WILD
FLOWERS
of
Zion and Bryce Canyon
NATIONAL PARKS
and
Cedar Breaks
NATIONAL MONUMENT
Text and Color Photographs by
CARL E. JEPSON
Chief Park Naturalist
and
LELAND F. ALLEN
Park Naturalist
[Illustration: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE]
Published and Copyright 1958
by
ZION-BRYCE NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION
in cooperation with the
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
UTAH
INTRODUCTION
[Illustration: Mount Zion]
In these areas of Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks and Cedar Breaks
National Monument, four life zones are found extending from low
elevations of near 3,600 feet to extremes of over 11,300 feet. The area
within elevations from the lowest point to 4,000 feet is the Lower
Sonoran Zone; above that to 7,000 feet is the Upper Sonoran Zone; from
7,000 to 8,500 feet is the Transition Zone; above that to 10,000 feet is
the Canadian Zone; and from 10,000 feet to the highest point on Brian
Head Peak is the Hudsonian Zone.
Native plants typical of desert, mesa and mountain grow within these
extremes of elevation and include a wide variety of species. Of the
three areas featured, Cedar Breaks National Monument contains the
greatest variety, and frequently exhibits marvelous displays, depending
on the amount of rainfall from year to year.
The purpose of this booklet is to help visitors in their enjoyment of
the flowers they find along the roadways and trails—flowers they
observe, appreciate and probably photograph but leave UNPICKED for the
pleasure of others.
Through the mediums of color photography and color lithography one
hundred and six species of wild flowers and plants most commonly seen
are presented in closeup detail as an aid to identification. Brief
descriptions of size, habitat, blooming period, use, economic value and
other details are given.
The flowers have been arranged in a general order of families, except
that occasionally, for the convenience of preparing the color plates,
flowers of similar color or density have been grouped on a page although
they are not in the same family nor closely related.
The Standardized Plant Names of the American Joint Committee on
Horticultural Nomenclature has been followed as the guide. In case of
locally used common names, such has been indicated in the text.
This booklet on Wild Flowers has been produced by the Zion-Bryce Natural
History Association in cooperation with the National Park Service. The
Association has for its objective the fuller interpretation of the
scenic, scientific, aesthetic and historic values of these National
Parks, to the end that park visitors are provided with such information,
audio and visual aids as will help them gain a better understanding and
greater appreciation of the phenomena they find in them.
It is hoped that this brief treatise on the flora may prove helpful to
many visitors in learning more about some of the important species of
plant life that they may discover during their visits to the Zion and
Bryce Canyon National Parks and Cedar Breaks National Monument.
[Illustration: Badlands]
Credit for the photographic work goes to several individuals, all
members of the interpretive staffs of these areas during the past few
years. Park Naturalists Carl E. Jepson and Leland F. Allen have prepared
the descriptive information given for each flower.
The printing and color processing by the Wheelwright Lithographing
Company, 975 So. West Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah.
1. SEGOLILY MARIPOSA Lily Family
_Calochortus nuttallii_
The Segolily Mariposa was chosen as the State Flower of Utah probably
because of the important use early pioneers made of the root bulbs of
this plant in supplementing their meager diets during the early
settlement period. The name “Sego” (pronounced see-go) is of Shoshonean
origin, and this flower was sacred in Indian legend long before the
arrival of Utah pioneers in 1847.
This plant is found in rather dry, rocky soils and puts on a very showy
display during May and June. It is more commonly known as the Mariposa
Lily in other sections of the country, but in Utah it is called the
Segolily.
There are three species in color of white, pink and yellow found in the
Zion Region.
[Illustration: Segolily Mariposa]
2. YELLOW MARIPOSA Lily Family
_Calochortus nuttallii var. aureus_
Found only in the petrified forest of the Coalpits Wash section of Zion
National Park, this plant is not very abundant and probably suffered
from overgrazing by livestock during the settlement period before Zion
became a National Park.
