Wildflowers of Yellowstone
Conditions for the Growth of Wildflowers
Conditions such as elevation, relative temperature, soil type, and precipitation patterns all play important roles regarding where and when one can find wildflowers blooming in Yellowstone.
Furthermore, rare but predictable events such as wildfires can create the particular conditions that bring on spectacular blooms of certain species.
Importance to Animals
Many of Yellowstone’s wildflowers are very important nutritional sources of animal diets. Even the beautiful and delicate petals of many flowers are used by animals for nutrition – raccoons and porcupines can sometimes be seen munching on flower petals. Bees and other insects collect nectar and pollen, and the bulbs of spring beauty and glacier lily are known to be a vital spring food of the grizzly bear. Wild strawberries are collected by ground squirrels and chipmunks; the seeds of most wildflowers are used by birds and insects.
Exotic Plants and Weeds
Exotic plants — escaped domestics and what are called “weeds” — can also be found in Yellowstone. These plants may have been introduced from another locality (perhaps from another part of the country, or even from another continent), but have thoroughly established themselves in the area. Many plants, such as red clover and the dandelion, which are often thought to be native, are in fact naturalized (in this case from Europe). Because many have no native predator and do not fall prey to local pests and diseases, they thrive in their newfound environment, often out-competing native species.
Look for weeds in disturbed sites such as roadsides where they have little initial competition. Dalmatian toadflax, yellow sweet clover, ox-eye daisy, and other exotic plants compete unnaturally with native plants. For this reason, and for the continued integrity of the ecosystem, these exotics are controlled by pulling and/or spraying.
Notable Native Wildflowers of Yellowstone
Here's a listing of some of the most common and interesting plants found in Yellowstone National Park. Click the links below to find out more information about each wildflower.
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