Landscaping with

Native Plants of the

Intermountain Region

Technical Reference 1730-3

December 2003

Larry G. Selland

US Department of the Interior College of Applied Technology

Bureau of Land Management Pahove Chapter Center for Horticulture Technology

Idaho Native

Plant Society
The research for this publication was funded by a summer scholarship from the 

Garden Club of America. Additional funding and direction was provided by the 

Idaho Bureau of Land Management, which offers a spring internship for 

Boise State University Horticulture students. The following numbers have been 

assigned for tracking and administrative purposes.

Technical Reference 1730-3 

BLM/ID/ST-03/003+1730 
Landscaping with Native Plants of the 

Intermountain Region

Contributors:

Compiled by:

Hilary Parkinson

Boise State University Horticulture Program

Boise, ID

Edited by:

Ann DeBolt

US Forest Service

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Boise, Idaho

Roger Rosentreter, PhD

USDI Bureau of Land Management

Idaho State Office

Boise, Idaho

Valerie Geertson

USDI Bureau of Land Management

Lower Snake River District

Boise, Idaho 

Additional Assistance from:

Michelle Richman, Boise State University Horticulture graduate and BLM intern who developed 

the initial Quick Reference Guide on which this publication is based. 

Leslie Blackburn 

Horticulture Program Head, Boise State University 

Printed By

United States Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Management

Idaho State Office

1387 S. Vinnell Way

Boise, ID 83709

Technical Reference #1730-3

Table of Contents

Native Plant Guide

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Key to Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Wildflowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Grasses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Shrubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Trees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Quick Reference Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Additional Information

Landscaping with Native Plants

Landscaping to Reduce the Risk of Wildfires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

The Seven Principles of Xeriscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Site Specific Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

More Reasons to Use Native Plants and Reduce Turfgrass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Native and Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Literature Cited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Recommended Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Photo Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Plant Index by:

Growth Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Scientific Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Common Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Whether for beauty, drought tolerance, wildlife, or

hardiness, homeowners in the arid west are beginning to

look to natives as alternatives for their landscaping needs.

Each year, more visitors to the native plant gardens at the

BLM in Boise, Idaho are asking questions about the plants

featured: their names, how to grow, and where to find them.

In response to the enthusiasm over native plants and to

encourage their use, this guide is meant to aid in their

selection, placement, and growth. This guide was conceived

and compiled by southwest Idaho gardeners with

experience growing native plants. For the purposes of this

guide, we have defined a “native plant” as one that evolved

in a particular area, and is therefore naturally adapted to its

climate and soil. Many of the recommended plants are

native to the Boise area, but all of the plants presented here

are native to the Intermountain Region, the Southwest, or

the Great Plains. The plants featured were selected for their

relative ease of growth (assuming they are grown according

to recommended cultural conditions), availability, and

ornamental value. Because native plants should never be

removed from the wild, a list of reputable sources is

provided from which most can be obtained.

The format of this guide is subdivided into wildflowers,

grasses, shrubs, and trees. Above the scientific and common

name, symbols are used for quick reference to provide the

following information: sun exposure, water requirements,

pollinators it will attract (hummingbirds, butterflies, etc.),

whether deciduous or evergreen, and its lowest USDA cold

hardiness zone. Additional information is presented in

roughly the following order in the text: height and width,

color and time of bloom, unusual characteristics or cultural

preferences (such as preferred soil conditions), value to

wildlife when applicable, and any significant cultural,

medicinal, or homeopathic uses, past or present. To quickly

search for plants with specific criteria such as height, bloom

time, or color, go to the Quick Reference Guide which

follows the section on trees.

Many are discouraged from using native plants because

they’ve heard they are too finicky. Without modifying water

use, or planting them according to their cultural requirements, many of these plants can indeed become finicky.

To be successful, you’ll need to become well acquainted

with your landscape: areas of high exposure, areas of shade,

drainage, soil type, and microclimates. Once you’ve

mapped it out in your mind, or ideally on paper, you can

begin to match the specifics of the site with the cultural

needs of the plants. When grown in the appropriate

conditions, native plants should be very hardy, rarely

needing fertilizers or insecticides.

The first year or two will require a little patience. The first

spring and summer will not offer a dense show of foliage

and color. Some plants require several years before

blooming, and some are slow growing, which may be a

drawback for those wanting immediate effect, but it can

also be a real bonus when considering the reduced amount

of pruning and trimming required. The first and possibly

second year will require nearly the same water and weeding

as a traditional garden. Because the soil has been turned up

at planting time, and watering will be frequent to get the

plants established, weeds may be particularly pesky. As the

native plants become established, time spent watering will

decrease which will dramatically decrease weed growth.

Within a few years, the benefits will become apparent in

their various forms: healthy beautiful plants, an increase in

native birds and other pollinators, a lower water bill, and

reduced use of chemicals in the environment.

We hope this manual inspires both novice and experienced

gardeners to start or expand the use of natives. Whether

integrating drought tolerant plants into a cheatgrass hillside

behind the house or creating a special bed to feature native

plants, please share your experiences, recommendations, or

any other feedback by writing to the Idaho Native Plant

Society at: www.IdahoNativePlants.org.

Introduction

1
Key to Symbols

Sun Water Wildlife Deciduous or Evergreen

= Full Sun = Drought tolerant = Attracts butterflies D = Deciduous

= Partial Sun = Low water = Attracts bees and insects E = Evergreen

= Shade = Moderate water = Attracts birds SE = Semi-Evergreen

= Plentiful water = Attracts hummingbirds WI = Winter Interest

USDA Zones

2

Fahrenheit Fahrenheit

USDA (degrees) USDA (Degrees)

1 Below -50 6b -5 to 0

2a -50 to -45 7a 0 to 5

2b -45 to -40 7b 5 to 10

3a -40 to -35 8a 10 to 15

3b -35 to -30 8b 15 to 20

4a -30 to -25 9a 20 to 25

4b -25 to -20 9b 25 to 30

5a -20 to -15 10a 30 to 35

5b -15 to -10 10b 35 to 40

6a -10 to -5 11 above 40

From Mountain States Wholesale Nursery

Disclaimer: any info on homeopathic or medicinal uses is not meant to instruct or encourage use or consumption of the

plants in this manner. Always consult an expert before using any plant for medicinal or homeopathic use.
Wildflowers

E 3

Achillea millefolium Western Yarrow 

White flowers fading to cream bloom in dense, round

topped clusters from spring to fall on this common

wildflower. Some consider it weedy because in moist

conditions it self-seeds and spreads rhizomatously (1-31/2’

tall by 8-12” wide). To keep it more restrained and compact

cut back in half after the first bloom, reduce irrigation and

divide in the spring. Its prolific habits may be seen as an

advantage if used as an alternative to grass. By allowing the

dense fern-like foliage to fill in those areas with light foot

traffic, it can be mowed and watered less often than a

typical lawn. It can be grown in almost any soil. Native

Americans used it to make a tea, as an ointment for cuts,

burns and bruises, smoked the flowers to clear the head, and

placed a wad of the leaves in the ear for ear aches (Ogle

1997). Widespread from lowlands to alpine and subalpine

habitats.

E 6

Agave parryi Parry’s Agave

The light gray to green foliage is broad and flat, growing

from a basal rosette (radiating outwards from a central

base). It looks similar in form to “Hens and Chicks” but in

a much larger version. It typically stands 24” tall by 30”

wide, and is lightly toothed at the margins with dark spines

at the tip. It adds contrast both in shape and outline, making

an excellent specimen for a hot, dry site. Adequate drainage

is essential, especially in colder climates. It will take 8

years or more to flower, and will create numerous offshoots

throughout the growth period. Native Americans of the

southwest ate the younger leaves and heart, used the stalk

and fiber to make fire, and cooked the juice to make mescal

(wine). It ranges from AZ to NM, and south into Mexico,

occurring in open grasslands, pine-oak woodlands, and

Arizona chaparral at elevations of 3,600’ to 8,400’.

D 4

Anaphalis margaritacea Pearly Everlasting

Ranging in height from 6-18”, these cheerful white flowers

bloom prolifically from June to September followed by

fluffy seed heads, and may be left in the garden for winter

interest. Being rhizomatous it can be used as a non-aggressive ground cover and will grow in poor soils. It makes an

excellent dried flower, and looks nice in both formal and

informal settings. Widespread in forested habitats.

D 2

Antennaria spp. Rosy Pussytoes

Upright flower stalks reach 4-8” with pink and white

flowers during June and July. The silver, mat-like foliage is

low growing and can be used as a ground cover for areas

with light foot traffic, between paving stones, and at the

front of a border. It prefers well-drained soil, but can adapt

to many different soil types. This plant is drought tolerant

(the plant may go dormant, causing the leaves to die back

under extreme drought). There are a number of species

available with similar growth habit and needs, including

A. microphylla, A. parvifolia, A. dimorpha and others.

Native range spans east of the Cascades in WA, ID, MT,

NV, and northern CA in sagebrush to shallow rocky soils.

3

Anaphalis margaritacea
D 2

Aquilegia caerulea Colorado Blue Columbine

This plant is unique for its long nectar spurs on blue and

white blooms that appear from June to August. The size

ranges from 12-30” tall by 9-18” wide. It does well in a

moist place with partial sun, particularly in the late afternoon. Soil should be moderately fine for adequate drainage. 

D 3

Aquilegia formosa Western Columbine 

Growing slightly taller than Aquilegia caerulea, this species

can reach 2-3’ by 18” wide. It has the same unique flower,

but in red and yellow. It blooms from spring to summer.

Western Columbine prefers medium to coarse soil and a

cooler location with moderate water. 

D 4

Aster spp. Wild Aster 

Purple, light blue to cream

flowers bloom at various

times of the year, depending

on the species, on relatively

compact upright plants.

Height varies, but is

typically between 12”-36”

depending upon cultural

conditions. Numerous

species and cultivars are

available. A. alpinus grows

6-12” and blooms in the

spring, A. divaricatus grows

2-3’, taking sun or shade,

and A. oblongifolius grows

16” and thrives in harsh,

dry conditions in full sun,

blooming in the fall.

D 3

Balsamorhiza sagittata Arrowleaf Balsamroot 

Tender leaf shoots of silvery velvet emerge in April or May,

prior to the unfurling of large deep green, basal, arrowhead

shaped leaves. Plants eventually grow 18” wide, with

numerous 12-24” tall flower stalks. Each stalk carries a

single flower head of golden petals surrounding a darker

center. Plants don’t flower until they are about five years

old. It provides spring forage for deer and elk, and grows

well on hot dry slopes once established. A few weeks after

flowering the foliage will begin to dry up and die as the

plant goes dormant until the following spring. It is a good

idea to mark the location, so the large taproot is not

accidentally dug up in the summer or fall when the plant is

without foliage. It is native from lowland to mid elevations

in the mountains, and is widespread east of the Cascades. 

D 4

Camassia quamash Blue Camas 

The flower consists of six

distinct, narrow blue petals

pointing straight outwards

to form a star pattern, in the

center of which is six bright

yellow stamens. The plants

grow 1-2’ x 1-2’, bloom

from mid-May to June, and

prefer fine to coarse soil

where very moist springs

are followed by relatively

dry summers. To the Native

Americans of the Northwest, the root was indispensable as a food source.

Lewis and Clark’s fortunate

encounter with the Nez Perce Indians in September of 1805

meant their very survival. The Nez Perce Indians knew the

appropriate time to dig the camas root and numerous ways

to prepare it (Phillips 2003). Conflicts over the harvesting

of this plant precipitated the Sheepeater Indian War in

Idaho. A local endemic species, Cusick’s Camas, Camassia

cusickii, is much larger and prefers heavy clay soils over 4

Aquilegia caerulea

Aster spp.

Balsamorhiza sagittata

Camassia quamash
basalt bedrock. It grows along the Snake River north of

Weiser to the Halfway, OR area and in the Blue Mountains.

It has been used by the horticulture industry and can be obtained commercially from farm raised plants. It has twice

the chromosome number of the common camas and produces more leaves. As noted for Blue Camas, Cusick’s

Camas also prefers moist conditions in the spring, followed

by a dry summer. Blue Camas ranges from British

Columbia south to California and east to southwest Alberta,

MT, WY and UT.

D 3

Echinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower 

Blooming from summer to autumn, this sturdy wildflower

grows 2-3’ tall by 1-2’ wide. It is unparalleled for its

continuously blooming, stunning purple ray flowers and the

raised golden brown center of disk flowers. The root and

rhizomes are harvested for their medicinal use to bolster the

immune system. Adaptable to many soil conditions, a long

slender taproot provides a moderate drought tolerance once

established. Native to the Great Plains where it and its

relative, E. angustifolia, are subjected to over-harvesting.

SE 3

Erigeron compositus Cut-leaf Daisy 

This small wildflower (6” tall) produces numerous white to

lavender flowers with yellow centers on short, single stalks

in spring. The leaves are divided at the tips, almost fern

like, and covered in hairs. The short stature and wooly

texture protect this plant from the blazing sun and constant

wind of its native habitat of sagebrush deserts to subalpine

mountain ridges. This makes it excellent for rock gardens or

exposed slopes with good drainage. The genus name Eri is

Greek for early; and geron, old man, like an old man’s gray

whiskers (Phillips 1997). The common name comes from

its use as an insect repellant, where it would be hung in the

house or burned to repel fleas and other insect pests (Ogle

1997). There are three varieties: some are found along

sandy riverbanks at low elevations in WY, OR and adjacent

ID, while others grow at moderate to high elevations in the

Rocky Mountains.

D 4

Eriogonum heracleoides

Wyeth Buckwheat 

The low-growing (6-16” tall

and wide) perennial forb

blooms in late spring to

early summer. It has

creamy white flowers

produced on an erect stalk,

green ovate basal leaves

with a wooly or pubescent

underside, and a whorl of

leaves below the flowers.

Wyeth buckwheat is very

drought tolerant and semievergreen. It is one of the

many Eriogonums that could

be used more frequently in

landscaping. The flower stalks are brittle once dry and do

not tolerate foot traffic. Found in ID, MT and UT.

D 4

Eriogonum niveum Snow Buckwheat 

The flower stalk typically branches 3 ways at the base and

splits twice again farther up. Plants range from 6-18” tall

and wide. In the summer and fall, white flowers appear in

clusters where the branches fork. The foliage is wooly gray

and typically 6” tall. Grow for a nice ground cover on

slopes and hillsides and for erosion control. It provides a

good source of late season nectar for honeybees and food

for mule deer and elk. The cultivar “Umatilla” has

improved vigor and growth (Ogle 1997). It requires well

drained soils and is native from sagebrush deserts to

ponderosa pine forests, mostly east of the Cascade Mts,

from southern BC to south central OR and into west central

ID.

5

Erigeron compositus

Eriogonum umbellatum with dark yellow flowers (left),

E. heracleoides with creamy flowers (right)

Eriogonum heracleoides
SE 3

Eriogonum umbellatum Sulfur Buckwheat 

Yellow flowers with hints of reddish orange or cream bloom

profusely above the erect, spatula-shaped leaves in June and

July. The semi-evergreen foliage reaches 6”x 6”, is deep

green and woollier on the underside. The flowers are 12”

tall on leafless stalks, although leafy bracts surround the

base of each flower. Within 3-5 years, it can spread 2-3’

wide. Plant in moderately coarse, well-drained soil.

Commercial availability has grown recently as xeriscapers

and native plant enthusiasts recognize its many attributes:

semi-evergreen foliage, nice in dried flower arrangements,

good fall structure and moderate drought tolerance. Native

to sagebrush deserts, and alpine rocky ridges, mostly east of

the Cascades, from southern British Columbia to CA, east

to MT, WY, CO and AZ.

D 3

Eriophyllum lanatum Woolly Sunflower 

The 6-12” tall perennial has yellow flowers that bloom in

spring. The leaves have a gray green color from the densely

matted, soft wooly hairs. Requires a well drained to coarse

textured soil and full sun. Plants are drought tolerant and

commercially available from several nurseries. It occurs

from lowland to mid elevations from BC to CA and east to

MT, ID and UT. 

D 3

Gaillardia aristata Blanket Flower

This perennial wildflower grows to 24”x 24” with flower

rays a mix of red, yellow or orange, blooming from summer

to fall. Drought tolerant in moderate to well drained soils

once established. Looks excellent when clustered in groups,

While short lived, it reseeds easily and is deer resistant.

Native intermittently east of the Cascades at 5,000’- 9,000’

in open meadows, hills and plains.

D 2

Geranium viscosissimum Sticky Geranium

Growing 12-30” tall and wide, the showy flowers dot grassy

mountain slopes from May to September. The petals are

pink to lavender, with dark red veins. Opposite leaves are

deeply lobed and serrated, and covered with sticky hair. The

genus is also known as Crane’s Bill for the elongated

seedpod. Medicinally they are used to tone up the muscles

of the digestive tract, reduce diarrhea and heal sores in the

mouth (Ogle 1997). Native east of the Cascades on fairly

dry to moist sites with two varieties: var. viscosissimum

ranging from BC to northern CA, northern NV, and east to

Saskatchewan and northern WY, while var. nervosum

stretches farther southeast into CO and UT.

