51 images as of May 17, 2025
Alpine Forget-Me-Not
Distributed across all of Mount Helena. This image is from the top of the small knob at the end of the Ambrose accessible trail. But, this flower is distributed all over in mid to late-May.
American Purple Vetch
Distributed across all of Mount Helena. This image is from the top of the small knob at the end of the Ambrose accessible trail. But, this flower is distributed all over in mid to late-May.
Beebalm or Wild bergamot
Bluebells, Sagebrush
More limited distribution on Mt. Helena. this one was on the CDT Trail near the top of MacDonald Pass
Bluebells, Streamside
First time I’ve seen this plant. Two miles back on the Willard Creek Trail. July 2023
Blue Stickseed
Image from a walk along the Countinental Divide Trail above MacDonald Pass. July 2024.
Clematis, Hairy or Sugarbowl
This patch was found on the road to Mullan Pass near the junction with the highway.
Elephant’s-head Lousewort
Found about 1.25 miles (2k) down the CDT from the parking area at the top of MacDonald Pass.
Fairy Slippers
Found in small, shaded pockets of cool, damp areas on the south side of Mount Helena.
Fairy Slippers, Kostiuk’s Hybrid Calypso
Scattered across a half-mile of the 10 Mile Environmental trail. The spots on the tounge seem to indicate hybridization.
Fleabane, Aspen
The State of Montana calls this Three-nerve Fleabane. Much larger flowerheads than the Shaggy Fleabane.
Hare’s Foot Locoweed
Blooming in early May all over the NE Slopes of Mount Helena. Notice distinctive flowering form- very different from Woollypod or Missouri Milkvetch
Lewis’ Blue Flax or Prairie Flax
All over the Helena Valley. There are two species of Flax- one is native, one is not. I’m still working on an easy way to tell the difference between the two.
Little Larkspur
Typically found in dark patches under Antelop or Rabbit Brush. In cooler, damper areas, can be thick.
Lupine, Pursh’s Silky
Lyall’s Rockcress
The third of the three more common Rockcresses. This plant was found on the 10 Mile Environmental Trail, but I typically see this plant in drier locations.
Maiden Blue-eyed Mary
All, and I mean all, over the place in the spring and early summer of 2023
Milkvetch, Missouri
Blooming in early May all over the NE Slopes of Mount Helena. Notice distinctive flowering form- very differnt from Hare’s Foot Locoweed
Milkvetch, Woollypod
Blooming in early May all over the NE Slopes of Mount Helena. Notice distinctive flowering form- very differnt from Hare’s Foot Locoweed
Pasqueflower- pale petals
May 2, 2023. Mt. Helena- Road to Mars Trail. Inner petal color highly variable from nearly white to vivid purple.
Pasqueflower- vibrant petals
May 2, 2023. Mt. Helena- Road to Mars Trail. Inner petal color highly variable from nearly white to vivid purple.
Purple Avens
July 21, 2024 Along the CDT about 1.25 miles (2k) south of the Parking Area on MacDonald Pass.
Penstemon, Alberta (aka Alberta Beardtongue)
Penstemon, Sulphur
Silky Scorpionweed
Continental Divide Trail above MacDonald Pass to the north in July 2024
Shooting Star, Bonneville
Showy Jacob’s Ladder
Verbena, Large-bract
Found all over in late-July. I was convinced this was an invasive due to its prevalence. It is native.
Violet, Northern Bog
Violet, Sand
Western Blue Iris
These flowers tend to be in small clusters across much of the south hills. These two are along the Daisy Hill trail right where the switchbacks begin- in the Bitterroot Way meadow. I look forward to seeing these bloom each year in mid-May.
Wyoming Kittentail