Flora in the Field: All about Heath (Ericaceae)

The members of the Ericaceae family are grouped together based on similar reproductive structures, appearance, and preferred growing conditions. Many of these plants are found in well-drained soils in the dark cover of a canopy or in the high elevations of the mountains.

Some that we have featured are truly special in that they are saprophytes. This means that the plant lives on dead, organic decaying matter. Because of this, saprophytes don’t need green leaves as they don’t conduct photosynthesis.

Check out some of the awesome heath plants found in this region!

Pink Pyrola (Pyrola asarifolia)

Can also be known as wintergreen. Flowers sprout from a long, bare stem. Drooping and waxy, flowers have five white-pink petals with long protruding stamens. Blossom from the bottom up. Leaves are leathery and round, being dark green. Only two at the base of each plant. Found in wet soil, around streams, and in dense forests. 

Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora)

A very strange and eerie-looking plant with a single waxy (almost translucent) stem that grows in groups. Stems are about one foot tall and droop at the top with a single flower. Flower typically comes in after a rain. Found in wet forest with thick cover. Turns black when dry at the end of season.

Pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellate)

Also known as Prince’s Pine. A short but rising stem is topped with several, nodding, small white flowers. Each has five round petals with a large green center. Before they bloom, flowers are curled in tight balls. Leaves are leathery, waxy, and sharply toothed coming to a point at the end. Found in moist, dense forests. 

Creeping Wintergreen (Gaultheria humifusa)

A very short low-growing, creeping plant. Has rounded, glossy leaves, about ¼ in. Most visible with fruits which are small, round, red berries. Flowers grow singly on a stem. Is ground covering and often seen on the backslope of trails. Leaves and berries are edible and taste like wintergreen.  

Red Heather (Phyllodoce empetriformis)

Is also called mountain heath. Can be mistaken for a small, mat-spreading evergreen tree due to its needle-like leaves. Grows in a mat in high meadows and dry side slopes. Flowers are small and pink and bell-shaped. They grow in clusters at the tips of the branches. There are other species with different colored blooms. 

Pinedrops (Pterospora andromedea)

An absolutely beautiful, eye-catching saprophyte (lives on dead organic matter) can grow tall, up to three feet. Towering over most other undergrowth. The stem is a dark red with silvery hairs. Flowers are incredible and small, as the little globe-shaped bells droop and line the plant all the way up. The white of the flowers with the red stalk truly sets them apart. Found in lower elevation, dense woods. Usually occur individually or in small groups. 

Candystick (Allotropa virgate)

A surreal-looking plant that brings Christmas-like feelings. ½ - 1½ft tall, this white saprophyte with vertical red stripes really stands out in the understory. The dark red flowers line the stalk which are undertaken with white leave-like structures. Usually sprouts after a heavy rain. Flowers darken after prime bloom and entire plant becomes less vibrant. Found in dense forests. 

One-sided Pyrola (Pyrola secunda)

Typically found in groups, low to the forest floor. A pastel-green, nonvibrant line of flowers goes up a single side of the short flowering stalk (hence the name). These are typically bent to one side due to uneven weight distribution. Flowers are small, green bells with a protruding style. Leaves are dark green and oval and grow from the base of the 3 in flowering stem. Found in dense forests.

Flora in the Field: Weitas Creek #20

Weitas Creek #20 is a main trail in the North Fork District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. The north end of the trail is found where Weitas Creek dumps into the North Fork of the Clearwater on the FS250 road. The trailhead is in Weitas Campground. The south end of the trail begins at 12 Mile Saddle on the Lolo Motorway. Being just under 30 miles, this trail hosts many adventures and many flowers.

Pinedrops (Pterospora andromedea)

An absolutely stunning, eye-catching saprophyte (loves on dead organic matter). Can grow tall, up to three feet, towering over most other undergrowth. The stem is a dark red with silvery and STICKY hairs. Flowers are small white globe-shaped bells that line the plant all the way up. The white of the flowers with the red stalk truly sets them apart. Found in lower elevation, dense woods.

Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)

Actually part of the iris family, this plant is simple, with long, thin, grass-like leaves. Flowers grow from the end of the leaf either singly, or in groups of multiple. Having six purple/blue pointed petals, with a long central anther, and a yellow center, flowers are small but attractive. Typically found in meadows.