D 2

Geum triflorum Prairie Smoke

Also known as old man’s whiskers, this reddish to purplish

flowered perennial does best in full sun to partial shade in

well-drained soils. While moderately drought tolerant, it

will do much better with regular irrigation. Without flowers

the height is relatively short (6-8”), but in bloom, the stalks

can reach up to 18”. Native to upland meadow habitats from

sagebrush plains to subalpine ridges, it occurs east of the

Cascades from British Columbia to California, east to Newfoundland, NY, IL, and south to the Rocky Mountain States.

Hesperaloe parviflora (foliage, left), summer flowers (right)

E 5

Hesperaloe parviflora Texas Red Yucca 

Reaching 4’ tall by 3’ wide, this slow growing yucca-like

plant produces red blooms in summer that can reach 5’ tall.

Its leaves are long and narrow and have a gray green color,

but are not sharp like yucca. The tubular flowers prove to be

hummingbird favorites, and the large black seeds that

follow are easy to germinate. Requiring coarse soil, it will

rot in heavy clay soils without adequate drainage. Very

drought tolerant and widely used in the southwest US, it is a

native of TX. 

6

Eriophyllum lanatum 

Geum triflorum in bud (left), seed head (right) 
D 2

Ipomopsis aggregata Scarlet Gilia 

Red or scarlet flowers bloom in June on this biennial

wildflower that grows 12-24” tall. Hummingbirds are

attracted to the clusters of long (3/4”-11/2”), narrow flowers

that flare at the tip, forming a six petaled star pattern. It

does very well on dry eastern slopes, and while short lived,

it should spread by seed and reseed easily. Native to dry

meadows, open forests, and rocky slopes from midelevations to lower subalpine zones. 

D 3

Linum perenne Wild Blue Flax 

An 8-24” forb with blue flowers that bloom all spring and

summer, though each 5-petaled flower only lasts a single

day. Blue flax is easy to grow in full sun, and is often

included in wildflower seed mixes. It produces a lot of seed

and can be invasive if the site is well watered. It stays green

into the summer, is drought tolerant, and can be used to

decrease the fire hazard around the home or on steep

hillsides. It also looks nice in a border or naturalized

setting. Native Americans ate the tasty and nutritious seeds,

while the Shoshone used the plant for sore eyes and

swelling (Phillips 1999). The variety lewisii, native to the

western states, is not as invasive as the variety perenne, of

Eurasian origin.

D 5

Lupinus argenteus Silver Lupine 

From mid-spring to early summer, blue to white sweet pealike flowers line each flower stalk. The silvery gray foliage

with palmate leaves is 8-24” tall x 12-18” wide. In

symbiosis with specific bacteria, the roots have a nitrogenfixing capacity, allowing them to thrive in otherwise poor

soil. Due to its long, deep taproot, lupine is very difficult to

transplant. Over-grazing increases stands of Silver Lupine.

Because of its poisonous alkaloids, sheep and cattle will eat

nearly everything but the Lupine, often depleting plant

diversity. For landscape use, plant in clumps in beds or

mixed borders or naturalized plantings on a hillside. It may

be difficult to find commercially. Seeds can be collected

while the pod is still green and then air dried to maturity

(when collecting never take more than 1/3 of the seeds and

correctly identify the plant to verify it is not rare or

endangered). Native from pine forests to subalpine ridges of

central OR, northeast CA, east to Alberta, the Dakotas,

Rocky Mountain States and south to NM.

D 4

Oenothera missouriensis Missouri Evening Primrose 

The yellow flowers, each with 4 petals up to 4” across,

bloom from June to late September. Plants grow 6-12” tall

and often spread 3-4’ wide, sometimes very aggressively.

Flowers are slightly fragrant, begin blooming in the

evening, and last only through the following day. Great as a

groundcover on dry sites, and a food source for birds and

butterflies. Tolerates poor soil on dry sites once established.

Native to NE, TX and MO.

7

Ipomopsis aggregata

Lupinus argenteus 

Linum perenne var. lewisii
Opuntia spp.

E 5

Opuntia spp. Prickly Pear Cactus 

Two to three or more pads grow off the base pad at various

angles. The pad’s shape gives it another common name,

Beaver Tail Cactus. It generally reaches no more than 12”

tall, but the cluster can spread up to 3’ wide. Showy 11/2-

31/2” wide flowers bloom in shades of yellow, pink or red in

June/July. White, needle-like, 1/4-4” long spines cover the

pads. It can form a groundcover in the driest, harshest, most

difficult sites. To propagate, remove a pad at the joint, allowing the wound to dry and callous for 2-3 weeks and then

shallowly plant in soil. It will root wherever the pad is in

contact with soil. It tolerates thin, highly alkaline soils and

is native from the plains and foothills to lower mountains in

the western states from British Columbia to TX and AZ.

Notes on the following Penstemon species

Penstemon is the largest genus of flowering plants

endemic to North America, with approximately 270

species. Most penstemons prefer the drier regions of the

west, and virtually all require good soil drainage and full

sunlight for at least part of the day. Seldom browsed by

livestock or wildlife, they attract a variety of pollinators

such as bees, hummingbirds and moths. If the flower is

long and narrow, it most likely attracts hummingbirds,

whereas if wider towards the mouth, something larger

than the hummingbird’s beak, such as a bee or insect is

the more likely candidate (Nold 1999). Most can be

grown relatively easily from seed, but often require a

prolonged cold moist environment to break dormancy

(such as three months in the fridge in a moist media or

seeded outside in the fall for natural stratification).

Gravel mulch as opposed to bark will encourage selfseeding by holding moisture but preventing rot. Although

they may self-seed under the right conditions, there

should be no concern of them becoming weedy or invasive. Penstemons have largely been ignored by flower

gardeners and commercial nurseries in the US until relatively recently. Commercial availability in local garden

centers and catalogs is beginning to rise as admiration

over their stunning flowers and low water needs grow.

Being a large genus with numerous species, the avid

wildflower enthusiast will find it handy to have a book

devoted to penstemons that will explain the terminology

and specific flower structures necessary to identify them

to species. Check the sources or recommended reading

section at the end of the manual for recommendations.

D 4

Penstemon angustifolius Pagoda Penstemon

Angustifolius refers to the narrow leaves on this medium

sized species that reaches approximately 1’ tall x 1’ wide.

It can have one to many stems per plant. Blooming in summer, the flowers completely encircle the stem, and the

colors come in various shades of blue to lavender, paler on

the inside with nectar guides. There are four subspecies,

one of which comes in pink (var. dulcis found in sand dunes

of western Utah) (Nold 1999). Often growing in deep sand,

it can grow extremely long roots to reach water. Its range

spans the Great Plains from eastern MT and the Dakotas to

CO east of the Rocky Mountains (Strickler 1997). 

D 4

Penstemon barbatus Scarlet Bugler

This penstemon can be recognized by its long, linear leaves

and distinctly bright red corolla with a strongly reflexed

lower lip. Not a long-lived plant, it grows to 2-3’ tall by 

1-2’ wide, but tends to topple if over watered. It flowers

from June to September and is a parent to a number of

hybrids. One of the most widely available species, it is

native to southern UT, CO, to AZ, NM and west TX.

D 5

Penstemon cyaneus Dark Blue Penstemon

A dark blue to violet flower, paler on the inside, blooms

from late May to early August. The strong, thick stems,

woody at the base, grow 12-28” tall and spread to a similar

width. The flowers are 1-1.5” long and 1/2” wide at the

mouth. To differentiate it from P. cyanthus, a similar

species, the anther should be twisted and S-shaped. Native

to open plains and lower mountains of southern ID,

southwest MT and northwest WY (Strickler 1997).

D 5

Penstemon deustus Hot Rock Penstemon 

Growing 8-18” tall with a similar width, this Penstemon

blooms from May to July with small, creamy white flowers.

Plants tend to be short-lived under cultivation, but may selfseed under the right conditions, such as in a gravel mulch.

The name deustus means scorched or burned up, and as the

name implies, the species has a preference for exposed,

rocky sites, particularly basalt scabland and other volcanic

areas. Native east of the Cascades from central WA to

southwest MT, northwest WY, northwest UT and southern

CA.

8
P. eatonii (left), P. palmeri (right)

D 4

Penstemon eatonii Firecracker Penstemon

A short, woody base produces flower stalks as much as 3’ in

length (15” wide) lined with bright red flowers that bloom

in mid-spring to early summer. The long (1-11/2”) tubular

flowers make superb hummingbird lures. Evergreen basal

leaves are a deep shiny green. It is a good species for barren

slopes or roadside revegetation projects and grows well

from seed. It occurs naturally from southwest CO to NM

and southern CA. 

SE 5

Penstemon fruticosus Shrubby Penstemon

This short evergreen sub-shrub (18” tall x 2’ wide) has blue

or lavender to light purplish flowers and blooms from May

to June. The large, showy flowers are produced on the tips

of every branch. It is longer lived than other Penstemons

and has three recognized varieties. It requires well-drained

soils and occurs throughout the western states east of the

Cascades.

SE 4

Penstemon palmeri Palmer Penstemon 

This showy species is a medium to tall (2-4’x 2’wide)

evergreen forb with large, pink, fragrant flowers attractive to

bumblebees and hummingbirds. Flowers bloom in late

spring and early summer, and the foliage is a blue green

color. It is cold hardy and very drought tolerant. While it is

short lived, it easily reseeds. Palmer penstemon requires

well-drained soil, is a good species for barren slopes, and

has been widely seeded on roadsides throughout the western

states. Native to southern UT, southern NV, CA and

northern AZ (photo on previous page).

E 3

Penstemon pinifolius Pine-Leaf Penstemon

This low growing (6-18” by 12-24”) evergreen forb has

bright red flowers that attract hummingbirds. Adaptable to

various soil types, Pine-Leaf Penstemon will flower all

summer if irrigated weekly. It is cold hardy, drought tolerant

and long-lived. Cultivars with yellow flowers are available

as are cultivars with a short, compact growth form. This is

an excellent plant for dryland gardens and the pine-like

evergreen leaves are bright green even in the middle of

winter. Plants can be pruned back in the late spring. Native

to NM, southern AZ and northern Mexico.

D 2

Penstemon rydbergii Rydberg’s Penstemon

From May to July flowers bloom on this 8-28” tall plant. It

has a similar width. The bluish-purple flowers are gradually

inflated towards the mouth and two lipped where the color

changes to a velvety white. The plant forms a large basal

rosette while the stem leaves are few. Flowers are held horizontally in clusters around the stem, with equal distance

between them. There are three recognized varieties. Often

found in meadows to moist open slopes, from foothills to

mid-elevations in the mountains. Rydberg’s Penstemon

ranges from central WA to southwest MT, south along the

eastern Cascades and Sierras to UT and NM (Strickler

1997).

9

Penstemon rydbergii

Penstemon pinifolius close-up (left), en masse at 3+ yrs (right) 
Penstemon speciosus

D 5

Penstemon speciosus Showy Penstemon

Showy Penstemon flowers from May to July. Its large,

bright purple to violet flowers fade to a pale blue on the

inside, where the lips roll or curl back distinctly. There are

typically a few stems per clump, and the leaves are long

and linear, the basal ones reaching 2-6”. It can survive on

less than 12” of precipitation per year, but good drainage is

a must. Native to sagebrush steppe and ponderosa pine

forests to sub-alpine regions from central and eastern WA to

southwest ID, southwest OR, southern CA and northeastern

UT (Strickler 1997).

D 4

Penstemon strictus Rocky Mountain Penstemon

Plants bloom in June and July and can be moderately longlived in the garden (to 7 years). This blue to violet

penstemon grows 1-3’ tall and wide (it spreads via stolons

to form clumps). It is a common ingredient of some

wildflower mixtures. Its occurrence outside its native range,

along highways and other seeded areas has condemned it as

an “invasive plant” by some native plant enthusiasts. The

cultivar “Bandera” is said to be more tolerant of heavy clay

soils. Native to pinyon-juniper, scrub oak, ponderosa pine

and aspen communities in south-central and south west WY,

eastern UT, western CO, northeast AZ and northwest NM

(Nold 1999).

D 5

Penstemon venustus Lovely Penstemon 

The name “venustus” means “beautiful” or “graceful.” This

stunning 36” tall (with flower stalks) species has medium

sized (11/2”) flowers that range from lavender to purple and

bloom from May to June. A key to identification is the

spider web-like hair at the end of the filament, unique to

this species. The flowers are on one side of the stem, and

the leaves, which are lightly serrated, are on the stem only

(no basal rosette). The native habitat includes open rock

outcrops and gravelly slopes from valleys to the subalpine.

Its natural range includes the Blue Mountains of southeast

WA and northeast OR and adjacent west-central ID

(Strickler 1997). 

D 3

Penstemon whippleanus Whipple’s Penstemon

This species grows 8-24” tall. It blooms in July and August.

In the northern part of its range, it is most often found in a

creamy white, almost green color; in other areas it may be

blue purple to burgundy red. The flowers are unique in that

the lower lip is much longer than the upper one. They

bloom on one side of the stem (secund), densely crowded in

clusters, with 2-7 clusters per stem. There may be only one

to a few upright stems per plant. Native to rocky slopes and

meadows into alpine regions of southwestern MT,

southeastern ID, WY, AZ and UT (Strickler 1997).

D 3

Petalostemon purpureum Prairie Clover

(Dalea purpurea)

Prairie clover grows 1-2.5’ tall, blooming from late May

through September. Several stems per plant produce clusters

of pinkish purple flowers on elongated spikes. Used in

revegetation projects and wildflower gardens for its long

bloom season and ability to fix nitrogen. It can easily become overgrazed because it is highly palatable and nutritious to animals. The taproot can be made into a tea to

reduce fever in measles patients (http://plants.usda.gov/

plants). Native to prairies, along roadsides, and rocky or

open woods from IN to Saskatchewan and MT, south to TN

and AR. 

10

Petalostemon purpureum
D 1

Solidago spp. Goldenrod

This large wildflower reaches 2-5’ tall with a similar width,

depending on the species. Yellow flowers cover the plant in

late summer and early fall. Spreading by underground

stems or rhizomes, it can be used as a small deciduous

hedge. Prefers full sun and rich soil. Solidus is Latin for “to

make whole” in reference to its numerous healing

properties.

Notes on the following Sphaeralcea species

All Sphaeralcea, or globemallows, have minute hairs on

the leaves that are stellate or star-shaped when viewed

with a hand lens. These common plants are not deer resistant, and are difficult to find in areas grazed by livestock because of their palatability. Globemallow is very

drought tolerant and readily grown from seed. With the

clumps of silver green foliage and abundance of red

orange flowers, they seem to rejoice in the heat of the

summer, despite poor soil and low water. Within a few

years, some species become a dense, multi-stemmed plant

that benefits from a grow ring or stakes to keep upright.

At a native plant garden in Boise, they are hand watered

4 times per month in the first year, and then only once per

month in subsequent years. Over watering will kill them

or encourage tall lanky plants that continually flop over.

Cutting back after flowering keeps plants more compact

and encourages continual blooming. At this time, there is

limited commercial availability, usually via seed.

D 6

Sphaeralcea ambigua Desert Globemallow

More drought tolerant than the other two species listed here

and the earliest to bloom, Desert Globemallow typically

grows 20-40” tall and wide with orange to brick red flowers

in March through June. The gray green foliage typically

has 3-5 lobes. Very easy to grow from seed. Native to AZ

and NM.

Sphaeralcea spp.

D 4

Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia 

Gooseberry-leaf Globemallow

A perennial forb with salmon colored flowers that bloom in

the summer. Plants range in size from 12-24” tall and wide,

depending on the presence of flower stalks. The generic

name refers to the Greek word sphaera, or sphere, and

alcea in reference to the round or globose fruits. In this

species the leaves are divided nearly to the midvein. Native

to ID, OR, NV and UT. 

D 4

Sphaeralcea munroana Orange Globemallow 

This 12-24” tall and wide forb with apricot-pink to reddishorange flowers blooms in the summer. This species has

leaves divided or lobed less than halfway to the midvein

and is more common at lower elevations than S.

grossulariifolia. In great contrast to the other two listed

here, it does well in clay. It is very drought tolerant and

grows readily from seed. Native to ID, NV, UT and CO.

Stanleya pinnata

D 4

Stanleya pinnata Prince’s Plume

Tall in stature, this showy species reaches 3-4’ by 18”, with

spikes of lacy yellow flowers (lacey look from the stamens

which extend well beyond the petals) from mid-spring to

mid-summer. Numerous stalks branch near the base where

the leaves are deeply dissected. Towards the apex, the

leaves are more narrow lanceolate to elliptic. As is typical

with many Brassicaceae species, the seedpods are long (up

to 3”) and very narrow. In its natural habitat it is indicative

of selenium in the soil. Stanleya refers to Lord Edward

Stanley (1755-1851) of the Linnaean and Zoological

societies in London. Widespread from plains to lower

mountains in southeast OR to southern CA, east to the

Dakotas, KS and TX. 