Mariposa in Spanish means butterfly.
This species with bright-yellow flowers is associated with a specific
geologic stratum—the Petrified Forest member of the Chinle formation. It
is found in great abundance in the Petrified Forest National Monument
near Holbrook, Arizona.
[Illustration: Yellow Mariposa]
3. PRAIRIE SPIDERWORT Spiderwort Family
_Tradescantia occidentalis_
In the sandy areas at elevations above 4,000 feet you may find this
pretty, three-petaled, deep-blue flower on its slender stalk about a
foot or more in height blooming early in June. The flowers bloom at
night, so are not easily found except early in the mornings. The plant
is fairly abundant along the Narrows Trail, the East Rim Trail and near
the East Entrance Station of Zion National Park.
Indians used the entire plant for food.
[Illustration: Prairie Spiderwort]
4. BLUEDICKS Lily Family
_Dichelostemma pulchellum_
This bright-blue flower, on its long, slender stalk, has a number of
common names, such as Wild Hyacinth, Grass Nuts and Spanish Lily. The
bulb of this plant has a nutty flavor. It was gathered by the Indians
and early pioneers for food in some sections of the country. It is found
sparingly in good soil areas.
[Illustration: Bluedicks]
5. PURPLESPOT FRITILLARY Lily Family
_Fritillaria atropurpurea_
A rather rare lily sometimes called Leopard Lily or Bronze Bell. Its
drooping flowers on fairly tall stems are found growing in the Sagebrush
areas or in alpine meadows. As they are not very conspicuous, they are
often overlooked by visitors. The petals, with their mottled effect in
brown, yellow and purple spots, present a remarkable pattern of beauty
when observed closely. The odor of the plant is not pleasing to humans,
but is no doubt attractive to insects.
[Illustration: Purplespot Fritillary]
6. FINELEAF YUCCA Lily Family
_Yucca angustissima_
The name “Our Lord’s Candlestick” was given to this tall, conspicuous
plant of the desert by the early Spanish Padres, who were the first
white men to see this region of Southern Utah. During May and June the
waxy-white flowers bloom on tall stalks and soon mature into rather
large seed pods.
Indians made very good use of all parts of the plant. Its fiber was used
for making sandals and clothing, the seeds provided food, and the roots
were used for making soap. The Navajo Indian called it Yaybi-tsa-si,
which means literally “Yucca of the Gods.”
[Illustration: Fineleaf Yucca]
7. MOUNTAIN DEATHCAMAS Lily Family
_Zigadenus elegans_
An onion-like plant with a long, loose cluster of small, creamy-white
flowers. Its root is shaped much like that of the onion, but is
odorless. The plant is poisonous to man and beast. Deathcamas is found
mostly in meadows or wet places on the plateaus where it presents a
serious danger to grazing cattle and sheep. At Cedar Breaks it blooms
during July and August and is fairly common in the alpine meadows.
[Illustration: Mountain Deathcamas]
8. WILD BUCKWHEAT Buckwheat Family
_Eriogonum umbellatum_
Wild Buckwheat is commonly associated with Sagebrush and arid regions of
the West. Many species of the genus are found blooming throughout the
summer season.
The spreading branches grow close to the ground and help reduce erosion,
and the yearly accumulation of leaves adds humus to the soil. The flower
head at the top of single stalks, with its many-branched, dense cluster
in a lacy pattern, makes a fine floral display of yellow. The flowers
are important to the honey bee, and the ripened seeds are diligently
sought by the chipmunks, other rodents and several birds.
[Illustration: Wild Buckwheat]
9. GREEN EPHEDRA Jointfir Family
_Ephedra viridis_
Not a very showy plant with its pale-green stems, very small leaves and
inconspicuous flowers. It is probably of greatest interest because of
the use made of the plant by early pioneers in brewing a tea, which
served as a tonic for various ailments. It was commonly called Brigham
Tea, Squaw Tea or, more generally, Mormon tea.
