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

Prairie Smoke

Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) is a perennial forb, easily identified by its leaves and unique flowers. The fern-like leaves are soft, hairy, and deeply cleft. When going to seed, the pear-shaped flowers produce long, feathery awns to help with wind dispersal.

Life Cycle: Perennial

Solar Exposure: Full sun

Bloom Color: Pink

Bloom Time: May to early July

USDA PLANTS Database Link

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