The spring weather is finally starting to roll around here in the Missoula valley. As you’re out and recreating, you’ll start to notice that the flowers are bursting at the seams ready to show their colors for you this season!
Have you ever wondered why most of the early bloomers are yellow or white? Well, you’re not crazy… this actually is the case. These colors help out the pollinators of these plants. Most times, flies are one of the first pollinators of the season, and flies have pretty bad vision - “color blind” as one may call them. The yellows and whites help to reflect the greatest amount of light and attract any pollinator that may be around to help out these plants. They’re not picky, they’ll take any help they can get in this early season.
Wondering what you’re encountering on the trails? Here’s a few that we’ve found on our recent hikes:
Idaho goldthread (Coptis occidentalis)
This is a very early flowering plant, the flowers are actually rarely seen since sometimes it actually blooms when the area is still covered in snow. An endemic species to the Northern Idaho and Western Montana area which is pretty awesome! A very delicate little plant, found in coniferous forests, so be sure to check before you step!
Glacier lily (Erythronium grandiflorum)
Such an exciting sight at the beginning of the season, especially when you run across an open side slope covered in them. These guys are super important forage for bears as they begin to emerge for the season. Their bulbs are also edible to us, but please be mindful of the area if you forage this season and always double check your ID.
Yellowbell (Fritillaria pudica)
Also known as a snowdrop, these flowers look similar to the Glacier lily, except they have rounded petals and don’t curl back toward the sky. Found on open slopes and sometimes near streambanks. Another very important food source for early-season bears and ground squirrels.
Sagebrush buttercup (Ranunculus glaberrimus)
Like buttery popcorn, this flower is always a welcome sight, even on the hillsides surrounding Missoula. Often seen growing in patches and close to the ground, it can pepper the hillsides as early as March (although we’re just starting to see it around here this year).
Smooth prairie star (Lithophragma glabrum)
Found on a tall, slender, leafless stem, these small white flowers look like a starburst - especially when first opening. Flowers are mostly white, and sometimes pale pink as the season progresses. Keep an eye out for these in the meadows and on sideslopes and the snow recedes.
Spring flowers help to give us so much hope for the warmer season ahead! These plants serve as important food sources for many different animals as the days begin to lengthen. Keep an eye out for these and any others you find as the snow melts and the season progresses. Let us know if you find anything awesome out there, and as always please share pictures and stories!