Wood Rose (Rosa spp.)

Five round petals that are a deep to light pink (depending on the species) with yellow stamens. Leaves are small, toothed and round, growing opposite of each other. A heavily thorned plant, with thorns lining the stems and undersides of leaves. After the flower, red rose hips develop. These are edible and are also able to overwinter.

Clarkia and Yarrow

Clarkia (Clarkia pulchella) is a very unique flower. Found on open hillsides in early summer, this four-petaled, three-lobed flower is a vibrant dark pink that lights up the open hillsides. There is a small white stigma in the middle that resembles a small, four-petaled flower. The flower sits at the top of an 18in plant with very thin, long leaves.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is your trail best friend. The unmistakable ferm-like leaves and inflorescence of small white flowers at the top should not be overlooked. Yarrow can be used in the treatment of bleeding, burns, colds, and toothaches. It can even help regulate menstruations!

White Bog Orchid (Habenaria dilatate)

A very tall orchid, 1-3 feet. This is a tricky orchid as it’s not as “typical” looking upon first glance. Has many lance-shaped leaves going up the single stalk. The top of the stem hosts a group of small, white flowers that at first glance resemble a thin beargrass plume. Grows in wet ground. (Found in drainage ditches on trails).

Common Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia)

A five-petalled, bell, star-shaped flower. Petals fuse together to form a bell and then separate to form pointed tips. Flowers are held singly or in several at the top of a long, thin stem. Leaves are small, skinny, and sparse up the stem. Can grow up to 18 inches. Flowers are almost the same color as a bluebell. Can grow in multiple elevations, blooming at different times. Usually in more open areas and side hills.

Pink Pyrola (Pyrola asarifolia)

Can also be known as wintergreen. Flowers sprout from a long, bare stem. Drooping and waxy, flowers have five white-pink petals with long protruding stamens. Blossom from the bottom up. Leaves are leathery and round, being dark green. Only two at the base of each plant. Found in wet soil, around streams, and in dense forests.

Update From the Field: Ranger Joelle

Hey all! I just got back from a great trip out for the past several days. I covered a few different areas, encountered a lot of snow, but also found a lot of wildflowers. If you’re getting out recreating, remember to be prepared for those unpredictable conditions, take lots of pictures, and take a second to smell the flowers.

Burdette Creek #2

I hiked into Burdette Creek which is about a 9.5 mile out and back. There was no snow, but the creek was running high! There were plenty of Glacier lilies along the path and I found a lot of moose scat.

Cache Creek #317

Cache hasn’t been accessed much yet this season as there are many downed trees across the trail. I made it about 5 miles up before there was too much snow to continue on.

Schley Mountain

The road to the Schley mountain trailhead is snowed in about 5.5 miles up.

Clearwater crossing

Clearwater crossing is clear of snow and ready for campers! The campground is in good condition, so remember to practice Leave No Trace principles when you visit.

North Fork Fish Creek #103

This trail is open to Greenwood Cabins, and after that there is too much snow to continue. Hunters have been frequenting the area, so be mindful while recreating!

West Fork Fish Creek #101

I only went about a mile back on the trail, but that part was open with beautiful views of the 2015 burn and the raging West Fork of Fish Creek.

Straight Creek #99

I did not hike on this trail as the Fish Creek crossing at the beginning is rolling pretty fast at this time of year.

Petty Mountain

Petty Mountain #8

This trail is open for the first mile and a half and then you are tasked with increasing patches of snow all the way up to the peak. The views are incredible and the wildflowers are just starting to peek out, so keep your eyes peeled.

Petty Pasture #733

The gorgeous fields (or pastures!) of Arrowleaf balsamroot just cannot be topped at this time of year. This trail is clear of snow all the way up to the junction of Petty Mtn #8. Do note, however, that there is a slide about two miles up the trail that is passable by foot, but would be difficult on stock.

The spring is an awesome time to get out in the Great Burn area, even if there are still snow patches. Just remember when hiking in these areas to travel on the trail (durable surfaces) and don’t try to walk around snow or wet patches. This leads to unwanted erosion and vegetation damage.