11
E 3

Yucca glauca Narrowleaf Yucca

Narrowleaf Yucca leaves are

long, narrow, and strap-like

with spiny tips. The plant

grows 2-3’ tall and wide,

bunched at the base, and

then spreads outwards,

appearing like a V in

profile. Creamy white,

pendulous, bell-shaped

flowers bloom in July,

rising on spikes 3-6’ tall. It

prefers coarse, well-drained

soil, and does well on

slopes, surviving harsh,

exposed sites with poor soil

(the roots can be up to 20’

long). The fruit is large and

fleshy, the seed glossy and 1/2” across. Yucca requires a

specific insect, the yucca moth, for pollination. The roots

and leaves can be used to make soap, the flower stalk eaten

like asparagus, and the leaves woven into baskets. Native to

deserts and sandy slopes in the southwestern US, north into

MT and N. Dakota, east to IA, and southwest to TX and

NM.

12

Yucca glauca
Grasses

Notes on warm season vs. cool season grasses

Grasses are categorized as warm vs. cool season based

on their season of greatest growth. Cool season grasses

actively grow in the spring and fall, becoming dormant

during the hottest months of summer. Warm season

grasses are at their peak during summer, and break

winter dormancy later than cool season grasses. 

Achnatherum hymenoides

WI 5

Achnatherum hymenoides Indian Ricegrass

(Oryzopsis hymenoides)

This warm season, short-lived perennial bunchgrass grows

12-16”. It forms a beautiful airy inflorescence when it goes

to seed (the small kernel-like seeds are purportedly edible).

Besides its ornamental value, this is a great grass for sandy

sites. It does not tolerate shade. Cultivars are being

developed that retain the seed in the inflorescence, which

facilitates collecting. Seeds must be planted 2-3” deep.

Native to grasslands, desert plains and foothills, often rocky

or sandy soil, ranging from east of the Cascades, British

Columbia to southern CA and northeast Mexico, east to the

Dakotas and TX.

13

Andropogon scoparium (left), Bouteloua gracilis (right)

WI 4

Andropogon scoparium Little Bluestem

(Schizachyrium scoparium)

This blue green, warm season, tall tufted grass grows

approximately 12-36” tall by 18” wide and needs welldrained soil. The decorative seed head forms in summer and

matures to a rich, red brown color in the fall. The fall color

lasts throughout the winter. It can grow as a bunchgrass in

drier areas, or as a ground cover in moister spots. Being

non-invasive it will not crowd out surrounding grasses or

wildflowers. In restoration projects, it can be used for

roadside revegetation projects. While not native to Idaho, it

grows well with occasional summer watering. Native

habitats are foothills, tall grass prairies, and plains ranging

from the east side of the Rocky Mountains to the Great

Plains.

D 3

Bouteloua gracilis Blue Grama

Growing only 4-12” tall and wide, this mat-forming, warm

season grass can be naturalized to form a fairly dense,

grass-like meadow with minimal irrigation once established.

For a low water alternative to a thirsty lawn, high success

rates have been reported by seeding a mixture of Blue

Grama with Buffalo Grass (Buchloe dactyloides). It can be

mown to a height of 4-6” to encourage sod formation.

Requires full sun and well-drained soil. It is a major range

grass for animals of the prairies and Great Plains, often

associated with buffalograss, wheatgrass and needlegrasses. 
D 5

Buchloe dactyloides Buffalograss

This warm season grass has 10-18” long blue-gray to green

blades. The actual height is only 3-5” as the blades do not

stand erect, but bend and lean over at the nodes. It spreads

by vegetative stolons to form a mat 2’ wide, which turns

reddish in the fall. As discussed above, it can be used in

combination with Blue Grama as an alternative to the

thirsty Kentucky Blue Grass for low maintenance and low

traffic areas. The plant is dioecious, (male or staminate

plant is separate from female or pistillate plant). If unmowed, the male plants have spikes on one side that rise

above the leaves, while the female plants have small

bundles in the leaf axis, and a blade that is curly and lightly

hairy on both sides. It makes a soft, dense lawn if used

alone. The widespread roots are often 3-4 feet deep, needing only 12” of rain/year once established (or 1/2” every 2

weeks to stay green during summer), and less than 1/3 of

the fertilizer of a typical lawn. It can be mowed once a

month May through September. It tolerates compacted soil,

and prefers clay or clay loam to sand. While it will stay

green during the summer given its minimal water requirements, it will begin to turn tan at the first frost, not greening

up until warm weather the following spring. Use treated

seed in early spring or after the first frost in fall at 2-3 lb

per 1,000 square feet, or sow plugs 1’ apart. Consult a

specialist regarding appropriate soil preparation and seeding

methods for the best results. Native to the central Great

Plains regions of short grass prairies, it provides cover and

a food source for small rodents, birds and grazing animals.

Buchloe dactyloides (left), Elymus elymoides (right)

E 4

Elymus elymoides Bottlebrush Squirreltail

(Sitanion hystrix)

This cool season grass grows 13-24” tall. It develops a

unique tufted seed head in mid-spring with awns forming a

distinct right angle to the stem, much like a bottlebrush. It

is a short-lived, early successional species that grows well

after wildfires and other disturbances. It can act as a nurse

plant on harsh sites barren of most other vegetation. Native

to dry hills, plains, open woods from British Columbia

south and east to MS, TX, CA, and Mexico. In the often

harsh climates of NV it can survive at elevations ranging

from 2,000-11,000’ with only 7-20” of rain per year. 

Festuca idahoensis (left), Festuca ovina (right)

E 4

Festuca idahoensis Idaho Fescue

Growing 18” tall by 15” wide, this short, tufted bunchgrass

with gray-blue blades blooms in early summer. As a cool

season grass, it’s greatest growth occurs in March and

April. It matures in late summer and can have moderate

regrowth when provided moisture in the fall. It makes a

nice ground cover and weed suppressor and will self-seed

easily if the flowering stalks are not mowed or cut back. It

is also a terrific specimen plant to use in garden beds. It

prefers medium to moderately fine, deep fertile soils and

prefers 14” of precipitation per year, but can survive on

11”. In the Intermountain Region it is a significant understory plant in sagebrush and bluebunch wheatgrass zones.

Native to grasslands and semi-desert sagebrush communities in the foothills and mountains of the western US.

– WI 5

Festuca ovina Sheep Fescue

A cool season, relatively small but long-lived perennial

bunchgrass, the flowering stalk grows 18” tall. It is more

drought tolerant than F. idahoensis and less palatable to

livestock and wild game. It is shade and cold tolerant, but

does not do well on sites that are continually wet. Use it as

a groundcover, in the interspaces of a plant community, for

erosion control, and to compete with weeds such as

cheatgrass. Widely available in several cultivars including

“Covar,” which tends to form more seed heads and is a

particularly aggressive and drought tolerant selection

(Ogle 1997). 

14
Leymus cinereus in June (left), same plant in late winter (right) 

WI 3

Leymus cinereus Great Basin Wildrye

Great Basin Wild Rye is a cool season, long-lived species

that can develop taproots up to 14’ deep. Upright bunches

reach 4-6’ tall and 3’ in diameter, and take 2-3 years to

become established. The blades are bluish tan with wheatlike seed heads in the summer and fall. Decorative as well

as hardy, it is able to withstand fire, drought and flooding.

“Magnar” is a bluish green cultivar that demonstrates good

seedling vigor, seed production and salt tolerance. Overgrazing during the periods of regrowth in the spring and fall

can easily damage Wildrye (Ogle 1997). Common along

drainage basins and rocky slopes with a minimum of 10”

precipitation in the Intermountain Regions of the western

US at elevations up to 8,000 feet. 

WI 4

Pseudoroegneria spicata Bluebunch Wheatgrass

(Agropyron spicatum)

This is a long-lived, cool season bunchgrass that grows 

13-24” tall. It is a common, widespread species in most of

western North America. As the name implies, the grass has

a bluish cast (or blue-green with more water) with a

decorative inflorescence. Unfortunately, Bluebunch Wheatgrass has been overgrazed in many areas. It can deter the

spread of fire when growing on sites without dense, dried

annual grass (unless it is windy or the fire is moving

uphill).

Pseudoroegneria spicata (left), Sporobolus cryptandrus (right)

WI 4

Sporobolus cryptandrus Sand Dropseed 

Sand Dropseed is a warm season, short-lived perennial that

grows 8-16” tall. It forms an open, diffuse inflorescence

and has a hairy ligule (collar around the top of the grass

sheath which surrounds the blade). Sand Dropseed stays

green in the heat of the summer and forms a fire resistant

area if mowed annually. It has a very small seed and can be

aerially seeded on steep slopes. It is common in well

drained, sandy to gravelly soils, establishes easily, is

drought tolerant and able to withstand moderate grazing.

It is an early successional species and does well in

disturbed areas. Native to the western states, but not the

desert southwest.

15
Shrubs

D 3

Acer glabrum 

Rocky Mountain Maple

A shrub to small tree that

grows from 8-25’ tall by 8’

wide. It has 3-5 lobed

leaves with double toothed

margins. Showy fall foliage

varies from red and orange

to yellow. This provides a

nice substitute for the

popular vine maple, which

is not as hardy. Rocky

Mountain Maple is found

from British Columbia to

northern CA, and east to ID, MT, UT, WY and northwest

CO beneath a coniferous overstory or along streambottoms

in forested areas. 

D 4

Amelanchier alnifolia Saskatoon Serviceberry

Showy racemes of pure

white flowers adorn this

shrub in April to May,

followed by purple fruits

resembling blueberries.

Although size will vary

depending upon available

water, this shrub ranges

from 5-20’ tall by 6-15’

wide. It is often more broad

than tall. The leaf is almost

blue green, the shape

cordate at base, and the

margin slightly toothed

toward the apex. The fruits

can be used in pies, jams,

fruit rolls, for jelly and syrup, or pounded to make mince

meat. A special Native American delicacy consisted of

salmon eggs and dried serviceberries, not mashed, but

served boiled or cold (Turner et al., 1980). In emergencies

or times of famine, the juice of the fruits was squeezed over

Black Tree-Lichen (Bryoria fremontii) to add flavor before

drying it. In the landscape, use as a specimen, around a

patio or deck, as a shelterbelt, or in a naturalized setting for

a continual show from spring flowers, to summer berries, to

spectacular fall color. Native to open woods, canyons and

hillsides from southern AK to CA, east to Alberta, the

Dakotas, NE, NM and AZ.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (left), close-up (right)

E 4

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Kinnikinnick

Clusters of pink, urn-shaped flowers bloom from March to

April on this mat-forming evergreen shrub. The dense mats

rarely exceed 6” in height, can spread to 6’ wide, and prefer

cooler sites with afternoon shade. The 1’’ long simple,

leathery, dark green leaves become slightly reddish-green to

purple in the fall. It roots wherever branches touch the soil.

While slow growing initially, once established, it is a low

maintenance, long lived ground cover. Well-drained soil is

essential. Indians used the bark as tobacco and the fruit may

attract songbirds and small mammals (Ogle 1997).

According to Cronquist (1973) “it is one of the finest

ground covers known, especially for dry banks.” Ranges

from AK to Labrador, south to coastal CA, ID, and MT and

throughout the Rocky Mountains.

Artemisia cana

SE 3

Artemisia cana Silver Sagebrush

This semi-evergreen shrub grows 3-5’ tall with a similar

width and has inconspicuous yellow flowers that run the

length of the stem. It blooms from August to September.

The silver foliage has entire, non-lobed leaves and semiupright branches making it a nice mid-size shrub in a

naturalized landscape. It spreads rhizomatously and can

root sprout after a fire. It is the second most populous

shrub, after Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), in the 11

western states. Native to mountains and higher valleys, it is

often in ephemerally moist meadows and drainage ways

that become dry by midsummer. Its range spans British

Columbia, CA, UT and NM.

16

Amelanchier alnifolia 
Artemisia frigida 

SE 3

Artemisia frigida Fringed Sagebrush

The finely divided foliage is metallic silver, upright to

decumbent, 8-18” tall by 2-3’ wide. Small yellow flowers

appear in mid to late summer. Within approximately three

years, this semi-shrub can withstand short-term drought

conditions fairly well. Prior to establishment, it will

desiccate easily, preferring a cooler site or shade from

surrounding vegetation as it is native to higher elevation

sites (> 5,000’) in the Intermountain Region. Lightly prune

to reduce desiccation and maintain clump growth form.

Occurring throughout the western states and Canada, it is

the most common sage in Alaska. 

SE 5

Artemisia ludoviciana Louisiana Sage

While it smells strongly of sagebrush, the light gray

branches typically reach only 12-18” tall by 24” wide and

the leaves tend to be entire or have irregular margins versus

tri-lobed. Small greenish yellow flowers bloom in clusters

towards the end of the stems of this sub-shrub from late

July to early September. Small desert animals utilize it for

cover, and it is a food source for sage grouse, cattle, rabbits,

rodents, elk and mountain goats. Besides being a key

ceremonial plant for the Cheyenne people, it was

formulated in various ways by numerous Native Americans

to treat the following ailments: stomach problems, nose

bleeds, odors, sinus infections, headaches, long standing

sores, menstrual disorders, fever, diarrhea and soar throat.

Artemisia is poisonous in large doses. It can adapt to

numerous conditions, including perennial or ephemeral

streams, sagebrush steppe, prairies, and disturbed areas as it

spreads rhizomatously. It ranges from east of the Cascades

in WA and OR south to Mexico, and throughout the Great

Plains States into northeast CA. 

SE 4

Artemisia tridentata Big Sagebrush

There are three subspecies of Big Sagebrush: ssp.

tridentata, ssp.wyomingensis and ssp. vaseyana. Size is

highly variable, from 3-12’. All have yellow, inconspicuous

flowers that bloom in the fall. While ssp. tridentata (Basin

Big Sagebrush) is typically the tallest, with pendulous

flowers and uneven growth form, ssp. vaseyana (Mountain

Big Sagebrush) tends to be smaller, with erect flowering

branches that form a level, flat top, and a more compact

growth pattern. Subspecies wyomingensis (Wyoming Big

Sagebrush) is the most drought tolerant, grows in shallower

soil, produces 3-parted major branches, and grows about

three feet tall. All have gray green hairy leaves that are

semi-evergreen with approximately one third of the leaves

dropping off in late summer. While Big Sagebrush prefers

deep, rich, moist alluvial loams, it is very drought tolerant

once established and will rot or become tall and leggy if

overwatered. The shrub is an excellent selection when

creating a wildlife friendly landscape: sage grouse eat the

leaves, flowers and fruit; squirrels, rabbits and small rodents

eat the leaves and seeds, and antelope, mule deer and mountain sheep eat the leaves and young twigs. The hard dense

wood can be used for firewood and purportedly repels mosquitoes when burned. Big Sagebrush covers more acreage

in the 11 western states than any other plant. It is native to

the plains, desert, hills and lower mountain slopes from

British Columbia to Baja, CA, and east to western NE.

Atriplex canescens (in background)

E 4

Atriplex canescens Four-wing Saltbush

The grayish-white leaves are long, linear, and covered with

microscopic scales giving the leaves a “crystalline” look.

The plant typically grows 4-5’ tall, but may reach 6’ tall by

8’ wide. Inconspicuous yellow blooms appear in mid-spring

to midsummer. The name comes from the four large bracts,

entire to fringed, that appear on the seeds. Seeds can be

ground and cooked like cereal, the leaves eaten, and ashes

used to leaven bread (Phillips 1998). For wildlife, it is an

important browse plant. Atriplex spp. have evolved a unique

method of accessing water unavailable to other plants. They

17
can take in water with high salt content by storing it in their

leaves and then shedding them. They can survive in highly

alkaline areas, in sand or clay, shallow or deep soils in

desert flats, washes, mesas, ridges, slopes or sand dunes.

They range throughout the western US as far east as the

Dakotas and south to TX. 

Cercocarpus ledifolius (left), leaves (right)

E 4

Cercocarpus ledifolius 

Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany 

This evergreen shrub or multi-stemmed tree grows 8-15’ tall

by 6-8’ wide, with dark green, leathery leaves and attractive

gray bark. Pale yellow, inconspicuous flowers bloom in

May. Cercocarpus comes from the Greek kerkos, meaning

tail, and carpos, meaning fruit, in reference to the decorative curly-cue plume that persists throughout the summer

and fall as the seeds ripen. The coil helps work the seed

into the ground by coiling when damp and straightening

when dry (Knopf 1991). The leaves, approximately 1” long

and 1/4” wide, have margins that curl inwards (hence the

common name, Curl-Leaf). The curled leaf limits the

amount of surface area exposed to the sun and wind, helping it survive during hot, dry weather. The dense compact

growth form with upright branches provides an excellent

drought tolerant evergreen shrub that could be used as a

screen year round. Does best in full sun with well-drained

soil, and can survive with approximately 10-20” of rain or

irrigation per year. The native range spans ID, as far north as

southeast WA, south to CA and AZ and east to MT and CO.