The plant is a relative of the Pines and Firs and is very able to
withstand drouth. It is found fairly abundantly in the Sagebrush and
Saltbush areas of the Upper Sonoran Zone.
The drug ephedrine is obtained from some of the species of Ephedra found
in China.
[Illustration: Green Ephedra]
10. FOURWING SALTBUSH Goosefoot Family
_Atriplex canescens_
A silvery-green, profusely branched shrub growing two to five feet high
with conspicuous clusters (in late summer) of four-winged seeds about
the same color as the leaves. It is very common in the Sonoran Zones and
abundant in the alkaline flats of the Great Basin of Utah. In the lower
portion of Zion Canyon it is abundant and often taken to be Sagebrush,
which it resembles to some extent.
This plant is of value as forage for livestock, and deer feed upon it to
a limited extent.
[Illustration: Fourwing Saltbush]
11. CALYPSO ORCHID Orchid Family
_Calypso bulbosa_
If you travel to the mountains early in June or July, you may be lucky
enough to find this beautiful flower, the dainty Calypso or Fairy
Slipper Orchid, as it blooms in the dense woods of Spruce and Pine or in
the deep canyons along shady streams at elevations above 6,000 feet. The
flowers grow singly on stems 4 to 6 inches high and have only one large
leaf. The plant takes part of its food from decaying wood or other
organic matter.
Thoughtless picking of this flower has made it very rare and in danger
of becoming extinct. Please do your part to help save the Fairy Slipper
Orchid.
[Illustration: Calypso Orchid]
12. FOUR-O’CLOCK Four-O’Clock Family
_Mirabilis multiflora_
Closely resembling the cultivated variety of Four-O’Clock, this plant,
with its abundance of brilliant magenta-colored flowers, is one of the
spectacular sights in May or early June. It is a sturdy perennial with
thick, glossy-green leaves spreading low over the ground. The
south-facing slopes in the Sonoran Zones are its most common habitat,
but it is also found in the broken lava fields. Being a night bloomer,
the flowers close during the bright daylight hours and open at about
four o’clock in the afternoon. Its blooming season is generally brief,
about two or three weeks, but it sometimes blooms twice in the same
summer.
[Illustration: Four-O’Clock]
13. SPRINGBEAUTY Purslane Family
_Claytonia lanceolata_
Found abundantly at Cedar Breaks during May and early June and also in
the shady canyons of Zion in the Transition Zone. Each plant has two
narrow leaves near the base, each about 2 inches long, above which are
four to five practically leafless branches with a single flower at the
top of each. The plant is rarely over 6 inches high; more commonly it is
flat to the ground. Flowers vary in color from white to pink or
sometimes the white blossoms have pink veins or stripes which tend to
accentuate their beauty. Usually one of the early blooming flowers of
the high plateaus, along with the Indianpotato and Buttercup.
[Illustration: Springbeauty]
14. BITTERROOT Portulaca Family
_Lewisia rediviva_
This beautiful, dwarfed plant, never more than an inch or two high, is
found during May mostly on the lava fields of the Transition Zone in
Zion National Park. Its flower of white petals with pink veins is about
2 inches in diameter.
The Bitterroot was discovered in 1805 by the Lewis and Clark expedition
while passing through western Montana. It was later named _Lewisia
rediviva_ by the botanist Pursh.
The plant is of economic importance to the Northwestern Indians, who
discovered that the bitter, parsnip-shaped roots possess a nutritious
heart of starch, which cooking reduces to a pasty mass, palatable, at
least, to Indian taste.
[Illustration: Bitterroot]
15. MARSHMARIGOLD Buttercup Family
_Caltha leptosepala_
A plant of the high elevations, generally above 9,000 feet, and found
abundantly at Cedar Breaks, where it comes into bloom almost as soon as
the first patches of bare ground appear. Coming out usually in April or
May, depending on the season, Marshmarigolds are among the earliest
blooming flowers of the high elevations and often carpet the alpine
meadows with a spread of white blossoms.
