trees can be found near the top of the ridge. On the lower slopes were sagebrush buttercups, yellow bells, and … Continue reading →
As the hills dry out, we hike through on trails and across slopes in the lower grasslands. A few early wildflowers can be spotted, especially sagebrush buttercups (Ranunculus glabberrimus) and yellow bells (Fritillaria pudica). These photos were taken in March … Continue reading →
Marsh marigold (Caltha leptosepala) is a perennial in the buttercup family. We encounter it most often in subalpine and alpine wet meadows. The plant has fleshy, thick, fibrous roots. Stems rise above the base and are erect, rising from 5 … Continue reading →
On March 20, the spring equinox, the lower Batchelor Hills were dry for a hike in the sagebrush grasslands. The stars of the day were yellow bells (Fritillaria pudica). Click an image for a lightbox view and caption. The route … Continue reading →
Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) is a perennial that grows over one meter (1-3m) in height. It is often one of the first plants to establish after a forest fire or after a clearcut. Roots grow horizontally and stems grow up from … Continue reading →
Spotted saxifrage (Saxifraga bronchialis sp.) is a mat-forming perennial that grows up to about 12 cm in height. Found on high open rocky slopes. Mat-cushion forming habit. Basal leaves are leathery and overlapping. Spiny tips and hairy edges. Older leaves … Continue reading →
Thread-leaved sandwort (Arenaria capillaris) is a flowering perennial that grows in many ecozones. The height of the flowering plant is up to 30 cm tall, growing from a taproot. The leaves are mostly basal and are long and narrow. Two … Continue reading →
We hiked into alpine zones in Glacier National Park and enjoyed the impressive views of the Rogers Pass area. Along the way we stopped to enjoy some of the wildflowers in subalpine and alpine ecosystems. In high subalpine areas near … Continue reading →
Self-heal is usually spotted in middle elevations in open areas, near wet spots. Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris) is a perennial in the mint family. Growing from fibrous roots and a woody base, stems rise 5 to 20 cm high. Leaves are … Continue reading →
Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium idahense s. angustifolium) is a short perennial in the iris family. Leaves are basal and are long and narrow, almost grass-like. Flowers are blue to purple with a yellow eye. The petals have pointed tips. Blooms appear … Continue reading →
Queen’s Cup (Clintonia uniflora) is a perennial in the lily family. Clintonia grows from rhizomes and grows to about 15 cm. The flowering stalks have no leaves. Basal leaves are oblong, slightly shiny, sometimes lightly hairy, and fleshy to the … Continue reading →