D 4

Cercocarpus montanus Mountain Mahogany

Also known as Birch-Leaf Mountain Mahogany, white

flowers bloom from April to May on this shrub, which

grows 5-10’ tall by 3-5’ wide. It prefers medium to well

drained soils, and like C. ledifolius, decorative plumes

persist into the fall. It provides cover for birds, attracts

pollinators, and is a winter browse plant for deer and elk.

Tools, such as bows, were made from the wood, and the

bark was dried to treat tuberculosis, colds, respiratory

problems, and sores. The Hopi used the bark to make a dye

(Mozingo 1997). Native habitats are mountainsides, rocky

bluffs, open woodlands, canyons and rim rock from OR to

WY, SD, southern CA and central Mexico.

SE 4

Chamaebatiaria

millefolium Fern Bush

This upright shrub grows

6-8’ tall by 4-6’ wide bearing elongated clusters of

white flowers in summer.

While deciduous in cold

climates, it re-leafs by late

winter. The fern-like

foliage resembles yarrow,

hence the same species

name, millefolium. An

excellent choice for hot dry

exposures, it can even grow in lava fields. It is very drought

tolerant once established. Great Basin Indians used it

medicinally as a tea for cramps and stomachaches. It may

be browsed by sheep and deer, but rarely cattle (Mozingo

1987). Its native range in rocky habitats amidst juniper and

pinyon pine includes the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada,

north into OR and ID, south to WY, UT and eastern NV.

D 3

Chrysothamnus nauseosus Rubber Rabbitbrush

Rubber Rabbitbrush, also known as Gray Rabbitbrush,

grows 2-7’ tall by 1-4’ wide. Chrys is Greek for golden

yellow, in reference to the dense, dark yellow flowers that

cover the bush from late summer into the fall. The long

narrow leaves are silvery green and between 1 to 3 inches

long. Like Sagebrush, this shrub makes an excellent

contrast or accent plant. Rubber Rabbitbrush can resprout

after disturbances such as fire. The primary characteristic to

distinguish it from the Green Rabbitbrush is the fine wooly

hair that can easily be scraped off the stems. The Shoshone

of Nevada utilized the shrub for coughs, colds, and to stop

diarrhea. The Cheyenne used it dermally for smallpox and

to reduce itching (Phillips 1999). The deep roots make it

extremely drought tolerant once established. It provides

good cover for small rodents and jackrabbits seeking to

elude birds of prey and other predators. Native Americans

chewed the stems to make a latex gum to relieve hunger

and thirst. During rubber shortages of World War II,

scientists became interested in the latex and found that a

high-quality rubber (called chrysil) could be produced, but

not in the high quantities needed at that time (Mozingo

1987). Nevertheless, the name Rubber Rabbitbrush stuck.

Native to dry open areas ranging from lowlands to sagebrush steppe to montane forest zones. There are six

different varieties that vary morphologically and by range.

Collectively, they cover eastern OR, ID, MT, WY and the

Great Plains States.

18

Chamaebatiaria millefolium
Ephedra viridis

E 5

Ephedra viridis Mormon Tea

This unusual looking plant in the joint fir family is a twiggy,

upright, leafless, but also evergreen shrub, typically 2-5’ tall

with a similar width. Dioecious, it forms yellow, flower-like

cones and berry-like fruits. It is extremely drought tolerant,

requires well drained soil and prefers full sun. It would do

well as a background plant, or to provide year round interest

with its unique form. The plant produces ephedrine, an

allergy and asthma treatment, and a rather controversial

stimulant and metabolic enhancer. Early Mormon settlers

used it to make tea, unaware of its chemical effects on the

body and potential risks for stroke or heart attack. It is a

common member of salt desert shrub communities, in highly

alkaline, sandy soils in association with Shadscale and

Greasewood. It is native to NV, UT and eastern CA.

Fallugia paradoxa

D 4

Fallugia paradoxa Apache Plume

A medium tall, semi-evergreen shrub (4-6’tall and wide) that

produces white to rose flowers that mature into seeds with

feathery plumes. The flowers bloom from late spring

through early summer. After the plumes form, they remain

on the shrub for several months adding texture and interest.

The leaves are wedge shaped and tri-lobed, similar to

bitterbrush. It is a nice candidate for an informal hedge or

specimen plant. It requires moderately coarse soil that is

well-drained and prefers full sun. It is very drought tolerant

and does well in the Boise valley, though its natural range is

the southwest deserts to the Colorado Plateau.

E 3

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus Green Rabbitbrush

A smaller shrub than Chrysothamnus nauseosus, it reaches

a maximum height of 3’, a width of 1-2’ and lacks the

pubescence or fine wooly hairs on the stems. Leaves are

typically green and shiny with glands that give it a sticky

texture. Some subspecies have leaves that are twisted

lengthwise, and leaves vary from 1/2-2” long. Because both

species of rabbitbrush resprout after a fire, germinate easily

from seed, and are not the first choice for cattle, they can

come to dominate a rangeland damaged by overgrazing or

fire (Mozingo 1987). This rabbitbrush is extremely drought

tolerant and is found throughout the west.

D 2

Cornus stolonifera Red-osier Dogwood

This medium shrub grows 3-9’ tall by 5-8’ wide, producing

white flowers in May or June. Its unusual leaves have veins

that curve inwards. It prefers a rich, moist, well-drained soil

and may do better with partial shade in hot climates. It

makes an excellent shrub for stream stabilization, wind

breaks, screens and naturalized landscaping. The berries

attract birds and the red branches are very showy in winter.

Native throughout the western US, usually along creeks,

streams or draws. 

D 3

Crataegus douglasii

Douglas Hawthorn

This species forms a

large shrub or round

topped tree 8-20’ tall

by approximately 15’

wide, with showy

clusters of globeshaped white flowers in

mid spring. Unlike its

cousin, Columbia

Hawthorn (C.

columbiana), the red,

shiny thorns are only

1/2” to 1” long, compared to 4” long. Both tolerate a wide

range of soil conditions, and can be used to stabilize soil

along roads, ditches, and banks. For bird habitat, the thorns

create excellent protection from predators and the blueblack berries are a source of food. In their native habitat,

they are typically found near streams in sagebrush,

bunchgrass and Ponderosa Pine areas, intermixed with

Douglas-Fir and Cedar-Hemlock in forest openings. Their

range spans the Pacific Northwest, from southern AK to

British Columbia and northern CA. 

19
Krascheninnikovia lanata

E 3

Krascheninnikovia (Ceratoides) lanata Winterfat

Densely branched, this compact shrub grows 1-3’with a

similar spread. The common name refers to its importance

as a browse plant for both livestock and wildlife. The

branches, leaves and fruit are covered in dense hair

(lanata). Leaves are linear and the flowers consist of a

dense wooly cluster in spring. Like others in the

Chenopodiaceae family, it tolerates highly alkaline soil, but

is intolerant of acidic or poorly drained soil. Native to the

plains and foothills in WA, OR to CA, east to ID and MT. 

E 4

Mahonia repens Creeping Oregon Grape 

This low-growing, evergreen sub-shrub or ground cover

with holly-like leaves is very drought and shade tolerant. It

grows 1’ tall by 1-3’ wide. The yellow flowers bloom in a

raceme in April to May, and the fruit forms a glaucous-blue

fruit resembling a blueberry. The compound leaf has 5-7

leaflets, each typically twice as long as broad. Inconspicuous spinulose teeth again mimic the holly, while the leaf

surface is glossy to dull on the upper side and dull on the

lower side. This is one of the few plants that can grow well

in dry shade, in clay to loam soils. The tart fruits can be

used to make jelly, wine, or lemonade. Native Americans

used the yellow bark to make dyes and medicinally to ease

childbirth, heal infections, fight venereal diseases, and treat

kidney problems. Modern herbalists use it to reduce fevers,

lower inflammations and infections, reduce indigestion, and

to treat liver and gall bladder disorders. By isolating the

alkaloid berberine from the yellow sap in the twigs,

researchers have found an antibiotic mechanism that can

fight a broad range of bacteria (Phillips 1999). Widespread

in the western US and Canada. 

D 5

Philadelphus lewisii Mockorange, Syringa

Idaho’s state flower is a lovely deciduous shrub growing 

4-10’ tall by 6-8’ wide with showy, 4 petaled white flowers.

They bloom in late spring to early summer. Leaves are

ovate to elliptic with entire to serrate margins on oppositely

branched stems. The flowers are borne singly on stems or in

loose terminal clusters, and are incredibly fragrant (similar

to orange blossoms). Syringa grows best in well-drained

soils and is quite

drought tolerant, but

prefers more water in

the spring. Shrubs grow

from 2,000’ to 7,000’ in

elevation along

waterways, on cliffs,

talus slopes and rocky

hillsides. Its range

spans British Columbia

to northern CA, from

the coast to Montana

and north and central

ID.

- D 3

Physocarpus malvaceus Ninebark

This deciduous shrub grows 3-6’ tall and wide. Its white

flowers are in terminal corymbs in the spring. The branches

are alternate; leaves are palmately 3-5 lobed turning

beautiful shades of red in the fall. The bark often has stripes

and may peel, hence the name, Ninebark. Native to

canyons, hillsides, grasslands in Ponderosa Pine and

Douglas Fir forests east of the Cascades from southern

British Columbia to ID, OR, WA, MT, WY and UT. 

Potentilla fruticosa 

D 3

Potentilla fruticosa Shrubby Cinquefoil

This dense shrub grows 3’ tall by 3’ wide with small,

palmately compound, flat, narrow to elliptic leaves. One

inch yellow flowers adorn the shrub from early summer to

mid fall. Shorter varieties grow at higher elevations, or on

extreme windy slopes. Shrubby Cinquefoil is widely used

in the landscape industry today. Those with anything but

yellow blooms, such as white, fawn, orange, or red are

introduced from Eurasia. It grows at higher elevations from

the mountain hemlock zone to beyond the timberline. The

range spans AK south to CA, east through the Rocky

Mountain States to Labrador, Nova Scotia, NJ and PA.

20

Philadelphus lewisii
Prunus emarginata flowers (left), fruit (right)

D 4

Prunus emarginata Bitter Cherry

Typically 6-8’ tall by 4-6’ wide, this shrub produces

fragrant, white flowers in spring and red cherries in late

summer and fall. For fruit production, at least two plants

must be present. The leaf edge is finely toothed like the

Chokecherry, but smaller and more obtuse at the tip.

Foliage turns yellow in the fall. The bark is smooth and

silvery gray. Because it will send up suckers it may spread

beyond its designated area or need to be pruned back. It

prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location. It does not

do well in the shade of competing vegetation. Establishing

easily on disturbed sites, it can be used to control erosion

and stabilize soil. The bark smells like cherry when

crushed, but has a bitter taste. Native Americans used the

bark to make watertight baskets, ropes, arrows, and as a

treatment for tuberculosis. A contraceptive was made from

rotting wood. A treatment for cancer, hydrogen cyanide, is

found in the leaves and seeds (NRCS Plants Database

8/2003). Deer and elk make use of the shrub for food and

cover. It ranges from the edge of the Great Basin north into

British Columbia, and east to ID and MT, often in large

stands on steep rocky slopes or less dense groups along

streams or valley bottoms.

D 3

Prunus virginiana Chokecherry

This shrub to small tree typically grows 10-20’ tall by 8-10’

wide (spreading vegetatively). It has finely toothed 3” long

leaves. White flowers bloom on 6” pendulant spikes in

spring. Colorful red fruits ripen to a deep purple in the

summer. The seeds are spread by birds. At certain times of

the year, the plant may be toxic to livestock due to the

hydrocyanic acid in the foliage (Mozingo 1987). While

incredibly bitter, the fruit can be collected and made into

excellent syrup or jelly. Chokecherry is widespread

throughout the US and Canada with two varieties. Variety

melanocarpa is the larger of the two (12-20’) and has a

drupe (type of fruit) that is deep bluish-purple to black. It

occurs from British Columbia to CA, east to Alberta and

the Dakotas and south to the Rocky Mountain States and

NM. Variety demissa typically grows 6-12’, and has a black

drupe. It is found west of the Cascades from British

Columbia to northwest OR. 

Purshia tridentata flowers

SE 4

Purshia tridentata Antelope Bitterbrush

Yellow, highly fragrant flowers cover this shrub in late

April and May. It grows 5-8’ tall by 4-6’ wide, with dense

alternate branching, and is very drought tolerant once

established (overwatering may kill it). The wedge shaped

leaves, with three deep lobes, are similar to Apache Plume,

except the upper leaf surface is green, the lower one

covered in dense hairs. It attracts birds and insects and is an

important food source for big game and livestock,

particularly during the winter. Each flower produces one

large black seed, often spread by rodents. Native habitat

ranges from sagebrush deserts to Ponderosa Pine forests

from British Columbia to CA, east of the Cascades to ID,

MT, CO and NM. 

Rhus glabra 

D 4

Rhus glabra Smooth Sumac

Compound, blue green leaves turn red in fall on this 4-20’

tall bushy shrub with reddish purple stems. Male flowers

are bluish-white, while female flowers are greenish red.

They bloom in the summer, and form hairy red fruit in the

fall. Spreads by rhizomes and may be considered weedy,

but also popular as an ornamental. Native east of the

Cascades, from British Columbia to NV and Mexico east to

NH and GA. While both Rhus glabra and Rhus trilobata

are in the same family as Poison Ivy (Anacardiaceae),

neither is known to cause skin irritation.

21
Rhus trilobata

D 3

Rhus trilobata Oakleaf Sumac

This large (3-6’ tall by 6-10’ wide), drought tolerant shrub

has trilobed leaves that turn a bright red to orange color in

the fall. Plants are either male or female with a bright red

furry fruit produced on the female plants. It makes a nice

midsize shrub for erosion control, or as a screen or hedge

for a dry, sunny spot in the garden. The leaves have an odd

odor when crushed and the fruit has a lemony taste when

fresh, hence its other common names, Skunkbush Sumac or

Lemonade Bush. Native to perennial or ephemeral streams

or draws, chiefly east of the Rocky Mountains from Alberta

to Mexico. 

Ribes aureum

- D 3

Ribes aureum Golden Currant

This 3-6’ tall by 2-3’ wide deciduous shrub produces

splendid bright yellow, tubular flowers in early spring

(March/April). It is one of the earliest shrubs to bloom.

While it can grow in a variety of conditions, from full sun

to shade and moist to moderately dry soils, it can develop

an irregular, lanky growth habit in shady, dry conditions. It

will grow fairly rapidly with regular irrigation. Golden

Currant attracts insect pollinators and a variety of birds eat

the small orange to reddish colored fruits. The currants are

edible, there are no prickles on the stem, and the leaf is an

attractive trilobed shape with beautiful fall colors ranging

from orange to red. It occurs east of the Cascades from WA

to CA, east to SD and south to NM.

D 4

Ribes sanguineum Red-flowering Currant

Fragrant tri-lobed leaves are accompanied by pale to dark

pink (and occasionally white) flower spikes in early spring.

The shrub typically grows 3-5’ tall by 3-4’wide. The dark

black, glaucous berries are not palatable. The striking

spring flowers have made this shrub popular in the

horticulture industry where numerous cultivars are

available. Native from British Columbia to central CA, to

eastern slopes of the Cascades in WA and northern OR, east

to Northern ID.

Ribes sanguineum

- D 3

Rosa woodsii Woods’ Rose

Small, pale to dark pink flowers (petals up to 1”) bloom in

clusters in late May. They grow 3-4’ tall and spread

rhizomatously to form thickets making excellent cover for

wildlife with their compound leaves and recurved prickles.

If space is limited, their rhizomatous habit can become a

major disadvantage so care must be taken to locate

accordingly. The bright red rose hips are another draw for

wildlife as well as humans. With their high vitamin C

content, they are often used to make teas, syrup, and jams

and were used by Native Americans to cure colds, treat

sores, burns, wounds, diarrhea, stomach trouble and as an

eyewash (Phillips 1999). Known from eastern WA to

southern CA, and eastern WI, MO and TX at moist

locations in lowlands and foothills.

22
Sambucus cerulea

D 3

Sambucus cerulea Blue Elderberry

This deciduous shrub grows 8-12’ tall by 4-6’ wide and

produces dense, flat-topped clusters of small, white flowers

in late spring and summer. Small, fleshy, powdery blue

edible berries form in late summer. The opposite branches

have pinnately compound leaves with serrated margins. The

interior of the stem is similar to styrofoam. It prefers

plentiful water and afternoon shade to avoid scorching the

leaves in hot climates. Attracts insects and birds, but not

commonly browsed by deer. The fruit can be used to make

wine and syrup, but berries should never be eaten before

fully ripe. Prior to ripening, cyanogenic glycosides in the

leaves and stems can cause cyanide poisoning (1999).

Widespread species ranging from British Columbia to AZ.

