Wildflowers of Waterton

The Waterton Biosphere Region (WBR) is one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in the world.

In 2017 a massive wildfire tore through the Waterton BR leaving much of the landscape scarred. Although devastating, it leaves a unique opportunity now, 7 years on, to see the incredible biodiversity coming up through the undergrowth. This dramatic landscape is even further enhanced by the blooming of wildflowers in the Summer.

iNaturalist is an app you can download to your phone that will assist you in identifying the species that you see. Below is a compilation of wildflowers you can see in the WBR in the Summer. The best time to see the wildflowers is in late June (although these photos were taken in early August).

Wavyleaf Thistle

Known for its distinctive wavy-edged leaves and vibrant purple flowers, it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. The plant also plays a role in its ecosystem by providing habitat and food for wildlife. Its adaptability to harsh alpine conditions showcases its resilience and ecological importance.

Range: Native to North America, particularly in the western United States and Canada
Environment: Mountainous regions, including alpine and subalpine zones
Flowering Period: late June through August
Conservation Status: The species is abundant and not considered endangered

Alpine Golden Buckwheat

Characterized by its bright yellow flowers and grey-green, woolly leaves, it is well adapted to the harsh conditions of high elevations. This plant plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by providing nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its resilience to extreme alpine environments highlights its ecological significance.

Range: Native to North America, particularly in the western United States and Canada
Environment: Mountainous regions, including alpine and subalpine zones
Flowering Period: late June through August
Conservation Status: The species is abundant and not considered endangered

Pearly Everlasting

Notable for its clusters of small, white, papery flowers and silvery foliage, it attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plant is also known for its ecological role in providing habitat and food for wildlife, and its durability makes it a significant species in diverse environments.

Range: Native to North America, with a broad range across the United States and Canada
Environment: A variety of habitats, including open meadows, prairies, and disturbed areas, and is commonly found at both low and high elevation
Flowering Period: late June through August
Conservation Status: The species is abundant and not considered endangered

Missouri Goldenrod

Recognizable by its tall stems and bright yellow flower clusters, it plays a vital role in its ecosystem by attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its resilience and adaptability to various environments contribute to its ecological significance.

Range: Native to North America, particularly in the central and eastern United States and the Prairie Provinces of Canada
Environment: Open fields, prairies, and along roadsides, thriving at mid to high elevations
Flowering Period: August through October
Conservation Status: The species is abundant and not considered endangered

Wild Bergamot

Known for its aromatic, lavender-pink flowers and leafy stems, Wild Bergamot attracts a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its fragrant leaves are used in making Earl Grey tea, adding a distinctive flavour.

Range: Native to North America, with a range extending across the United States and southwestern parts of Canada
Environment: Open meadows, prairies, and along woodland edges, thriving in a variety of soil types and elevations
Flowering Period: mid-July through August
Conservation Status: The species is abundant and not considered endangered

Sulfur Buckwheat

Sulfur Buckwheat is characterised by its sulfur-coloured to pink flower clusters and tufted, grey-green foliage. Unlike Alpine golden buckwheat’s woolly appearance and preference for higher elevations, sulfur buckwheat adapts to a wider variety of environments and features a distinct flower colour and growth form.

Range: Native to North America, particularly in the western United States and southwestern parts of Canada
Environment: A range of habitats, including rocky slopes, open meadows, and alpine areas, thriving in well-drained soils at various elevations
Flowering Period: late June through August
Conservation Status: The species is abundant and not considered endangered

Shinyleaf Meadowsweet

Notable for its glossy, dark green leaves and dense clusters of small, white to pale pink flowers, Shinyleaf Meadowsweet attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its preference for wet environments and distinctive foliage highlight its ecological significance.

Range: Native to North America, particularly in the northwestern United States and southwestern Canada
Environment: Moist, shaded habitats such as wetlands, streambanks, and forest edges, thriving in rich, well-drained soils
Flowering Period: late June to July
Conservation Status: The species is abundant and not considered endangered

Great Blanketflower

Known for its vibrant red and yellow flowers, the Great Blanketflower is highly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. The species is not considered endangered, making it a popular choice for restoration projects and natural landscaping due to its hardiness and ecological value.

Range: Native to North America, particularly the western United States and Prairie Provinces of Canada
Environment: Often found in prairies, foothills, and open woodlands, thrives in well-drained soils
Flowering Period: June to September
Conservation Status: Not considered endangered

Alaskan Bellflower

The Alaskan Bellflower is recognized for its delicate, bell-shaped, purple-blue flowers that bloom in summer, attracting various pollinators. While it is not considered endangered, its presence is vital to the high-altitude ecosystems it inhabits, contributing to local biodiversity​

Range: Native to the northwestern regions of North America, including Alaska, the Yukon, and parts of British Columbia
Environment: Thrives in alpine and subalpine environments, often found in rocky slopes and meadows
Flowering Period: June to August
Conservation Status: Not considered endangered

Western Roseroot

Western Roseroot is native to cold, high-altitude regions where it forms dense, mat-like clumps. The plant is distinguished by its thick, fleshy leaves and small, yellow-green flowers that bloom in summer. Its stems and leaves can take on a reddish hue, especially in sun-exposed conditions. While not at risk, Western Roseroot plays a crucial role in its ecosystem, providing food for pollinators like bees and supporting alpine plant communities.

Range: Native to the western North America, including Canada, particularly in British Columbia and the Yukon
Environment: Alpine and subalpine environments, where it often grows in rocky, well-drained soils
Flowering Period: June to July
Conservation Status: Not considered endangered

Shrubby Cinquefoil

Shrubby Cinquefoil, also known as Bush Cinquefoil, typically grows between 2 to 5 feet tall, forming a dense, rounded bush. The shrub is known for its vibrant, five-petaled flowers, most commonly bright yellow, though cultivars with white, orange, pink, and red flowers are also available. Its resilience and prolonged blooming period make it a valuable addition to both naturalized and formal landscapes​

Range: Native to the Northern Hemisphere, including across Canada
Environment: Thrives in a variety of habitats, from moist peat bogs to dry, rocky highlands
Flowering Period: June to September
Conservation Status: Not considered endangered

How to use iNaturalist

1. Download the iNaturalist app to your smartphone

2. Create an account. Be sure to allow them to see your location and use the camera app both of these are needed to identify species

3. Click the green + symbol to record a new observation

4. Click the ‘take photo’ button and take a photo of the species in the app. Alternatively you can upload an image from the gallery but I find it easier to just take the photo live in the app. Take multiple photos if necessary showing the leaves, the stem, bark, or any other distinguishing features.

5. Click the ‘What did you see?’ button and view the suggestions from iNaturalist. If you don’t have cell service you can do this later on as long as the app has recorded your location. iNaturalist will give you suggestions based on what’s “visually similar” and “expected nearby”. You can click each selection to review the images. Click ‘compare’ if you want to see your image and the iNaturalist image side by side

6. Click the little tick symbol on the species you think it is. This will take you back to the main screen

7. On the main screen you can add any notes if you like. Once done, click the green tick symbol at the bottom and your observation will be saved!

8. To contribute to citizen science your species will need to be confirmed by others in the community. Once this is done you will see a little symbol that indicates your species is “research grade” and therefore contributing to the database!

9. Keep going and have fun with it!

How many species can you identify on your next hike?

Follow Biosphere Bathing on all the above social links to get updates on Wildflowers within the Biosphere Regions we visit and be sure to follow us on iNaturalist to see what species we document next!