Cheers and Happy Trails!

Spring Flora: Why Are They Yellow?

The spring weather is finally starting to roll around here in the Missoula valley. As you’re out and recreating, you’ll start to notice that the flowers are bursting at the seams ready to show their colors for you this season!

Have you ever wondered why most of the early bloomers are yellow or white? Well, you’re not crazy… this actually is the case. These colors help out the pollinators of these plants. Most times, flies are one of the first pollinators of the season, and flies have pretty bad vision - “color blind” as one may call them. The yellows and whites help to reflect the greatest amount of light and attract any pollinator that may be around to help out these plants. They’re not picky, they’ll take any help they can get in this early season.

Wondering what you’re encountering on the trails? Here’s a few that we’ve found on our recent hikes:

Idaho goldthread (Coptis occidentalis)

This is a very early flowering plant, the flowers are actually rarely seen since sometimes it actually blooms when the area is still covered in snow. An endemic species to the Northern Idaho and Western Montana area which is pretty awesome! A very delicate little plant, found in coniferous forests, so be sure to check before you step!

Glacier lily (Erythronium grandiflorum)

Such an exciting sight at the beginning of the season, especially when you run across an open side slope covered in them. These guys are super important forage for bears as they begin to emerge for the season. Their bulbs are also edible to us, but please be mindful of the area if you forage this season and always double check your ID.

Yellowbell (Fritillaria pudica)

Also known as a snowdrop, these flowers look similar to the Glacier lily, except they have rounded petals and don’t curl back toward the sky. Found on open slopes and sometimes near streambanks. Another very important food source for early-season bears and ground squirrels.

Sagebrush buttercup (Ranunculus glaberrimus)

Like buttery popcorn, this flower is always a welcome sight, even on the hillsides surrounding Missoula. Often seen growing in patches and close to the ground, it can pepper the hillsides as early as March (although we’re just starting to see it around here this year).

Smooth prairie star (Lithophragma glabrum)

Found on a tall, slender, leafless stem, these small white flowers look like a starburst - especially when first opening. Flowers are mostly white, and sometimes pale pink as the season progresses. Keep an eye out for these in the meadows and on sideslopes and the snow recedes.

Spring flowers help to give us so much hope for the warmer season ahead! These plants serve as important food sources for many different animals as the days begin to lengthen. Keep an eye out for these and any others you find as the snow melts and the season progresses. Let us know if you find anything awesome out there, and as always please share pictures and stories!

Flora from the Field: Mallard Larkins

Another very exciting hitch with many different types of flowers seen along the way. With all of the sun, the flowers seemed even more vibrant than before. Right away, on the first day, Leslie (top middle) was proud to be pulling up houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), found along Black Mountain #396. This is an invasive plant in the area that is toxic to livestock. The most abundant flower by far was seen on #396 trail, lining the hike. This starflower (Trientalis borealis; top right) is rather short, but very showy. The Down River #297 trail was just beginning to enjoy the blooms of the Clarkia (Clarkia pulchella; bottom left). This is a native to the area, and will often cover hillsides in its vibrant pink color. At Goat Ridge, on the Smith Ridge #240 trail, spreading phlox (Phlox diffusa) was covering the ridge in all shades of purple and white (top left). And finally, the most exciting sighting of the hitch was the phantom orchid (Cephalanthera austiniae; bottom right), originally spotted on the #396 trail, but an individual was also later found on #297. This orchid is completely white and native to the area, although only growing in specific areas.

Flora from the Field: Mallard Larkins

There were many fun sightings on the trails during this hitch, even despite the rain. This Garden tiger moth caterpillar (Arctia caja; bottom middle) was found near camp on Wednesday. There were many of these blister beetles (Meloe spp.; top middle) found along the trail #95. Common flowers included Western spring beauties (Claytonia lanceolata; top left), Foamflower (Tiarella Cordifolia; middle left), Bunchberries (Cornus canadensis; middle right), and Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra; bottom right). There were several Pacific yew trees (Taxus brevifolia; top right) along the Isabella Creek #95 trail before the #96 junction. A rare for the area sighting was the deer fern (Blechnum spicant; bottom left) which was found on the #96 trail.