D 3

Shepherdia argentea Silver Buffaloberry

This shrub or multi-stemmed small tree reaches 10-15 feet

tall by 6-10’ wide, providing a fairly dense form of silver

foliage. The apetalous male and female flowers are on separate plants (dioecious), and appear prior to the leaves in

early spring. Long narrow leaves are entire and covered in

silver scales on both sides. Branches are opposite and may

be spine-tipped. The edible reddish-yellow fruits and dense

thorny growth form provide excellent bird habitat. Typical

along water courses from British Columbia to southern CA

on the east side of the Cascades, east to MN, and in MT

east of the Rocky Mountains, but not known from WY

or ID.

Sheperdia argentea (left), Sheperdia canadensis (right)

D 2

Shepherdia canadensis Russet Buffaloberry

Growing 3-12’ tall by 3-6’ wide, this species is slightly

smaller than Silver Buffaloberry. Its leaves are blue green,

often with rusty dots, and the branches are without spines.

The fruit is yellow-red and bitter. Slightly more drought

tolerant than Shepherdia argentea, it also needs welldrained soils. Native habitat includes open to wooded areas

from AK to OR and throughout the US. 

D 3

Symphoricarpos albus

Common Snowberry

The pink to white five-lobed

flowers bloom in May or

June. The genus name,

derived from Greek, means

syn, together, phorein, to

bear, and karpos, fruit. After

flowering, white, berry-like

fruits persist through

summer and into winter.

The total height is between

4-6’ with a similar width,

this shrub spreads vegetatively. Its opposite, simple leaves

are entire to occasionally coarsely toothed. While

moderately drought tolerant once established, it will do

better with more regular water if in full sun. Native from

low to mid elevations in the mountains of WA, ID, OR and

MT, it often grows in thickets.

23
Trees

D 4

Acer grandidentatum Big-tooth Maple

A shrub to large tree that grows from 8-40’ tall, it has

opposite, 3-5 lobed leaves with toothed margins. Fall

foliage varies from orange to yellow. Grows best in sun or

partial shade in well-drained soils. Found from British

Columbia to northern CA and east to southeast ID, MT, UT,

WY and northwest CO beneath the coniferous overstory or

along stream bottoms in forested areas. 

D 3

Betula occidentalis Water Birch

This multi-stemmed tree grows 15-25’ tall, producing

decorative catkins or flowering structures in April and May.

An excellent choice for the Rocky Mountain states, it shows

more resistance to bronze birch borer than other ornamental

birches. It does well on moister sites and looks excellent

near a pond or stream. The male and female catkins are on

the same plant, the males pendulous and 3/4” long in groups

of three. The females are erect and slightly smaller. Native

to the Rocky Mountain states from 3,000-9,000 feet along

rivers, streams or bogs.

D 5

Celtis reticulata Netleaf Hackberry

This shrub to small tree grows 10-30’ tall by 5-10’ wide.

The common name refers to the pronounced net-like veins

on the underside of the leaf. Netleaf Hackberry, also known

as Western Hackberry, is late to leaf out in the spring. It has

inconspicuous green flowers in mid-spring followed by reddish orange berries in the fall. Remarkably hardy and longlived despite an inhospitable landscape, Netleaf Hackberry

can withstand fires after which the tree usually resprouts

and becomes more shrubby. It often stands as the sole tree

on a rocky, exposed hillside, providing an important source

of cover for wildlife, attracting quail, chukar, deer, elk,

bighorn sheep, antelope and rodents. The strong limbs and

branching patterns make excellent perches and roosts for

large birds such as the great horned owl. This is the only

native deciduous tree in southwest ID that can tolerate xeric

(dry) conditions. Native habitats include semi-desert grasslands, mountain shrub communities, riparian woodlands,

and pinyon juniper forests at elevations from 500-5000’. It

is widespread in the drier zones of all western states.

E 5

Juniperus occidentalis Western Juniper

While relatively slow growing, this freely branching

evergreen tree will eventually reach 20-30’ tall by 10-15’

wide. Fleshy, berry-like, blue-green cones appear in the

spring. The wood is very durable, often used for fence posts

or pencils. Native to desert foothills and lower mountains of

WA, OR, southwest ID and NV.

D 3

Larix occidentalis Western Larch

This large deciduous conifer can reach 150’ tall. The short,

soft needles grow in false whorls or clusters of 15-40 at the

tips of stubby spur shoots, leaving visible the thick bark

that changes to a rich cinnamon brown color with age. The

needles are much broader than thick, nearly flat on the

upper surface, but ridged beneath to be triangular in cross

section. On younger stems the needles grow sparsely in a

spiral pattern flat against the bark. Female cones are

approximately 11/2” long. Trees turn a deep golden color in

fall before leaves drop. The Western Larch, also called

Tamarack, prefers a sunny location in moist, well-drained

soil. Native from foothills to the midmontane, often where

swampy. Its range includes southern British Columbia and

east of the Cascades to northern ID, northwest MT and

northeast OR. 

Picea pungens

E 13

Picea pungens Blue Spruce

Large evergreen tree to 30’ with rigid, pungent, 4-sided

needles spread in all directions around the twigs, often with

a bluish cast. It produces cones at least 3” long. Deer rarely

browse this species. The sharp needles and dense growth

provide excellent cover for birds such as chickadees, songbirds and quail, particularly when planted in clusters or

small groups. Numerous cultivars are available, but the

degree of “blueness” or silver-blue color is genetically

determined. Native to southeast ID, WY and the southern

Rocky Mountains.

24
Pinus edulis

E 4

Pinus edulis Pinyon Pine

This two-needle, 10-20 foot tall tree is slow growing and

requires full sun and good drainage. The short needles are a

dark green color and measure only 1-1.5” in length.

The bark is reddish brown. It is one of the most drought

resistant pines. The rounded cones are 2” long and produce

a highly nutritious edible nut. Pinyon pine is deer resistant.

Native to higher elevations of the southwest including UT,

AZ, NM, CA and TX.

E 3

Pinus monticola Western White Pine

The 4” long needles number 5 per fascicle (or bundle) on

this distinctive pine, named Idaho’s state tree in 1935.

The cones are cylindrical and 6-10” long. The tree can

grow very tall, the record in Idaho measuring 213’.

They will grow best in sun with moist, well-drained soil.

Unfortunately a disease, accidentally introduced from

Europe in the early 1900s, has inflicted great damage on

natural populations. It is caused by a fungus that requires

two hosts for its life cycle: the white pine and a Ribes

species (currant). Today, white pine blister rust resistant

seedlings have been developed and are now being used for

forestry-type plantings. For additional protection, some

recommend avoiding planting any Ribes spp. in the vicinity

(from 1916-1967 eradication efforts attempted to remove all

Ribes from the ecosystem). Pinus monticola is native to

moist valleys and somewhat dry slopes from sea level to

more than 6,000’ elevation. It ranges from southern British

Columbia south to CA and western NV, and east to Idaho

and western MT.

E 4

Pinus ponderosa Ponderosa Pine

One of the largest pines in the world and one of the most

common trees in western North America. Ponderosa Pine

has 3 needles per fascicle (bundle) and is the only longneedled pine in Idaho, with needles 6-10” long. The cones

are 3-6” long. The yellow brown, vanilla scented jigsaw

puzzle-like bark of older trees is unique. Ponderosa Pine

grows in full sun in well-drained soils up to 5000’ elevation.

It can grow to 130’ tall and is very drought tolerant. 

Pinus ponderosa

D 2

Populus tremuloides Quaking Aspen

Groves of Quaking Aspen provide quite a scene in the fall

as the small rounded leaves turn from dark green to gold,

and seem to literally shimmer or tremble with a light wind.

The bark is smooth and creamy white. The trees grow

quickly, reaching up to 50’. They are best planted in

clusters and given plenty of space, as they will spread by

sending up suckers. Male and female flowers appear on

separate trees and form in the spring prior to leaf set.

Widespread in the mountains and tolerant of cold climates,

they are more prone to disease at lower elevations. In the

hot climate of southwest ID, they are best used as a fastgrowing, short-lived tree, to be removed and allowed to

sucker every few years. Native from AK to Labrador, south

to CA, northern Mexico, and east to TN and NJ. 

Populus tremuloides

25
Populus trichocarpa

D 3

Populus trichocarpa Black Cottonwood

(Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa)

Largely confined to streambanks, rivers and lakeshores, this

species can reach 100’, but is typically smaller. Its oval

leaves are glossy dark green. Black cottonwood grows quite

quickly and spreads by suckers. Native from AK to Baja

CA on both sides of the Cascades, and to southwest

Alberta, western MT, WY and UT.

Pseudotsuga menziesii (both photos)

E 1

Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas Fir

A wide-ranging conifer that grows up to 200’ tall. The

leaves are flattened, needle-like, short petiolate, and about 1

inch long. Cones are 2-4” and pendant (vs. upright like a

true fir), and have distinctive bracts that resemble the tail

and hind legs of a partially hidden mouse or chipmunk.

Grows best in full sun on well-drained soils, but will

tolerate some shade. Ranges from British Columbia to CA

and east from Alberta, south to Mexico. It includes two

varieties (coastal var. menziesii; interior var. glauca).

D 4

Sorbus scopulina Rocky Mountain Ash

This shrub to small tree reaches a maximum height of 13’

and can have an equally wide crown. It is distinguished

from the non-native European Mountain-Ash (S. aucuparia)

by its fine toothed leaflet margins, fewer number of leaflets

(<13) with pointed tips, shrubbier growth form, and sticky

winter buds with whitish hairs. Rocky Mountain Ash, like

all mountain-ashes, grows best in moist, well-drained,

acidic soils. The showy scarlet to orange shiny fruits are

highly prized by birds, particularly cedar wax-wings.

Mountain-ashes are more susceptible to disease when

grown in windy, dry alkaline conditions. Sorbus sitchensis

(Sitka Mountain Ash), native from Alaska south to

northwest MT, is confined to the subalpine zone of far

northern ID. It is distinguished from S. scopulina by its

more rounded leaflet tips, glabrous calyx, and reddish hairs

on the winter buds. Both native mountain ashes are similar

in size and overall shape. Rocky Mountain Ash is found

from AK east to the Dakotas and south to NM, CO, WY

and ID.

Sorbus spp.

26
27

Quick Reference Guide Water Flowering Value to

(Key to symbols on last page of Quick Reference Guide) Plant Form Sun Needs Season Wildlife

Scientific Name Common Name

FlowerGrassShrubTreeFullPartialShadeDryLowMediumHighSpringSummerFallButterfliesBees, InsectsBirdsHummingbirdsColorDeciduous/EvergreenZone

Acer glabrum Rocky Mountain Maple x x x x x x x gr D 3

Acer grandidentatum Big-tooth Maple x x x x x x x x gr D 4

Achillea millefolium Western Yarrow x x x x x x x x wh D 3

Agave parryi Parry’s Agave x x x x x wh E 4

Amelanchier alnifolia Saskatoon Serviceberry x x x x x x x x wh D 4

Anaphalis margaritacea Pearly Everlasting x x x x x x x x x wh D 4

Andropogon scoparium Little Bluestem x x x x x bl WI 4

Antennaria spp. Pussytoes x x x x x pi/wh SE 2

Aquilegia caerulea Colorado Blue Columbine x x x x x bl/wh D 2

Aquilegia formosa Western Columbine x x x x x x x re, ye D 3

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Kinnikinnick x x x x x x pi E 1

Artemisia cana Silver Sagebrush x x x x x x x ye SE 3

Artemisia frigida Fringed Sagebrush x x x x x ye SE 4

Artemisia ludoviciana Louisiana Sage x x x x x ye SE 5

Artemisia tridentata Big Sagebrush x x x x x x x ye SE 5

Aster spp. Wild Aster x x x x x x pu D 4

Atriplex canescens Four-wing Saltbush x x x x x x NA E 4

Balsamorhiza sagittata Arrowleaf Balsamroot x x x x x x ye D 3

Betula occidentalis Water Birch x x x x x x NA D 3

Bouteloua gracilis Blue Grama xx x x x x gr 3

Buchloe dactyloides Buffalograss xx x x x x gr 4

Camassia quamash Blue Camas x x x x x bl D 4

Celtis reticulata Netleaf Hackberry x x x x x x x NA D 5

Cercocarpus ledifolius Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany x x x x x x x x x ye E 4

Cercocarpus montanus Birch-leaf Mt Mahogany x x x x x x wh D 4

Chamaebatiaria millefolium Fern Bush x x x x x x wh SE 4

Chrysothamnus nauseosus Rubber Rabbitbrush x x x x x x x x ye D 3

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus Green Rabbitbrush x x x x x x ye E 3

Cornus stolonifera Red-osier Dogwood x x x x x x x x wh D 2

Crataegus douglasii Douglas Hawthorn x x x x x x x x wh D 3

Echinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower x x x x x x x x pu D 3

Elymus elymoides Bottlebrush Squirreltail x x x x x gr E 3

Ephedra viridis Mormon Tea x x x x x ye E 5

Erigeron compositus Cut-leaf Daisy x x x x x pu SE 3

Eriogonum heracleoides Wyeth Buckwheat x x x x x x x cr D 4

Eriogonum niveum Snow Buckwheat x x x x x x x wh D 4
28

Quick Reference Guide Water Flowering Value to

(Key to symbols on last page of Quick Reference Guide) Plant Form Sun Needs Season Wildlife

Scientific Name Common Name

FlowerGrassShrubTreeFullPartialShadeDryLowMediumHighSpringSummerFallButterfliesBees, InsectsBirdsHummingbirdsColorDeciduous/EvergreenZone

Eriogonum umbellatum Sulfur Buckwheat x x x x x x ye SE 3-9

Eriophyllum lanatum Woolly Sunflowerx x x x x x x ye D 3

Fallugia paradoxa Apache Plume x x x x x x wh-ro D 4

Festuca idahoensis Idaho Fescue x x x x x x x bl E 4

Festuca ovina Sheep Fescue xx x x x x x x x gr WI 5

Gaillardia aristata Blanket Flower x x x x x x x x ye,re D 2

Geranium viscosissimum Sticky Geranium x x x x x x x x x x pi-pu D 2

Geum triflorum Prairie Smoke x x x x x x pi-pu D 2

Hesperaloe parviflora Texas Red Yucca x x x x x x x re E 5

Ipomopsis or Gilia aggregata Scarlet Gilia x x x x x x re D 2

Juniperus occidentalis Western Juniper x x x x x x x NA E 5

Krascheninnikovia Winterfat x x x x x NA E 3

(Ceratoides) lanata

Larix occidentalis Western Larch x x x x x x x NA D 3

Leymus cinereus Great Basin Wildrye x x x x x gr WI 3

Linum perenne Wild Blue Flax x x x x x x x bl D 4

Lupinus argenteus Silver Lupine x x x x x x x bl-wh D 5

Mahonia repens Creeping Oregon Grape x x x x x x x ye E 4

Oenothera missouriensis Missouri Evening Primrose x x x x x x x x ye D 4

Opuntia spp. Prickly Pear Cactus x x x x x x E 5

Oryzopsis hymenoides Indian Ricegrass x x x x x bl WI 5-

Penstemon angustifolius Pagoda Penstemon x x x x x x bl D 4

Penstemon barbatus Scarlet Bugler x x x x x x re D 4

Penstemon cyaneus Dark Blue Penstemon x x x x x x x bl-pu D 5

Penstemon deustus Hot Rock Penstemon x x x x x x x cr D 5

Penstemon eatonii Firecracker Penstemon x x x x x x re D 4

Penstemon fruticosus Shrubby Penstemon x x x x x x x bl-pu SE 5

Penstemon palmeri Palmer Penstemon x x x x x x x pi SE 4

Penstemon pinifolius Pine-leaf Penstemon x x x x x x x re, ye E 3-

Penstemon rydbergii Rydberg’s Penstemon x x x x x x x bl-pu D 2

Penstemon speciosus Showy Penstemon x x x x x x x x x pu D 5

Penstemon strictus Rocky Mt Penstemon x x x x x x x bl-pu D 4

Penstemon venustus Lovely Penstemon x x x x x x x x pu D 5

Penstemon whippleanus Whipple’s Penstemon x x x x x x pu-bl D 3

Petalostemon purpureum Prairie Clover x x x x x x pu D 3

Philadelphus lewisii Mockorange, Syringa x x x x x x x wh D 5

ye,or,

re,pi
KEY FOR QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

PLANT FORM COLORS D OR E

xx=lawn alternative bl=blue ye=yellow D=Deciduous

cr=cream pu=purple E=Evergreen

or=orange bl=dark blue WI=Winter Interest

pi=pink cr-ye=varies btwn 2 colors SE=Semi-evergreen

re=red cr, ye=includes both colors NA=flowers inconspicuous

wh=white

29

Quick Reference Guide Water Flowering Value to

(Key to symbols on last page of Quick Reference Guide) Plant Form Sun Needs Season Wildlife