The white sepals, that make up the showy flower, are often mistaken for
petals, which are absent. The mass of anthers of the stamens give the
flower its brilliant yellow center.
[Illustration: Marshmarigold]
16. BUTTERCUP Buttercup Family
_Ranunculus sp._
A number of species of Buttercups bloom in these areas in early April or
May on the Plateaus and later in the shady canyons. In their respective
areas they are often the first flowers of Spring and are followed
closely by the Springbeauties or sometimes preceded by the tiny white
Indianpotato of the Parsnip Family.
A thrilling sight is to find the waxy flowers of the early Buttercups at
the very edge of the receding snowbanks. The blooming season for
Buttercups is very brief, as a general rule, but the different species
come into bloom successively.
[Illustration: Buttercup]
17. COLUMBINE Buttercup Family
_Aguilegia sp._
These beautiful flowers are well known because of their wide
distribution and common use as cultivated species in flower gardens.
They have conspicuously shaped petals with long, hollow spurs, which
contain honey and thereby attract certain insects and especially the
hummingbirds. Columbines are probably the most beautiful of the native
flowers of Zion, Bryce Canyon and Cedar Breaks, as they bring forth very
attractive displays during the summer months. The White Columbine at
Cedar Breaks is extremely large.
[Illustration: Columbine]
18. LARKSPUR Buttercup Family
_Delphinium sp._
Larkspurs are found abundantly at Cedar Breaks during July and August in
the alpine meadows of the Monument. The leaves are very similar to those
of the Monkshood, but the flowers differ in color and shape. The single
spur of one of the sepals is the marked feature of the Larkspur. Color
and size vary greatly for the different species; but the most common
variety at Cedar Breaks is 2 to 3 feet tall, and the flowers are a
purplish blue.
[Illustration: Larkspur]
19. MONKSHOOD Buttercup Family
_Aconitum columbianum_
Found abundantly at Cedar Breaks in the more open forested areas where
there is partial shade and plenty of moisture. The purple Monkshood rank
almost as high as their cousins the Columbines and Larkspurs in charm
and beauty, with a quaintness and individuality all their own. The
flower features a modified sepal shaped like a hood or helmet that
protects the stamens. Extracts from the thick, turnip-shaped root are
used medicinally in the treatment of certain heart diseases.
[Illustration: Monkshood]
20. WESTERN BANEBERRY Buttercup Family
_Actaea arguta_
This plant may be found in the shady forest of good moisture. It is
about one to two feet tall with handsome leaves but rather inconspicuous
heads of creamy-white flowers. The conspicuous bright-red or waxy-white
berries about the size of peas in a dense cluster make a very attractive
display in late summer. The berries are somewhat poisonous, hence the
name Baneberry.
[Illustration: Baneberry]
21. SAND BUTTERCUP Buttercup Family
_Ranunculus juniperinus_
One of the very early blooming plants in Zion in the Transition or Upper
Sonoran Zone, which often appears from mid-February to April, in bare
sandy places among the Junipers and Pinyons, is the Sand Buttercup.
Along the trail to the Canyon Overlook above the Great Arch is perhaps
the best place to find this plant in Zion.
The flowers, a pinkish white, are found on short stems or spreading
branches close to the ground. As the plants are rather small and not
very showy, it takes careful searching to find them.
[Illustration: Sand Buttercup]
22. OREGON GRAPE Barberry Family
_Berberis repens_
Because of its hollylike leaves, this dwarf shrub is sometimes called
the Holly Grape, but it is more commonly known as the Oregon Grape. A
rather prostrate growth form accounts for a third common name; namely,
Creeping Barberry.
This plant is found sparingly scattered over the areas and is probably
more abundant in Zion than in Bryce Canyon or Cedar Breaks. The fruit
looks very much like a cluster of grapes and is often gathered for the
making of jellies or wine. The woody stems were used by the Indians in
making a yellow dye.
