Native Wildflowers of McCall, Idaho's Mountainous Terrain
McCall, Idaho, nestled in the breathtaking mountains of the Payette National Forest, is surrounded by a diverse array of native wildflowers that thrive in its alpine meadows, forests, and riverbanks. Here are some of the beautiful wildflowers native to the mountains around McCall:
Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata): With its bright yellow flowers and distinctive arrow-shaped leaves, the arrowleaf balsamroot is a common sight in the mountainous regions around McCall. It blooms in early spring, adding a splash of color to the landscape.
Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja spp.): The vibrant red, orange, or pink flowers of the Indian paintbrush stand out against the greenery of the mountain slopes. This iconic wildflower is often found in meadows and open fields, attracting pollinators with its nectar-rich blooms.
Mountain Lupine (Lupinus argenteus): The mountain lupine is known for its tall spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers that adorn the forest understory and meadow edges. This hardy perennial is well-adapted to the mountain environment and blooms from late spring to early summer.
Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa): With its delicate red and yellow flowers and distinctive spurred petals, the western columbine adds a touch of elegance to the mountain landscape. It thrives in moist, shady habitats along streams and in wooded areas.
Elephant's Head (Pedicularis groenlandica): Named for its resemblance to the head of an elephant, this unique wildflower features clusters of pink or purple tubular flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. It can be found in damp meadows and along streambanks.
Western Blue Flag Iris (Iris missouriensis): This striking wildflower boasts large, showy blue or purple blooms with yellow accents. It grows in wet meadows, marshes, and along the shores of mountain lakes and streams, adding beauty to the waterside landscape.
Western Wallflower (Erysimum capitatum): The western wallflower brightens up rocky slopes and alpine meadows with its clusters of fragrant yellow, orange, or pink flowers. It blooms from late spring to early summer and is often visited by bees and butterflies.
Mountain Bog Gentian (Gentiana calycosa): This rare and beautiful wildflower can be found in moist, boggy areas in the mountains around McCall. It features striking blue, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in summer, attracting pollinators with their nectar.
These are just a few examples of the native wildflowers that grace the mountains around McCall, Idaho. From early spring through late summer, these colorful blooms paint the landscape, creating a stunning display of natural beauty for residents and visitors to enjoy.