Scientific Name Common Name

FlowerGrassShrubTreeFullPartialShadeDryLowMediumHighSpringSummerFallButterfliesBees, InsectsBirdsHummingbirdsColorDeciduous/EvergreenZone

Physocarpus malvaceus Ninebark x x x x x x wh D 3

Picea pungens Blue Spruce x x x x x x x NA E 3

Pinus monticola Western White Pine x x x x x x x x NA E 3

Pinus ponderosa Ponderosa Pine x x x x x x x NA E 4

Populus tremuloides Quaking Aspen x x x x x x NA D 2

Populus trichocarpa Black Cottonwood x x x x x x NA D 3

Potentilla fruticosa Shrubby Cinquefoil x x x x x x ye D 3

Prunus emarginata Bitter Cherry x x x x x x x x wh D 4

Prunus virginiana Chokecherry x x x x x x x x x wh D 3

Pseudoroegneria spicata Bluebunch Wheatgrass x x x x x gr WI 4

Pseudotsuga menziesii Douglas Fir x x x x x x x NA E 1

Purshia tridentata Antelope Bitterbrush x x x x x x x ye SE 4

Rhus glabra Smooth Sumac x x x x x x x wh D 4

Rhus trilobata Oakleaf Sumac x x x x x x x x ye D 3

Ribes aureum Golden Currant x x x x x x x x x ye D 3

Ribes sanguineum Red-flowering Currant x x x x x pi-re D 4

Rosa woodsii Woods’ Rose x x x x x x x x x pi D 3

Sambucus caerulea Blue Elderberry x x x x x x x wh D 3

Shepherdia argentea Silver Buffaloberry x x x x x x x ye D 3

Shepherdia canadensis Russet Buffaloberry x x x x x x x ye D 2

Solidago spp. Goldenrod x x x x x x x x x ye D 1

Sorbus scopulina Rocky Mountain Ash x x x x x x x wh D 4

Sphaeralcea ambigua Desert Globemallow x x x x x x or-re D 6

Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia Gooseberry-leaf Globemallow x x x x x x x x or-re D 4

Sphaeralcea munroana Orange Globemallow x x x x x xxxx re-or D 4

Sporobolus cryptandrus Sand Dropseed x x x x x gr WI 4

Stanleya pinnata Prince’s Plume x x x x x x ye D 4

Symphoricarpos albus Common Snowberry x x x x x x x x pi-wh D 3

Yucca glauca Narrowleaf Yucca x x x x x x wh-cr E 3
30
Landscaping to Reduce the 

Risk of Wild Fires

The following information is a brief introduction to

“Firewise” concepts in relation to the native plants

presented in this manual. For more comprehensive

information about creating a “Firewise Landscape,” consult

your local BLM, Forest Service Office, or fire department. 

If your property is adjacent to the foothills, or other dry

wildlands, assess whether your landscape design will help

or hinder flames from reaching your home. The

flammability of the home’s exterior, façade and roof (brick,

stucco, concrete vs. wood, etc.) may play the biggest role in

the home’s risk, but additional issues must be considered as

well. These include the amount of flammable material

surrounding the home, the property’s slope, location and

prevailing winds. 

To reduce flammable material and conserve water at the

same time, create landscaping zones around your home.

The first zone should be a 30-foot perimeter immediately

surrounding the structure that should receive the highest

amount of irrigation to stay green during the hottest

months. Fire officials term this “defensible space” and

recommend that this 30 feet be relatively clear so that they

can access the area and maneuver easily. Trees should be

routinely cleaned of dead branches and trimmed back from

the roof. All dried plant material, leaves etc., should be

swept away to reduce potential sources of fuel. 

Anything beyond the 30’ perimeter may still have the

potential to ignite the house depending on the heat energy

of the fire. The heat energy will determine the radiant

energy, flame length and the creation of firebrands, which

can directly ignite the house. Heat energy is defined as

“the amount, arrangement and rate of combustion of the

vegetative fuels” (www.firewise.org). The arrangement of

the plants can play a crucial role. For example, a hedge of

junipers on a property line that leads up to the corner of a

house will form a direct line like a fuse to ignite the home.

Breaking up clumps or hedges of flammable plant material

will help break the momentum of the fire. The rate of

combustion of vegetative fuels will decrease the more water

that plants retain, and increase if the plants are aromatic or

contains oils. Salt content will decrease the rate of

combustion. 

Additional factors that determine combustion rates are the

plants height and density. A shorter, squatter stature will not

burn as rapidly as a tall one. Plants with an open branching

pattern will not burn as fast as those with a tight dense

pattern, like a juniper (Dennis 1999). Many conifers such as

cypress, cedar, juniper, and pine tend to be highly

flammable due to their high oil content and small leaf size,

but limbing them up 10’ may reduce their chances of

ignition (Wilders 2002). A better choice is the broadleaf

deciduous trees such as maple, poplar, willows, etc.

Examples of highly combustible plants, or pyrophytes, are

listed in the table below, along with some alternatives. 

Highly Combustible Plants Alternatives

Bold means extremely combustible (Same cultural requirements and similar either in size or form)

SHRUBS AND GROUNDCOVERS

Yarrow (Achillea spp.) (aromatic, and may dry out in summer) Lewis Flax (Linum lewisii), Evening Primrose (Oenothera spp.)

Algerian Ivy (Hedera canariensis) Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.)

Sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) (aromatic) Saltbush (Atriplex spp.), Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora)

Brooms (Genista) Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), Buckwheat (Eriogonum spp.)

Herbs (Lavender, Rosemary, etc.) Buckwheat (Eriogonum spp.), Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa)

Juniper (Juniperus spp.) Oregon Grape (Mahonia spp.), Wild Rose (Rosa woodsii),

Oakleaf Sumac (Rhus trilobata), Currant (Ribes spp.),

Mockorange (Philadelphus lewisii)

Santolina (Santolina spp.) Narrowleaf Yucca (Yucca glauca), Silver Lupine (Lupinus argenteus)

GRASSES

Bamboo spp. (Phyllostachys, Bambusa)

Maiden Grass/Silver Grass (Miscanthus)

Fountain Grass (Pennisetum)

Some of the plants listed here were provided by FireSafe Council of Nevada County or by Colorado State University’s FireWise Plant Materials No. 6.305.

31

Bluebunch Wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata),

Sand Dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus), Buffalo Grass (Buchloe

dactyloides), Sandberg Bluegrass (Poa secunda)

The alternatives are not in any way fireproof. They are fire retardant, meaning they may slow rather than accelerate the rate

of the fire. 
Additional alternatives, particularly for the 30’ perimeter

immediately around the home, are succulents such as Hens

and Chicks (Sempervivum spp.), cactus, and sedum. They

can retain water and are low-growing, preventing the

formation of a “ladder” for the fire to reach your home.

Colorado State University Cooperative Extension (1999)

has written a brochure on Firewise Plant Material that

includes a much longer list of fire retardant plants

developed by Phil Hoefer of the Forest Service.

The brochure is No 6.305 of the Natural Resource Series

or it can be accessed on line at

http://www.co.pueblo.co.us/fire/plants.pdf

Additional notes: While swimming pools or ponds

consume a great deal of water, they can be helpful in fire

prevention when positioned appropriately. Because the fire

will move most rapidly uphill they are most effective when

placed on the downward slope to provide a barrier between

the pool and the home. The surrounding hardscape, (walls,

steps, etc.) should be constructed to allow firemen and fire

trucks access to the water. Wooden trellises, decks, and

patios can become a bridge for flames to reach your home:

try to use masonry, or wood with a 2-hour fire-resistive

rating as specified in the UBC. Fencing: single strand wire

fence or masonry are alternatives to the more flammable

post and rail. Keep wood piles well away from the home’s

perimeter. Clean rooftops and gutters of debris, particularly

pine needles and other dried plant material. 

32
From the The Xeriscape Flower Gardener (Knopf 1991).

Xeriscape comes from the word xeri, which means dry, and scape, which means vista.

The Seven Principles 

of Xeriscape

1) Plant and Design comprehensively from the beginning.

2) Create practical turf areas of manageable sizes, shapes,

and appropriate grasses.

3) Use appropriate plants and zone the landscape according

to the water needs of the plants.

4) Consider improving the soil with organic matter like

compost or manure.

5) Consider using mulches such as wood chips. 

6) Irrigate efficiently with properly designed systems

(including hose-end equipment) and by applying the right

amount of water at the right time.

7) Maintain the landscape appropriately by mowing,

pruning, and fertilizing properly. 

33
Site Specific Recommendations

! Indicates the conditions are not ideal (refer to plant guide and severity of site).

HOT DRY EXPOSURE INVASIVE ORNAMENTALS: DO NOT PLANT

Wildflowers (shrubs continued) (moist shade cont.) (Plants that escape cultivation, become weedy, 

Agave parryi Chamaebatiaria millefolium Shrubs and out compete native plants)

Anaphalis margaritacea Ephedra spp. Acer glabrum

Erigeron compositus Fallugia paradoxa Amelanchier alnifolia!

Hesperaloe parviflora Juniperus occidentalis Cornus stolonifera Centaurea cyanus Bachelor Buttons/Cornflower*

Ipomopsis aggregata Krascheninnikovia lanata Ribes sanguineum! Centaurea maculosa Spotted Knapweed

Linum perenne Purshia tridentata Centaurea pratensis Meadow Knapweed

Oenothera missouriensis Rhus trilobata Trees Cichorium intybus Chicory

Opuntia spp. Rosa woodsii Acer grandidentaum Cytisus scoparius Scotch Broom*

Penstemon angustifolius Shepherdia canadensis Picea pungens! Delospermum Ice Plant (highly invasive in CA)*

Pensetmon barbatus Populus tremuloides Elaeagnus augustifolia Russian-Olive*

Penstemon cyaneus Trees Pseudotsuga menziesii Euphorbia cyaparissias Cypress Spurge

Penstemon eatonii Celtis reticulata Euphorbia myrsinites Myrtle Spurge*

Penstemon palmeri Pinus ponderosa COLORFUL FALL FOLIAGE Hesperis matronalis Dame’s Rocket

Penstemon pinifolius Pinus edulis Grasses Hieracium aurantiacum Orange Hawkweed

Petalostemon purpureum Festuca spp. Hyoscyamus niger Black Henbane

Sphaeralcea spp. DRY SHADE Leymus cinereus Hypericum perforatum St. Johnswort*

Sphaeralcea munroana Grasses Lepidium latifolium Perennial Pepperweed

Stanleya pinnata Festuca ovina Shrubs Linaria vulgaris Yellow toadflax

Yucca glauca Acer glabrum Lythrum salicari,L. virgatum Purple Loosestrife*

Grasses Shrubs Amelanchier alnifolia Potentilla recta Sulfur Cinquefoil*

Bouteloua gracilis Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Physocarpus malvaceus Saponaria officinalis Bouncingbet*

Buchloe dactyloides Mahonia repens Rhus trilobata Tamarix parviflora, T. ramosissima Saltcedar

Elymus elymoides Philadelphus lewisii! Ribes aureum

Festuca ovina Physocarpus malvaceus! *Widely available at nurseries in Boise, ID and 

Leymus cinereus Symphoricarpos albus! Trees surrounding vicinity at time of publication

Oryzopsis hymenoides Acer grandidentatum

Pseudoroegneria spicata MOIST SHADE Larix occidentalis

Sporobolus cryptandrus Wildflowers Populus tremuloides

Aquilegia caerulea Populus trichocarpa

Shrubs Aquilegia formosa Sorbus scopulina

Chrysothamnus spp. Geranium viscossisimum

Artemisia cana

Artemisia tridentata Grasses

Atriplex canescens Festuca idahoensis!

Cercocarpus ledifolius

34
More Reasons to Use Native Plants 

and Reduce Turfgrass

From the National Wildlife Federation

• 30 percent of water consumed on the East Coast goes to

watering lawns; 60 percent on the West Coast. (Redesigning

the American Lawn)

• A 1000 square foot lawn requires 10,000 gallons of water

per summer to maintain a “green” look. (U.S. News and

World Report, 10/28/96)

• Eighteen percent of municipal solid waste collected is

composed of organic yard waste. This is 31 million tons a

year. (EPA’s Consumer Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste)

• The average suburban lawn is deluged with ten times as

much chemical pesticide per acre as farmland. (Yale

Graduate Study)

• In the Mississippi watershed, a study found that 44 percent

of nitrogen and 28 percent of phosphorous applied ends up

washed into the Mississippi River, and eventually the Gulf

of Mexico, causing significant environmental problems.

• A lawn mower emits as much hydrocarbon in one hour as

a typical auto driven 50 miles. One hour of chain saw

operation equates to the emissions of an auto driven

200 miles. (National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Lab,

Ann Arbor)

• Per hour of operation, a lawn mower emits 10-12 times as

much hydrocarbon as a typical auto; a string trimmer emits

21 times more and a leaf blower 34 times more.

• A typical four-stroke lawnmower spends 40 hour per year –

the equivalent of a one-week vacation – mowing the lawn.

• Harmful invasive plants out-compete native plants, reducing

biodiversity and habitat value. For example, kudzu now

covers more than 7 million acres in the U.S., mostly in the

Southeast. (USFWS)

• It costs an average of $700 per acre per year to maintain a

lawn; a wildflower meadow costs $30/acre.

35
Native and Drought-Tolerant 

Landscaping Sources

36

Compiled by the Pahove Chapter, Idaho Native Plant

Society. Inclusion on this list is not necessarily an

endorsement by INPS or others involved in the

development of this publication.

Buffalo-Berry Farm

P.O. Box 749

Lake Fork, ID 83635

(208) 634-3062

Clifty View Nursery

Rt. 1, Box 509

Bonners Ferry, ID 83805

(208) 267-7129

Cly Robbins Seed Co.

P.0. Box 2366

Castro Valley, CA 94546

Cusheon Creek Nursery 

175 Stewart Rd.

Salt Spring Island , BC V8K 2C4 Canada

E-mail: cusheoncreek@saltspring.com

http://www.com/~amdigest/cusheon.htm

Earthly Goods 

620 East Main Street 

New Albany, IN 47150 

24-hour phone/fax: (812) 944-2903 

(812) 944-3283 http://www.earthlygoods.com

Freshwater Farms/North Coast Native Seed Bank 

5851 Myrtle Avenue

Eureka, CA 95503-9510 USA

(800) 200-8969 Fax: (707) 442-2490

E-mail: r.storre@worldnet.att.net

http://www.freshwaterfarms.com/

Forest Farm

990 Tetherow Rd.

Williams, OR 97544

(541) 846-6963

http://www.forestfarm.com

Granite Seed

1697 West 2100 North

Lehi, UT 84043

(801) 768-4422 or 531-1456

Great Basin Native Plants

75 West 300 South

Holden, UT 84636 

(801) 768-4422

E-mail: Gbn@gbasin.com

High Altitude Gardens

P.O. Box 4238

Ketchum, ID 83340

(800) 874-7333

http://www.seedsave.org/

High Country Gardens

2902 Rufina Street

Santa Fe, NM 87505

1-800-925-9387

http://www.highcountrygardens.com

Idaho State Nursery 

University of Idaho

Moscow, ID 83843

(208) 885-7023

Jacklin Seed Co.

17300 Jacklin Ave.

Post Falls, ID

Jayker Wholesale Nursery

801 E. Beacon Light Road

Eagle, ID 83616

(208) 939-9639 or 939-0014

Lawyer Nursery

Rt. 2, Box 95

Plains, MT 59859

(406) 826-3881

Maple Leaf Industries, Inc.

Box 496

Ephraim, UT 84627

(801) 283-4701

Maxwelton Valley Gardens

3443 E. French Road

Clinton, WA 98236 USA

(360) 579-1770 Fax: (360) 579-1496

http://www.whidbey.com/mvg/

Mountain States Wholesale Nursery

P.O. Box 2500

Litchfield Park, Arizona 85340-2500

(623) 247-8509 (800) 840-8509

http://www.mswn.com/index2.htm

Moss Greenhouses

269 South 100 East

Jerome, ID 83338

(208) 324-8325
Native Seed Foundation

Star Route

Moyie Springs, ID 83845

(208) 267-7938

Native Origins Nursery

1129 Water Street

Raymond, WA 98577 USA

(360) 942-0027 Fax: (360) 942-6060

E-mail: maryann@willapabay.org

Natives Northwest

190 Aldrich Rd.

Mossyrock, WA 98564 USA

(360) 983-3138 Fax: (360) 491-6904

Nature’s Enhancement

2980 Eastside Highway

Stevensville, MT 59870

(406) 777-3560

North American Rock Garden Society

P.O Box 67

Millwood, NY 10546 USA

http://www.mobot.org/NARGS/

Plants of the Southwest

1812 Second Street

Santa Fe, NM 87501

http://www.plantsofthesouthwest.com

Plants of the Wild

Division of Palouse Seed

P.O. Box 866

Tekoa, WA 99033

(509) 284-2848

Plato Nursery

HCR 60, Box 1

Bonners Ferry, ID 83805

(208) 267-3742

Progressive Plants

9180 South Wasatch Blvd

Sandy, UT 84093

(801) 942-7333

Rainier Seeds, Inc.