The plants are helpful in holding the soil, as they spread close to the
ground.
[Illustration: Oregon Grape]
23. FREMONT BARBERRY Barberry Family
_Berberis fremontii_
This rather tall shrub of the Sonoran Zones puts on a remarkable display
in April and May with its bright yellow flowers. It is most commonly
seen along the highway leading to Zion National Park from the west.
Since the plant is a secondary host of the Blackstem Rust of cereals, it
is not cultivated as an ornamental shrub.
Indians used the wood of this shrub for various implements or tools.
They utilized the root, which contains berberine, for a tonic, and they
also made from it a brilliant-yellow dye.
[Illustration: Fremont Barberry]
24. ELK THISTLE Sunflower Family
_Cirsium foliosum_
This Thistle is widely scattered in these areas but is not very
abundant. It is a stout plant, 2 to 3 feet tall, with large, prickly
leaves. Its freshly budding flowers in deep pink are very attractive
during the early summer. Hummingbirds and numerous insects gather food
from its colorful flower head made up of many individual flowers. Some
Thistles are very obnoxious and detrimental to agriculture.
[Illustration: Elk Thistle]
25. CONEFLOWER Sunflower Family
_Rudbeckia occidentalis_
At Cedar Breaks and in the high elevations of Zion and Bryce Canyon you
can find this rank-growing plant in fair abundance. Its thimblelike,
dark-brown flower head has numerous, inconspicuously small, yellow
flowers that come out progressively up the cone from its base. The
dark-brown cones, towering above the foliage of the plant, make a
spectacular display against the deep-blue sky. The ripened seeds are
very much sought after by rodents and numerous birds.
[Illustration: Coneflower]
26. DESERT PRINCESPLUME Mustard Family
_Stanleya pinnata_
During the months of May and June this very conspicuous plant in Zion
Canyon and throughout the Sonoran Zones may be found sending up its tall
spikes of lemon-yellow flowers. On the same stalk can be found the
ripened and opened seed pods (siliques), fresh-blooming flowers and
unopened buds all at the same time. It has tall, stout stems, rather
woody at the base, and differs from many plants in that it is tolerant
of soils containing gypsum.
[Illustration: Desert Princesplume]
27. STONECROP Stonecrop Family
_Sedum stenopetalum_
Found mostly in very dry, rocky soil, these small plants, with smooth,
fleshy leaves and starry-yellow flowers, are fairly conspicuous as they
bloom during the early summer months. These plants have the ability to
store up moisture in their fleshy leaves and stems. They are, therefore,
well adapted to withstanding long periods of drouth. The plants are
sometimes gathered for treatment of certain ailments.
[Illustration: Stonecrop]
28. PRICKLYPOPPY Poppy Family
_Argemone platyceras_
You can find this plant, with its large, white flowers, most frequently
along the road cuts or in abandoned fields where it has taken over as a
weed. Its showy display is most abundant during midsummer or in July and
August. The large, white flower, with its conspicuous yellow center, is
sometimes called “The Cowboy’s Fried Egg.” The prickly leaves and stems
account for another common name, Thistlepoppy. The plants are drought
resistant and unpalatable to livestock. The seeds contain a narcotic
drug more potent than opium.
[Illustration: Pricklypoppy]
29. ROCKY MOUNTAIN BEEPLANT Caper Family
_Cleome serrulata_
Along the roadsides of Southern Utah near these areas of Zion, Bryce
Canyon and Cedar Breaks you may find this pleasing floral display of
orchid or purple presented by fields of the Rocky Mountain Beeplant.
It is probably an exotic that has been brought in during recent years.
Because of the unpleasant odor of crushed herbage, this plant is
sometimes called skunk weed. The flowers are an important source of
honey, and the seeds are eaten by a number of birds, especially the
doves.
