This community occurs commonly between about 8,000 and 9,000 feet. Above-timberline plants include forget-me-nots–the only known blue flower encountered above timberline cushions of pinkish-purple moss campions alpine avens–largest white-flower, mat-forming plant found here bistorts–a slender swaying plant with upright spikes of white flowers that look like tufts of cotton from a distance pale yellow or rose-purple Indian paintbrush harebells–single dark blue, funnel-shaped flowers mat-forming mountain dryads with eight-petaled, creamy-white flowers and scalloped leathery leaves on a woody stem alpine willow–dwarfed, rarely growing over 2 dms (8 inches) high. Many of the plants above timberline have beautifully colored, dwarf, highly fragrant flowers, and the time of flowering varies among the different species. In order to survive, plants growing above timberline must grow vigorously and produce viable seeds in a short time. In general, the soils are shallow and the growing season short. Timberline begins at about 11,500 feet above sea level. A few plants are found above timberline on the very highest peaks, such as Kings Peak (13,538 feet), Mount Timpanogos (11,750 feet), and Mount Nebo (11,871 feet). The climate of the mountain peaks of the Uinta Mountains and the Wasatch Mountains is characterized by relative dryness, abundant sunlight, and rapidly changing temperature. In addition, brief descriptions are provided of selected, common plant species in each habitat. This entry briefly describes the habitats and major plant communities that may be encountered in traveling from the upper mountain peaks to the lower desert valleys. The diverse landscapes of Utah result in a wide variety of environmental conditions in which plants may become established. Learn more about the wildflowers of Central Oregon, including where to find them: d /explore/central-oregon-wildflowers.Cottonwood tree, South Temple 600 West, SLC, UTīetty Wullstein, Utah History Encyclopedia, 1994 Now is the time to get out and soak in these blooms! These tiny little yellows, pinks and purples will only last for so long. Then, we can revel in the showy guys that will signal the arrival of summer: lupine, balsamroot and paintbrush. Dime-size flowers give way to half-dollar ones: sand lilies, larkspur, buckwheat. Blooms: March-early summer.Ĭome May, the wildflowers start to get bolder. Petals are glossy, often looking wet with dew. The flowers have five petals that are 1/2" long atop a single stem and turn white with age. Sagebrush buttercup (Ranunculus glaberrimus): These bright yellow flowers are found in sagebrush flats to pine forests and grow in small clumps. Phlox is adapted to extreme environments, cushion-like plants like phlox often have taproots 8-15' deep! Flowers have five pink-purple-white petals that create a mass of color. Spreading phlox (Phlox diffusa): Low-growing wildflower that prefers rocky crevices and exposed locations. Single yellow flower with eight rays ¼-1/2" long on a delicate stem up to 6" tall. In good years, they will literally form a golden carpet and you can watch their bright yellow heads follow the sun's path. Goldfields (Crocidium multicaule): One of our very first wildflowers of the season! You'll find these dime-size flowers in shallow rocky soil and under juniper trees in sagebrush grasslands. Here are five early spring flowers to keep an eye out for this season:Ĭome May the wildflowers start to get bolder. But look carefully, and be rewarded with tiny pops of color that shout spring and bring smiles to faces. At first glance it may not seem like there is much blooming early spring is the season for small (think dime-sized or smaller) flowers rather than the showy, large blooms (like balsamroot) that come with late spring and summer. Look for these in our sagebrush grasslands where the snow melts first and the soil has warmed enough to encourage new growth. March and April are the season for early spring wildflowers-those first bursts of color that dot the landscape. The only sure sign that spring is really here is the arrival of wildflowers! Central Oregon, with its deserts and high mountain meadows, is chock full of wildflowers and a nice long season (March-August) to explore them all. Spring in the high desert is a mercurial thing: sun and warm temperatures one day, followed by snow and sleet the next.
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