Lodgepole Pine

Lodgepole Pine (pinus contorta var. latifolia) is also sometimes known as Jack, Western Scrub, or Beach Pine. It can be found in North-Western states including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and South Dakota and up through Canada and Alaska. It is an early successional plant in all habitat types except for very dry places. It grows thin and narrow with a short crown, and its bark is thick, black, and rectangular. Fun fact, Lodgepole Pine is the most common pine found in Eastern Latah County!

Height: 100 to 150"

Needles: 1-3", bundles of 2, twisted

Cones: 1-3", sharp-spined tip, tan to pale red-brown

USDA PLANTS Database Link

https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PICOL

Pics from USDA Plant Database: https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PICOL

Spalding's Catchfly

Spalding's Catchfly (Silene spaldingii), also known as Spalding's Silene, is currently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. It is a native, perennial forb that is primarily found on Palouse Prairies and their adjacent areas in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. It is in decline for many reasons including agricultural and urban development, grazing and trampling, herbicide treatment, and competition from non-native plants. Its stem is woolly and viscid (sticky or greasy). Its leaves are opposite, oblanceolate below and lanceolate above. Leaves are 6-7 cm long and sessile (attached directly to the stem).

Height: 8" to 24"

Solar Exposure: Part-shade to full-sun

Bloom Color: Pale-white flowers have a tubular calyx

Bloom Time: Mid-July through August

USDA PLANTS Database Link

https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_sisp2.pdf

MacKenzie Willow

MacKenzie Willow (Salix rigida, Salix prolixa), is also sometimes known as Diamond Willow, or Yellow Willow. It is often used in wetland restoration and is important habitat, cover, browsing, and food for wildlife. Beavers prefer to eat willows for food and use them for building material. MacKenzie Willow grows best in fine textured soils with moderate to high levels of water. Bark is light to reddish-brown, glabrous, and sometimes with sparkling wax crystals. The leaves are 1.5 to 5 inches, lanceolate to elliptic, green above, pale and glaucous below, often with finely toothed margins. Fun fact, there are 12 different varieties of MacKenzie Willow!

Height: Up to 30 feet

Bud: Catkins appear with new leaves

Flower Color: White, cream, or yellow

Bloom Time: Spring through early Summer

USDA PLANTS Database Link

https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_sapr3.pdf