[Illustration: Rocky Mountain Beeplant]
30. YELLOW SPIDERFLOWER Caper Family
_Cleome lutea_
The plants of this genus are often called Beeplants. There are two
species of Spiderflower in these areas. Yellow Spiderflower is not quite
as common as the purplish-pink species commonly known as the Rocky
Mountain Beeplant.
Both species are conspicuous roadside flowers in June and July. Although
they are important sources of honey, they are not very sweet scented to
humans. No doubt the odor helps attract insects to the flowers.
[Illustration: Yellow Spiderflower]
31. ELDER Honeysuckle Family
_Sambucus racemosa_
This red-berried Elder is found the most abundantly at Cedar Breaks. It
is also common along the highways through forested areas of the region.
The clusters of small white flowers that come on usually in June or July
give way to bright-red berries in August and present a most attractive
display.
Most Elders are edible and are eaten by birds and rodents. Some people
gather the berries for wines and jellies. This species, however, is
considered poisonous, and cases of poisoning have been reported from
eating the berries, flowers, roots and bark.
The stalks of some Elders are pithy and fairly easily hollowed out.
Indians used the stalks for making flutes.
[Illustration: Elder]
32. LITTLELEAF MOUNTAINMAHOGANY Rose Family
_Cercocarpus intricatus_
This low-growing shrub is fairly important as winter browse for deer and
other browsing animals. The leathery leaves are evergreen, rather
narrow, pointed at both ends and curled backwards from the sides. The
flowers are very small and inconspicuous, but the fruits, with their
long plumes, present an interesting display. The dead wood of this shrub
is very useful to campers, as it burns with extremely hot flame and
gives off very little smoke.
[Illustration: Littleleaf Mountainmahagony]
33. STANSBURY CLIFFROSE Rose Family
_Cowania stansburiana_
In Zion this shrub is usually found at elevations above 4,000 feet, and
it generally grows to be 6 to 8 feet high. During May and June its
creamy-white flowers are suggestive of the Wild Rose. The habitat of the
Cliffrose is the warm, dry slopes among the Pinyon and Juniper. Its
twigs and evergreen leaves are browsed extensively by deer and other
animals. The fragrance of this plant in bloom is remarkable and reminds
one of Orange blossoms. The fruits are achenes and have pale,
silky-haired tails 2 or more inches in length, which at times are very
showy.
[Illustration: Stansbury Cliffrose]
34. ANTELOPE BITTERBRUSH Rose Family
_Purshia tridentata_
This shrub looks much like the Cliffrose, except for size. It is lower
growing, has smaller pale-yellow flowers and its fruits are not plumed.
The stubby, fan-shaped leaves are three pointed like those of the Big
Sagebrush.
Bitterbrush is found most commonly on the warm, dry slopes above 4,000
feet, where it provides valuable year-round browse for deer and other
animals. It is also known as Antelopebrush and Quininebush.
[Illustration: Antelope Bitterbrush]
35. BLACKBRUSH Rose Family
_Colegyne ramosissima_
A member of the Rose Family found mostly in the Sonoran Zones of Zion
National Park. Several plants may be seen near the South Entrance
Station. It is well named, as it has a burned and dead appearance during
much of the year; however in late April and May it puts out minute
grey-green leaves and creamy-yellow flowers made up of four sepals and
no petals. The stamens are numerous. The Cliffrose, Bitterbrush and
Mountain-mahogany are closely related to the Blackbrush.
[Illustration: Blackbrush]
36. BUSH CINQUEFOIL Rose Family
_Potentilla fruticosa_
Found most commonly at Cedar Breaks, this member of the Rose Family puts
on a very showy display for a brief period of the summer, generally in
July or earlier at lower elevations. It is a shrub commonly 2 to 3 feet
high with leaves that are five-parted, hence the name Cinquefoil. The
shrub is often dotted all over with rose-like flowers, about an inch
across, with clear-yellow petals and deeper yellow anthers. The plant is
common in the mountains, across the continent, up to altitudes of 10,000
feet or more.
