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Wildflower Identification Resources


Not in Idaho! Elephant's Head (Pedicularis groenlandica) in the Sierra Nevada of California

 Spring is arriving quickly, and it's one of my favorite seasons because of the beautiful display of wildflowers that we are treated to as each day unfolds. Learning to identify wildflowers and exploring different natural areas to find them is one of my greatest joys, and I find that it helps me to really savor and appreciate a season that otherwise can feel so fleeting. 

 So what's the best way to learn to identify wildflowers? Field guides and websites are key resources to have in your toolkit. I also encourage you to seek out local naturalist-led hikes that focus specifically on identifying flowers. There is nothing quite like learning from local experts, so bring your notebook and prepare to learn a lot! One of my favorite aspects of 

 Here is a list of resources for identifying wildflowers:
  • Boise National Forest Wildflowers website: This U.S. Forest Service page outlines some signature Idaho wildflower species. 
  • A Field Guide to Plants of the Boise Foothills (download the PDF here): This is an informative, 2013 publication from the BLM and the Healthy Hills Initiative. Great photography to aid in identification.
  • Wildflowers and Weeds of the Boise Foothills, an article by the Idaho Botanical Garden: a wonderful overview of wildflowers found in the foothills ecosystem.
  • Flora of the Pacific Northwest: Much more technical than other field guides, this book contains thorough identification keys for every species in the region, so it's a hefty size!
  • Idaho Native Plant Society resources: The Idaho Native Plant Society has incredible resources on their website, including a Treasures of the Boise Front powerpoint with wonderful wildflower photos. 
  • Idaho Wildflower app: A collaborative effort between the University of Idaho, Idaho State University, and University of Washington, this app costs $7.99 and has more than 800 Idaho wildflowers cataloged. 
  • Consider downloading the iNaturalist app. You can post photos of your discoveries and receive identification from other naturalists. 

What are your favorite field guides or wildflower identification resources? 

Bitterroot in the Sierra Nevada foothills, California

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Location: Boise, ID, USA

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