1404 Fourth St. 

Davenport, WA 99122

(509) 725-1235 (800) 828-8873

Sevenoaks Native Nursery 

2320 NW Huntington Drive

Corvallis, OR 97330 USA

Phone: 541-745-5540 Fax: 541-745-5540

Siskiyou Rare Plant Nursery

2825 Cummings Road

Medford, OR 97501

http://www.srpn.net

Sound Native Plants 

PO Box 10155

Olympia, WA 98502 USA

(360) 866-1046 Fax: (360) 943-7026

Stevenson Intermountain Seed

P.O. Box 2

Ephraim, UT 84627

(801) 283-6639

Sun Mountain Native Seeds

Rt. 1

Eagle, ID 83616

(208) 286-7004

Wildland Nursery

550 North Highway 89

Joseph, UT 84739

http://www.wildlandnursery.com/

Wind River Seed

Route 1, Box 97

Manderson, WY 82432

(307) 568-3361

Wood’s Native Plants 

5740 Berry Drive

Parkdale, OR 97041 USA

(503) 352-7497

37
Literature Cited

38

Dennis, F. C. 1999. “Forestry: FireWise Plant Material No.

6.305,” Natural Resources Series, Colorado State University

Cooperative Extension.

http://www.co.pueblo.co.us/fire/plants.pdf

Denver Water. 1998. Xeriscape Plant Guide. American

Water Works Association. Fulcrum Publishing.

Hitchcock, C. L. and Cronquist, A. 2001. Flora of the

Pacific Northwest: An Illustrated Manual. University Of

Washington Press, Seattle. 

Knopf, J. 1991. The Xeriscape Flower Gardener. Johnson

Books, Boulder, CO.

Kruckeberg, A. 1993. Gardening with Native Plants of the

Pacific Northwest: An Illustrated Guide. University of

Washington Press, Seattle.

Mozingo, H. 1987. Shrubs of the Great Basin. University of

Nevada Press, Las Vegas.

Nold, R. 1999. Penstemons. Timber Press, Portland, OR. 

Ogle, D.G., compiler. 1997. Plant Guide Handbook.

Natural Resource Conservation Service, Boise, ID. No page

numbers.

O’Keefe, J. 1992. Water-Conserving Gardens and

Landscapes. Storey Publishing, Pownal, Vermont.

Phillips, W. H. 1998. Canyon Country Wildflowers. Falcon

Publishing Co, Inc., Helena, MT. 

Phillips, W. H. 1999. Central Rocky Mountain Wildflowers.

Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, Connecticut. 

Phillips, W. H. 2003. Plants of the Lewis and Clark

Expedition. Mountain Press Publishing Company, Missoula,

MT.

Strickler, D. 1997. Northwest Penstemons. Flower Press,

Columbia Falls, MT.

www.firewise.org

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources

Conservation Service PLANTS Database. August 2003.

http://plants.usda.gov/index.html
39

Recommended Reading by Topic and 

Sources of Additional Information

LANDSCAPING

Bormann, H., Balmori, D. and Geballe, G. 2001.

Redesigning the American Lawn: A Search for

Environmental Harmony, Second Edition. Yale University

Press, New Haven, CT.

Denver Water. 1998. Xeriscape Plant Guide. American

Water Works Association. Fulcrum Publishing.

Knopf, J. 1991. The Xeriscape Flower Gardener. Johnson

Books, Boulder, CO.

Kruckeberg, A. 1993. Gardening with Native Plants of the

Pacific Northwest: An Illustrated Guide: University of

Washington Press, Seattle.

Mee, W., Barnes, J., Sutton, R., Kjelgren, R., Cerny, T. and

Johnson, C. 2003. Water Wise: Native Plants for

Intermountain Landscapes. Utah State University Press,

Logan, UT.

O’Keefe, J. 1992. Water-Conserving Gardens and

Landscapes. Storey Publishing, Pownal, Vermont, 1992.

REFERENCE GUIDES

Hitchcock, C. L. and Cronquist, A. 2001. Flora of the

Pacific Northwest: An Illustrated Manual. University Of

Washington Press, Seattle.

Mozingo, H. 1987. Shrubs of the Great Basin. University of

Nevada Press, Las Vegas.

Nold, R. 1999. Penstemons. Timber Press, Portland. 

Phillips, W. H. 1998. Canyon Country Wildflowers. Falcon

Publishing Co, Inc., Helena, MT.

Phillips, W. H. 1999. Central Rocky Mountain Wildflowers.

Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, Connecticut.

Phillips, W. H. 2003. Plants of the Lewis and Clark

Expedition. Mountain Press Publishing Company, Missoula,

MT.

Strickler, D. 1997. Northwest Penstemons. Flower Press,

Columbia Falls, MT.

Taylor, R. J. and Ort, K. 2003. Sagebrush Country: A

Wildlife Sanctuary. Mountain Press Publishing Company,

Missoula, Montana.

LANDSCAPING FOR WILDLIFE

Adams, G. M. 1998. Birdscaping Your Garden: A Practical

Guide to Backyard Birds and the Plants That Attract Them.

Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA.

Ellis, B. 1997. Taylor’s Weekend Gardening Guide to

Attracting Birds and Butterflies: How to Plant a Backyard

Habitat to Attract Hummingbirds and Other Winged

Wildlife. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston.

Pyle, R. M. 1974. Watching Washington Butterflies: An

Interpretive Guide to the State’s 134 Species, Including

Most of the Butterflies of Oregon, Idaho and British

Columbia. Seattle Audobon Society, Seattle. 

Xerces Society. Smithsonian Institute. Sierra Club Books.

1998. Butterfly Gardening: Creating Summer Magic in Your

Garden, 2nd Edition. Sierra Club Books, San Francisco.

USEFUL ORGANIZATIONS AND WEBSITES

Drip Irrigation Source (offers a free catalogue with

instructions) http://www.dripworksusa.com/

Drip Irrigation Solutions from Netafim USA (uses thick

tubing to prevent clogs) 

http://www.netafim-usa.com/

Drip Store Online (offers pre-packaged kits and tutorials)

http://www.dripirrigation.com/

A Source Book on Natural Landscaping for Public Officials

http://www.epa.gov/greenacres/toolkit/about.html

Center for Invasive Plant Management 

http://www.weedcenter.org/info/info.html

Idaho Native Plant Society www.idahonativeplants.org

Forest Service

http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/publications/documents/

gtr-050/accessories.html

National Wildlife Federation www.nwf.org

Native Plant Network www.nativeplantnetwork.org

NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) PLANTS

Database http://plants.usda.gov/index.html

S.A.L.T: Smaller American Lawns Today 

http://arboretum.conncoll.edu/salt/salt.html

“Sustainable Landscaping: The Hidden Impacts of

Gardens” http://www.epa.gov/greenacres/smithsonian.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky

Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory

(August 2003). Fire Effects Information System:

http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Green Landscaping

with Native Plants http://www.epa.gov/greenacres/

U.S. Fire Administration Site

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/public/factsheets/landscape.shtm 

Wild Ones-Natural Landscapers, Ltd. www.for-wild.org

Wilders, Tineke. (June 7, 2002). “California Gardens:

prepare for fire season with low-fuel plants” North County

Times.

http://www.nctimes.net/news/2002/20020607/92231.html 
WILDFLOWERS

Anaphalis margaritacea Ann DeBolt

Aquilegia caerulea Hilary Parkinson

Aster spp. Ann DeBolt

Balsamorhiza sagittata Hilary Parkinson

Camassia quamash Ann DeBolt

Erigeron compositus Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS

PLANTS Database.

Eriogonum heracleoides Ann DeBolt

Eriogonum umbellatum with dark yellow flowers (left),

E. heracleoides with creamy flowers (right) Ann DeBolt.

Eriophyllum lanatum Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS

PLANTS Database.

Geum triflorum in bud (left), seed head (right) Gary A.

Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.

Hesperaloe parviflora foliage (left), summer flowers (right)

J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.

Ipomopsis aggregata Ann DeBolt

Linum perenne Brother Alfred Brousseau @ USDA-NRCS

PLANTS Database.

Lupinus argenteus Ann DeBolt

Opuntia spp. W.L. Wagner @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS

Database.

Penstemon eatonii Hilary Parkinson

Penstemon palmeri Hilary Parkinson

Penstemon pinifolius close-up (left), en masse at 3+ yrs

(right) Ann DeBolt.

Penstemon rydbergii James L. Reveal @ USDA-NRCS

PLANTS Database.

Penstemon speciosus Brother Alfred Brousseau @ USDANRCS PLANTS Database.

Petalostemon purpureum W.L. Wagner (left); Larry Allain

(right) @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.

Sphaeralcea spp. Hilary Parkinson

Stanleya pinnata Brother Alfred Brousseau @ USDANRCS PLANTS Database.

Yucca glauca Clarence A. Rechenthin @ USDA-NRCS

PLANTS Database.

GRASSES

Achnatherum hymenoides Gary A. Monroe @ USDANRCS PLANTS Database.

Achnatherum hymenoides USDA-NRCS PLANTS 

Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated

flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 1: 174.

Andropogon scoparium (left) USDA-NRCS PLANTS

Database / Hitchcock, A.S. (rev. A. Chase). 1950. Manual

of the grasses of the United States. USDA Misc. Publ. No.

200. Washington, DC.

Bouteloua gracilis (right) USDA-NRCS PLANTS 

Database / Hitchcock, A.S. (rev. A. Chase). 1950. Manual

of the grasses of the United States. USDA Misc. Publ. No.

200. Washington, DC.

Buchloe dactyloides (left), USDA-NRCS PLANTS

Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated

flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 1: 231.

Elymus elymoides (right) USDA-NRCS PLANTS 

Database / Hitchcock, A.S. (rev. A. Chase). 1950. Manual

of the grasses of the United States. USDA Misc. Publ. No.

200. Washington, DC.

Festuca idahoensis (left) USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database:

Hitchcock, A.S. (rev. A. Chase). 1950. Manual of the

grasses of the United States. USDA Misc. Publ. No. 200.

Washington, DC. 

Festuca ovina (right) USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database /

Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the

northern states and Canada. Vol. 1: 271.

Leymus cinereus early June (left), same species in late

winter (right) Hilary Parkinson.

Pseudoroegneria spicata (left) USDA-NRCS PLANTS

Database / Hitchcock, A.S. (rev. A. Chase). 1950. Manual

of the grasses of the United States. USDA Misc. Publ. No.

200. Washington, DC.

Sporobolus cryptandrus (right) USDA-NRCS PLANTS

Database / Hitchcock, A.S. (rev. A. Chase). 1950. Manual

of the grasses of the United States. USDA Misc. Publ. No.

200. Washington, DC.

SHRUBS

Acer glabrum USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton,

N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern

states and Canada. Vol. 2: 497.

Amelanchier alnifolia Hilary Parkinson

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi over rock wall (left), close up of

foliage and fruit (right) Ann DeBolt.

Artemisia cana Ann DeBolt

Artemisia frigida Hilary Parkinson

40

Photo Credits
Atriplex canescens (in background), Ann DeBolt

Cercocarpus ledifolius (left) Hilary Parkinson, closeup of

leaves (right) Ann DeBolt.

Chamaebatiaria millefolium Ann DeBolt

Crataegus douglasii USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database /

Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the

northern states and Canada. Vol. 2: 321.

Ephedra viridis USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Fallugia paradoxa W.L. Wagner @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS

Database (both).

Krascheninnikovia (Ceratoides) lanata (left) Gary A.

Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.

Krascheninnikovia (Ceratoides) lanata (right) Britton, N.L.,

and A. Brown. USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database, 1913.

Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 2:

20. Courtesy of Kentucky Native Plant Society.

Philadelphus lewisii Ann DeBolt

Potentilla fruticosa Ann DeBolt

Prunus emarginata in flower (left), in fruit (right) Brother

Alfred Brousseau @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.

Purshia tridentata Brother Alfred Brousseau @ USDANRCS PLANTS Database.

Rhus glabra F. Larry Allain @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS

Database.

Rhus glabra USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Herman,

D.E. et al. 1996. North Dakota tree handbook. USDA

NRCS ND State Soil Conservation Committee; NDSU

Extension and Western Area Power Admin., Bismarck, ND.

Rhus trilobata W.L. Wagner. @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS

Database.

Ribes aureum Hilary Parkinson

Ribes sanguineum Brother Alfred Brousseau @ USDANRCS PLANTS Database.

Sambucus cerulea flowers (left) and fruit (right) J.S.

Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database .

Shepherdia argentea Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. USDANRCS PLANTS Database, 1913. Illustrated flora of the

northern states and Canada. Vol. 2: 577. Courtesy of

Kentucky Native Plant Society.

Shepherdia canadensis Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913.

Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 2:

576. Courtesy of Kentucky Native Plant Society.

Symphoricarpos albus Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913.

Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 3:

276. Courtesy of Kentucky Native Plant Society.

TREES

Picea pungens USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Herman,

D.E. et al. 1996. North Dakota tree handbook. USDA

NRCS ND State Soil Conservation Committee; NDSU

Extension and Western Area Power Admin., Bismarck, ND. 

Pinus edulis J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS

Database.

Pinus ponderosa USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database /

Herman, D.E. et al. 1996. North Dakota tree handbook.

USDA NRCS ND State Soil Conservation Committee;

NDSU Extension and Western Area Power Admin.,

Bismarck, ND.

Populus tremuloides Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913.

Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 1:

590. Courtesy of Kentucky Native Plant Society.

Populus trichocarpa J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS

PLANTS Database.

Pseudotsuga menziesii J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS

PLANTS Database (both).

Cover photo: Zeland Studio, 615 Fort Street, Boise, Idaho.

Ann DeBolt.

41
Index by Growth Form

Scientific Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Common Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Family . . . . . . . . Page Number

WILDFLOWERS

1 Achillea millefolium . . . . . . . . . . . . . Western Yarrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2 Agave parryi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parry’s Agave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agavaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 3

3 Anaphalis margaritacea . . . . . . . . . . Pearly Everlasting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 3

4 Antennaria spp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pussytoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 3

5 Aquilegia caerulea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colorado Blue Columbine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ranunculaceae . . . . . . . . 4

6 Aquilegia formosa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Western Columbine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ranunculaceae . . . . . . . . 4

7 Aster spp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wild Aster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 4

8 Balsamorhiza sagittata . . . . . . . . . . . Arrowleaf Balsamroot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 4

9 Camassia quamash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blue Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liliaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

10 Echinacea purpurea . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purple Coneflower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 5

11 Erigeron compositus . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cut-leaf Daisy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 5

12 Eriogonum heracleoides . . . . . . . . . . Wyeth Buckwheat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polygonaceae . . . . . . . . . 5

13 Eriogonum niveum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Snow Buckwheat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polygonaceae . . . . . . . . . 5

14 Eriogonum umbellatum . . . . . . . . . . . Sulfur Buckwheat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polygonaceae . . . . . . . . . 6

15 Eriophyllum lanatum. . . . . . . . . . . . . Woolly Sunflower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 6

16 Gaillardia aristata. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blanket Flower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 6

17 Geranium viscosissimum . . . . . . . . . . Sticky Geranium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Geraniaceae. . . . . . . . . . . 6

18 Geum triflorum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prairie Smoke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

19 Hesperaloe parviflora . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Red Yucca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agavaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 6

20 Ipomopsis aggregata . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scarlet Gilia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polemoniaceae . . . . . . . . 7

21 Linum perenne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wild Blue Flax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

22 Lupinus argenteus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Silver Lupine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fabaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

23 Oenothera missouriensis . . . . . . . . . . Missouri Evening Primrose . . . . . . . . . . . . . Onagraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 7

24 Opuntia spp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prickly Pear Cactus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cactaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

25 Penstemon angustifolius . . . . . . . . . . Pagoda Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 8

26 Penstemon barbatus . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scarlet Bugler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 8

27 Penstemon cyaneus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dark Blue Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 8

28 Penstemon deustus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hot Rock Penstemon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 8

29 Penstemon eatonii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Firecracker Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 9

30 Penstemon fruticosus. . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubby Penstemon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 9

31 Penstemon palmeri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Palmer Penstemon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 9

32 Penstemon pinifolius . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pine-leaf Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 9

33 Penstemon rydbergii . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rydberg’s Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 9

34 Penstemon speciosus . . . . . . . . . . . . . Showy Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . 10

35 Penstemon strictus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rocky Mountain Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . 10

36 Penstemon venustus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lovely Penstemon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . 10

37 Penstemon whippleanus. . . . . . . . . . . Whipple’s Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . 10

38 Petalostemon purpureum . . . . . . . . . . Prairie Clover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fabaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

39 Solidago spp.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goldenrod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 11

40 Sphaeralcea ambigua . . . . . . . . . . . . Desert Globemallow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malvaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 11

41 Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia . . . . . . . Gooseberry-leaf Globemallow. . . . . . . . . . . Malvaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 11