[Illustration: Bush Cinquefoil]
37. PRAIRIESMOKE Rose Family
_Geum triflorum var. ciliatum_
This graceful plant, with its nodding, bell-shaped, pink-colored
flowers, is found fairly abundantly in the alpine meadows of Cedar
Breaks National Monument.
The plant has a number of common names such as: China Bells,
Oldman-Whiskers, and Grandfather’s-beard. The silvery, plumose tails of
the fruit present an attractive display, especially as the sun’s rays
light the waving plumes in late afternoon or early morning.
Prairiesmoke plants are considered good forage for several animals, and
the bumblebees gather its pollen for honey.
[Illustration: Prairiesmoke]
38. WILD ROSE Rose Family
_Rosa sp._
There are two species of the Wild Rose in Zion and two other species in
Bryce Canyon, three of which are found at Cedar Breaks National
Monument.
Wild Roses are widely distributed in the northern hemisphere and are too
familiar to need much description. The flowers are fairly fragrant and
have bright-pink petals with a large cluster of yellow stamens. The
fruit of the rose, shaped like a small apple, turns a deep-red color
late in the season and adds beauty to this plant during autumn.
[Illustration: Wild Rose]
39. SERVICEBERRY Rose Family
_Amelanchier alnifolia_
One of the very early blooming shrubs or small trees in Zion Canyon, and
often seen in March or April as conspicuous white masses on the canyon
walls among the Pinyon and Juniper trees, is the Serviceberry.
The white flowers occur in clusters and look much like a fruit tree in
bloom. The berry is shaped like a very small apple, insipid to the
taste, but nevertheless used extensively by the Indians and early
settlers for food. The plant has a variety of common names, including
the following: Juneberry, Shadbush, Saskatoon, Sarviceberry and
Pigeonberry.
[Illustration: Serviceberry]
40. CHOKECHERRY Rose Family
_Prunus virginiana_
Chokecherry bushes or small trees are fairly common at elevations around
6,000 feet in these areas. Early in May, and sometimes even earlier, the
white and fragrant blossoms present a pleasing sight. In July or August
the ripened cherries supply food for humans, many birds and small
animals.
The first autumn colors are often the Chokecherry leaves as they turn
scarlet, brown and red.
These shrubs are browsed heavily by cattle and some by deer, especially
if other forage is scarce.
[Illustration: Chokecherry]
41. HONEY MESQUITE Pea Family
_Prosopis juliflora_
A low-growing tree of the Lower Sonoran Zone. Uncommon in Zion but
fairly abundant in the desert area adjacent to the park. In early spring
during March and April bright-green leaves cover the tree, and often it
is laden with catkinlike clusters of greenish-yellow flowers, which
attract myriads of insects including the honey bees.
The wood of this tree was used extensively by early settlers for fuel,
building corrals and in making furniture and utensils. The fruit of the
Mesquite, resembling a string bean, is used for food by many animals.
Indians also made wide use of it by grinding the beans into a meal
called “Pinole.”
[Illustration: Honey Mesquite]
42. LUPINE Pea Family
_Lupinus sp._
There are so many varieties of Lupine that it is most difficult to
identify the numerous species. In this area they are found abundantly on
the high plateaus, being especially plentiful at Cedar Breaks, where
they fill whole meadows with a mass of blue color in midsummer.
The Lupines range in color from pale pink to deep purple, with some
white, cream or yellow, but most of them are blue. Like other plants of
the Pea Family, Lupines add nitrogen to the soil and thereby improve the
land on which they grow. The seeds of a few species contain alkaloids
which are poisonous to livestock, especially sheep.
[Illustration: Lupine]
43. LOCO Pea Family
_Astragalus sp._
This very large genus of plants ranges from the hottest parts of the
desert to high mountain peaks and far to the North. More than a dozen
species are found in the Zion Region.
