Western Aster

Wester Aster (Symphyotrichum spathulatum), sometimes known as Western Mountain Aster or Larger Western Mountain Aster, is a native perennial forb that grows in colonies and can be found in open, wet to dry environments. Its stem is glabrous to hairy, and green to greyish-green in color. Its leaves are alternate, with basal leaves present when it is flowering.

Life Cycle: Perennial

Solar Exposure: Full sun

Bloom Color: Purple

Bloom Time: Late Summer to Fall

USDA PLANTS Database Link

https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=SYSPS

Pictures from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=SYSPS

Rocky Mountain Maple

Rocky Mountain Maple (Acer glabrum), is sometimes known as Mountain maple, Douglas maple, Douglas Rocky Mountain maple, three leaf Rocky Mountain maple, and there are many more. It is a tree and a shrub that grows in the Western mountains, valleys, and along the coast. It is important browsing and cover for whitetail deer, moose, mule deer, and elk, as well as important habitat for small mammals and birds. It is also used in wetland restoration to stabilize slopes. The flexible stems are important to many American Indian tribes for making masks, toys, spears, drum hoops, and much more.

Height: 3-33 feet tall

Branching: Opposite

Leaves: Opposite with 3-5 lobes, coarsely toothed, turn bright red-orange to crimson in the fall

New Growth: Red to reddish-purple

Mature Bark: Grayish-brown

USDA PLANTS Database Link

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

Fernleaf Biscuitroot

Fernleaf biscuitroot (Lomatium dissectum) is a perennial forb native to much of western North America. Its early spring growth provides forage for many types of wildlife including pollinators and other insects. Many western Native Americans used this medicinally and as a food source, especially the thick, fleshy taproots. Fernleaf Biscuitroot can be found in a variety of areas on the Palouse, such as open prairies and forests, foothills, and along roadsides.

Life Cycle: Perennial

Solar Exposure: Full sun

Bloom Color: Yellow, occ. purple

Bloom Time: early April to early June

USDA PLANTS Database Link

https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_lodi.pdf