Wildflower tips for the amateur botanist

Along the Gravelly Range Road, the views of the Madison and Snowcrest ranges dominate the horizon. But it’s not what you see in the distance that captivates people in mid-summer. In fact, many of those who venture up on the narrow, picturesque two-track are looking down.

Like many places in Montana, mid-summer in the Gravelly Mountains is wildflower season. Fields of Indian paintbrush, daisies, lilies and prairie smoke almost overwhelm the senses. In a single meadow, you can see dozens of species of native wildflowers. When you consider the views of what’s right in front of your hiking boots to the jagged peaks on the far horizon, it really is Montana beauty at its finest.

Some years the U.S. Forest Service does a wildflower tour of the road just after it opens July 1. Even if they aren’t hosting a tour, or if you can’t make it, the Madison Ranger District office is Ennis is a great place to get information for a self-guided excursion.

Montana has some amazing opportunities to see wildflowers and for the most part, you don’t really have to travel all that far, said Andrea Pipp, botanist with the Montana Natural Heritage Program in Helena.

Mount Helena, which hovers over the state capitol, is a great place for an easy walk to see a variety of native wildflowers, Pipp said. For Montanans, seeing native wildflowers doesn’t need to be a long journey.

But if you are looking for some suggestions, other spots that come quickly to mind are Lolo Pass, west of Missoula, the Seeley-Swan corridor, the prairies of the Rocky Mountain Front, the foothills of the Snowy Mountains (check out the Big Snowy Mountains Wildlife Management Area), and of course the native prairies of central and eastern Montana where spring rain can bring on a brilliant array of wildflowers.

If you’re interested in doing some “botanizing” this summer (that’s what it’s called these days), you have some great resources at your fingertips. The obvious first stop is the Montana Field Guide, which has wealth of information on all Montana’s native species.

Another great resource is the Montana Native Plant Society, which has local chapters you can get involved with.

For tips on botanizing responsibly, the Forest Service has great reminders. Remember to take photos, but not the flowers.

Wildflowers in Montana are at peak bloom from early June through mid-July. In higher elevations, that timeline can stretch out a bit.

As August rolls around, some of the native berries that were blooming in June are ready to harvest, said Pipp. These include service berry, silver buffalo berry, choke cherries and huckleberries.

Remember, much of Montana is bear country and practicing bear aware behavior is the best way to keep yourself and your family safe.