42 Sphaeralcea munroana . . . . . . . . . . . Orange Globemallow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malvaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 11

43 Stanleya pinnata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prince’s Plume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brassicaceae. . . . . . . . . . 11

44 Yucca glauca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Narrowleaf Yucca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liliaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

GRASSES

45 Achnatherum hymenoides . . . . . . . . . Indian Ricegrass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

46 Andropogon scoparium . . . . . . . . . . . Little Bluestem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

47 Bouteloua gracilis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blue Grama. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

48 Buchloe dactyloides. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buffalograss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

49 Elymus elymoides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bottlebrush Squirreltail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

50 Festuca idahoensis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Idaho Fescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

51 Festuca ovina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheep Fescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

42
Scientific Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Common Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Family . . . . . . . . Page Number

43

52 Leymus cinereus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Great Basin Wildrye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

53 Pseudoroegneria spicata . . . . . . . . . Bluebunch Wheatgrass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

54 Sporobolus cryptandrus . . . . . . . . . . Sand Dropseed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

SHRUBS

55 Acer glabrum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rocky Mountain Maple. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aceraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 16

56 Amelanchier alnifolia . . . . . . . . . . . . Saskatoon Serviceberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

57 Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. . . . . . . . . . . Kinnikinnick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ericaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

58 Artemisia cana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Silver Sagebrush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 16

59 Artemisia frigida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fringed Sagebrush. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 17

60 Artemisia ludoviciana . . . . . . . . . . . . Louisiana Sage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 17

61 Artemisia tridentata. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Big Sagebrush. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 17

62 Atriplex canescens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Four-wing Saltbush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chenopodiaceae . . . . . . . 17

63 Cercocarpus ledifolius. . . . . . . . . . . . Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

64 Cercocarpus montanus . . . . . . . . . . . Birch-leaf Mountain Mahogany. . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

65 Chamaebatiaria millefolium . . . . . . . Fern Bush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

66 Chrysothamnus nauseosus. . . . . . . . . Rubber Rabbitbrush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 18

67 Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus . . . . . . . Green Rabbitbrush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 19

68 Cornus stolonifera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Red-osier Dogwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cornaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 19

69 Crataegus douglasii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Douglas Hawthorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

70 Ephedra viridis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mormon Tea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ephedraceae. . . . . . . . . . 19

71 Fallugia paradoxa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apache Plume. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

72 Krascheninnikovia lanata . . . . . . . . . Winterfat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chenopodiaceae . . . . . . . 20

73 Mahonia repens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creeping Oregon Grape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berberidaceae. . . . . . . . . 20

74 Philadelphus lewisii . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mockorange, Syringa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hydrangeaceae. . . . . . . . 20

75 Physocarpus malvaceus. . . . . . . . . . . Ninebark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

76 Potentilla fruticosa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubby Cinquefoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

77 Prunus emarginata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bitter Cherry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

78 Prunus virginiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chokecherry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

79 Purshia tridentata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Antelope Bitterbrush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

80 Rhus glabra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Smooth Sumac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anacardiaceae . . . . . . . . 21

81 Rhus trilobata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oakleaf Sumac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anacardiaceae . . . . . . . . 22

82 Ribes aureum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Golden Currant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grossulariaceae . . . . . . . 22

83 Ribes sanguineum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Red-flowering Currant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grossulariaceae . . . . . . . 22

84 Rosa woodsii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Woods’ Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

85 Sambucus caerulea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blue Elderberry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caprifoliaceae . . . . . . . . 23

86 Shepherdia argentea . . . . . . . . . . . . . Silver Buffaloberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elaeagnaceae . . . . . . . . . 23

87 Shepherdia canadensis . . . . . . . . . . . Russet Buffaloberry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elaeagnaceae . . . . . . . . . 23

88 Symphoricarpos albus . . . . . . . . . . . . Common Snowberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caprifoliaceae . . . . . . . . 23

TREES

89 Acer grandidentatum. . . . . . . . . . . . . Big-tooth Maple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aceraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 24

90 Betula occidentalis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Water Birch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Betulaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 24

91 Celtis reticulata. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Netleaf Hackberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ulmaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

92 Juniperus occidentalis. . . . . . . . . . . . Western Juniper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cupressaceae . . . . . . . . . 24

93 Larix occidentalis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Western Larch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

94 Picea pungens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blue Spruce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

95 Pinus edulis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinyon Pine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

96 Pinus monticola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Western White Pine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

97 Pinus ponderosa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ponderosa Pine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

98 Populus tremuloides . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quaking Aspen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salicaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 25

99 Populus trichocarpa . . . . . . . . . . . . . Black Cottonwood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salicaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 26

100 Pseudotsuga menziesii. . . . . . . . . . . . Douglas Fir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

101 Sorbus scopulina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rocky Mountain Ash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
44

Index by Scientific Name

Scientific Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Common Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Family . . . . . . . . Page Number

Acer glabrum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rocky Mountain Maple. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aceraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Acer grandidentatum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Big-tooth Maple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aceraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Achillea millefolium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Western Yarrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Achnatherum hymenoides. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Indian Ricegrass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Agave parryi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parry’s Agave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agavaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Amelanchier alnifolia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saskatoon Serviceberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Anaphalis margaritacea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pearly Everlasting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Andropogon scoparium. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Little Bluestem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Antennaria spp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pussytoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Aquilegia caerulea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colorado Blue Columbine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ranunculaceae . . . . . . . . 4

Aquilegia formosa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Western Columbine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ranunculaceae . . . . . . . . 4

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kinnikinnick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ericaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Artemisia cana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Silver Sagebrush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Artemisia frigida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fringed Sagebrush. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Artemisia ludoviciana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Louisiana Sage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Artemisia tridentata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Big Sagebrush. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Aster spp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wild Aster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Atriplex canescens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Four-wing Saltbush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chenopodiaceae . . . . . . . 17

Balsamorhiza sagittata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arrowleaf Balsamroot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Betula occidentalis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Water Birch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Betulaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Bouteloua gracilis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blue Grama. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Buchloe dactyloides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buffalograss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Camassia quamash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blue Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liliaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Celtis reticulata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Netleaf Hackberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ulmaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Cercocarpus ledifolius . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Cercocarpus montanus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Birch-leaf Mountain Mahogany. . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Chamaebatiaria millefolium . . . . . . . . . . . . Fern Bush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Chrysothamnus nauseosus . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rubber Rabbitbrush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus. . . . . . . . . . . . Green Rabbitbrush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Cornus stolonifera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Red-osier Dogwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cornaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Crataegus douglasii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Douglas Hawthorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Echinacea purpurea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purple Coneflower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Elymus elymoides. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bottlebrush Squirreltail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Ephedra viridis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mormon Tea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ephedraceae. . . . . . . . . . 19

Erigeron compositus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cut-leaf Daisy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Eriogonum heracleoides. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wyeth Buckwheat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polygonaceae . . . . . . . . . 5

Eriogonum niveum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Snow Buckwheat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polygonaceae . . . . . . . . . 5

Eriogonum umbellatum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sulfur Buckwheat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polygonaceae . . . . . . . . . 6

Eriophyllum lanatum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Woolly Sunflower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Fallugia paradoxa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apache Plume. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Festuca idahoensis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Idaho Fescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Festuca ovina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheep Fescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Gaillardia aristata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blanket Flower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Geranium viscosissimum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sticky Geranium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Geraniaceae. . . . . . . . . . . 6

Geum triflorum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prairie Smoke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Hesperaloe parviflora. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Red Yucca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agavaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Ipomopsis aggregata. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scarlet Gilia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polemoniaceae . . . . . . . . 7

Juniperus occidentalis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Western Juniper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cupressaceae . . . . . . . . . 24

Krascheninnikovia lanata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winterfat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chenopodiaceae . . . . . . . 20

Larix occidentalis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Western Larch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Leymus cinereus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Great Basin Wildrye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Linum perenne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wild Blue Flax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Lupinus argenteus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Silver Lupine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fabaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Mahonia repens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creeping Oregon Grape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berberidaceae. . . . . . . . . 20
Oenothera missouriensis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Missouri Evening Primrose . . . . . . . . . . . . . Onagraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Opuntia spp.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prickly Pear Cactus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cactaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Penstemon angustifolius . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pagoda Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 8

Penstemon barbatus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scarlet Bugler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 8

Penstemon cyaneus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dark Blue Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 8

Penstemon deustus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hot Rock Penstemon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 8

Penstemon eatonii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Firecracker Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 9

Penstemon fruticosus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubby Penstemon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 9

Penstemon palmeri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Palmer Penstemon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 9

Penstemon pinifolius. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pine-leaf Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 9

Penstemon rydbergii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rydberg’s Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 9

Penstemon speciosus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Showy Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . 10

Penstemon strictus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rocky Mountain Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . 10

Penstemon venustus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lovely Penstemon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . 10

Penstemon whippleanus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Whipple’s Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . 10

Petalostemon purpureum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prairie Clover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fabaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Philadelphus lewisii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mockorange, Syringa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hydrangeaceae. . . . . . . . 20

Physocarpus malvaceus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ninebark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Picea pungens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blue Spruce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Pinus edulis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinyon Pine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Pinus monticola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Western White Pine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Pinus ponderosa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ponderosa Pine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Populus tremuloides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quaking Aspen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salicaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Populus trichocarpa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Black Cottonwood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salicaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Potentilla fruticosa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shrubby Cinquefoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Prunus emarginata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bitter Cherry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Prunus virginiana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chokecherry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Pseudoroegneria spicata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bluebunch Wheatgrass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Pseudotsuga menziesii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Douglas Fir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Purshia tridentata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Antelope Bitterbrush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Rhus glabra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Smooth Sumac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anacardiaceae . . . . . . . . 21

Rhus trilobata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oakleaf Sumac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anacardiaceae . . . . . . . . 22

Ribes aureum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Golden Currant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grossulariaceae . . . . . . . 22

Ribes sanguineum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Red-flowering Currant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grossulariaceae . . . . . . . 22

Rosa woodsii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Woods’ Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Sambucus caerulea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blue Elderberry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caprifoliaceae . . . . . . . . 23

Shepherdia argentea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Silver Buffaloberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elaeagnaceae . . . . . . . . . 23

Shepherdia canadensis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Russet Buffaloberry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elaeagnaceae . . . . . . . . . 23

Solidago spp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goldenrod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Sorbus scopulina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rocky Mountain Ash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Sphaeralcea ambigua . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Desert Globemallow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malvaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia . . . . . . . . . . . Gooseberry-leaf Globemallow. . . . . . . . . . . Malvaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Sphaeralcea munroana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Orange Globemallow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malvaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Sporobolus cryptandrus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sand Dropseed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Stanleya pinnata. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prince’s Plume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brassicaceae. . . . . . . . . . 11

Symphoricarpos albus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Common Snowberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caprifoliaceae . . . . . . . . 23

Yucca glauca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Narrowleaf Yucca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liliaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

45

Scientific Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Common Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Family . . . . . . . . Page Number
46

Index by Common Name

Common Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scientific Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Family . . . . . . . . Page Number

Antelope Bitterbrush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purshia tridentata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Apache Plume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fallugia paradoxa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Arrowleaf Balsamroot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balsamorhiza sagittata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Big Sagebrush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Artemisia tridentata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Big-tooth Maple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acer grandidentatum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aceraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Birch-leaf Mountain Mahogany . . . . . . . . . Cercocarpus montanus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Bitter Cherry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prunus emarginata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Black Cottonwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Populus trichocarpa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salicaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Blanket Flower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gaillardia aristata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Blue Camas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Camassia quamash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liliaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Blue Elderberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sambucus caerulea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caprifoliaceae . . . . . . . . 23

Blue Grama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bouteloua gracilis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Blue Spruce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Picea pungens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Bluebunch Wheatgrass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pseudoroegneria spicata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Bottlebrush Squirreltail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elymus elymoides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Buffalograss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buchloe dactyloides. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Chokecherry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prunus virginiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Colorado Blue Columbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aquilegia caerulea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ranunculaceae . . . . . . . . 4

Common Snowberry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Symphoricarpos albus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caprifoliaceae . . . . . . . . 23

Creeping Oregon Grape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mahonia repens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Berberidaceae. . . . . . . . . 20

Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany . . . . . . . . . . Cercocarpus ledifolius. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Cut-leaf Daisy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erigeron compositus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Dark Blue Penstemon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Penstemon cyaneus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 8

Desert Globemallow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sphaeralcea ambigua . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malvaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Douglas Fir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pseudotsuga menziesii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Douglas Hawthorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crataegus douglasii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Fern Bush. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chamaebatiaria millefolium . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Firecracker Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Penstemon eatonii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 9

Four-wing Saltbush. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Atriplex canescens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chenopodiaceae . . . . . . . 17

Fringed Sagebrush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Artemisia frigida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Golden Currant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ribes aureum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grossulariaceae . . . . . . . 22

Goldenrod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Solidago spp.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Gooseberry-leaf Globemallow . . . . . . . . . . Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia . . . . . . . . . . . . Malvaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Great Basin Wildrye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leymus cinereus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Green Rabbitbrush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Hot Rock Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Penstemon deustus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 8

Idaho Fescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Festuca idahoensis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Indian Ricegrass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Achnatherum hymenoides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Kinnikinnick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ericaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Little Bluestem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andropogon scoparium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Louisiana Sage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Artemisia ludoviciana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Lovely Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Penstemon venustus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . 10

Missouri Evening Primrose. . . . . . . . . . . . . Oenothera missouriensis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Onagraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Mockorange, Syringa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philadelphus lewisii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hydrangeaceae. . . . . . . . 20

Mormon Tea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ephedra viridis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ephedraceae. . . . . . . . . . 19

Narrowleaf Yucca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yucca glauca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liliaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Netleaf Hackberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Celtis reticulata. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ulmaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Ninebark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Physocarpus malvaceus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Oakleaf Sumac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rhus trilobata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anacardiaceae . . . . . . . . 22

Orange Globemallow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sphaeralcea munroana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malvaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Pagoda Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Penstemon angustifolius . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 8

Palmer Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Penstemon palmeri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 9

Parry’s Agave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agave parryi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agavaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Pearly Everlasting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anaphalis margaritacea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 3
47

Pine-leaf Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Penstemon pinifolius . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 9

Pinyon Pine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinus edulis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Ponderosa Pine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinus ponderosa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Prairie Clover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Petalostemon purpureum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fabaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Prairie Smoke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Geum triflorum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Prickly Pear Cactus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Opuntia spp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cactaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Prince’s Plume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stanleya pinnata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brassicaceae. . . . . . . . . . 11

Purple Coneflower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Echinacea purpurea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Pussytoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Antennaria spp.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Quaking Aspen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Populus tremuloides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salicaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Red-flowering Currant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ribes sanguineum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grossulariaceae . . . . . . . 22

Red-osier Dogwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cornus stolonifera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cornaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Rocky Mountain Ash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sorbus scopulina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Rocky Mountain Maple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acer glabrum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aceraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Rocky Mountain Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . Penstemon strictus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . 10

Rubber Rabbitbrush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chrysothamnus nauseosus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Russet Buffaloberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shepherdia canadensis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elaeagnaceae . . . . . . . . . 23

Rydberg’s Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Penstemon rydbergii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 9

Sand Dropseed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sporobolus cryptandrus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Saskatoon Serviceberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amelanchier alnifolia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Scarlet Bugler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Penstemon barbatus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 8

Scarlet Gilia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ipomopsis aggregata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polemoniaceae . . . . . . . . 7

Sheep Fescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Festuca ovina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Showy Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Penstemon speciosus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . 10

Shrubby Cinquefoil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Potentilla fruticosa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Shrubby Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Penstemon fruticosus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . . 9

Silver Buffaloberry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shepherdia argentea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elaeagnaceae . . . . . . . . . 23

Silver Lupine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lupinus argenteus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fabaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Silver Sagebrush. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Artemisia cana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Smooth Sumac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rhus glabra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anacardiaceae . . . . . . . . 21

Snow Buckwheat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eriogonum niveum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polygonaceae . . . . . . . . . 5

Sticky Geranium. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Geranium viscosissimum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Geraniaceae. . . . . . . . . . . 6

Sulfur Buckwheat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eriogonum umbellatum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polygonaceae . . . . . . . . . 6

Texas Red Yucca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hesperaloe parviflora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Agavaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Water Birch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Betula occidentalis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Betulaceae . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Western Columbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aquilegia formosa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ranunculaceae . . . . . . . . 4

Western Juniper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Juniperus occidentalis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cupressaceae . . . . . . . . . 24

Western Larch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larix occidentalis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Western White Pine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinus monticola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinaceae. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Western Yarrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Achillea millefolium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Whipple’s Penstemon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Penstemon whippleanus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrophulariaceae . . . . . . 10

Wild Aster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aster spp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Wild Blue Flax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linum perenne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Winterfat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Krascheninnikovia lanata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chenopodiaceae . . . . . . . 20

Woods’ Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosa woodsii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosaceae . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Woolly Sunflower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eriophyllum lanatum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asteraceae. . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Wyeth Buckwheat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eriogonum heracleoides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Polygonaceae . . . . . . . . . 5

Common Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scientific Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Family . . . . . . . . Page Number