Some of the species contain a poisonous constituent causing, the often
fatal, loco disease of livestock, particularly in horses.
Loco is a Spanish word meaning “Crazy.” Other species known as
Poisonvetch, prefer soils rich in selenium, and take up enough of that
toxic mineral to make them poisonous to livestock, especially sheep. The
harmless species are called Milkvetch.
Nearly all the species are colorful and spectacular when in blossom, but
some of them have a rank, disagreeable odor.
[Illustration: Loco]
44. POISONVETCH Pea Family
_Astragalus sabulonum_
This showy species of Astragalus is locally called Rattleweed because,
when it is in fruit, its large, bladder-like, thin-walled pods become
very brittle and give a distinct rattling sound when shaken. The pods
are about one and a half inches long and heavily mottled reddish-brown
in color.
The genus of Astragalus has been divided into three groups: Loco,
Milkvetch and Poisonvetch. The species poisonous to livestock are
commonly called Loco Weeds.
[Illustration: Poisonvetch]
45. NEW MEXICO LOCUST Pea Family
_Robinia neomexicana_
This shrub or small tree is fairly common in Zion Canyon. It was
probably brought in by the early settlers. Its large, showy flower grows
in clusters at the ends of slender branches. The blooming season is
during May and June.
The tree is very thorny and has the habit of sprouting from roots or
stumps and of forming dense thickets which are valuable in controlling
erosion. The foliage serves as food for browsing animals, especially the
deer.
[Illustration: New Mexico Locust]
46. DESERTBEAUTY DALEA Pea Family
_Dalea johnsoni_
Sometimes confused with the Desert Sage or more commonly called the
Purple Sage, which it resembles to some extent, this small shrub with
light-gray bark, small, gray-green leaves and terminal spikes of
brilliant-purple flowers is one of the most pleasing sights in early
summer.
In Zion it is found mostly in the Coalpits Wash and Shunes Creek areas
and blooms generally during May. Desertbeauty is a close relative of the
“Smoke Tree” of the Desert.
[Illustration: Desertbeauty Dalea]
47. FREMONT GERANIUM Geranium Family
_Geranium fremontii_
This beautiful, midsummer-blooming plant, growing about two feet high,
is common on the plateaus and in the cool canyons.
The pink, veined petals, deeply lobed leaves and characteristic geranium
odor help identify this plant. Some species have white flowers, but they
are not common in this area. The flowers are perfect with five sepals,
five petals, and five to ten stamens. The fruit is a long capsule and
has given rise to the common name Cranesbill.
Cultivated Geraniums are really Pelargoniums from South Africa.
[Illustration: Fremont Geranium]
48. ALFILERIA Geranium Family
_Erodium cicutarium_
This low-growing plant, spreading close to the ground, with its finely
divided leaves and small, starry-pink flowers, puts on a remarkable
display in the open meadows of the large canyons. It is one of the
earliest blooming species in Zion Canyon, and in seasons of abundant
rain it often presents the appearance of a pale-purple lawn.
On ripening, the seed capsules split open and shoot out the seeds—each
with a tiny hook in its nose and a tail with successive tight coils like
a corkscrew. The seed is apparently screwed into the ground by
alternating moisture and dryness which winds and unwinds the seed plume.
[Illustration: Alfileria]
49. LEWIS FLAX Flax Family
_Linum lewisii_
Here in Zion during May and June, growing along the trails on the
plateaus and in cool canyons, you will find the beautiful and delicate
blue flowers of the Wild Flax. The flower is nearly an inch across and
has five sepals and five petals borne at the top of a slender stem
having narrow leaves. At Bryce Canyon this plant is more abundant than
at Zion or Cedar Breaks.
Wild Flax was named in honor of Captain Meriwether Lewis, who first
discovered it, near the continental divide, during the famed Lewis and
Clark expedition of 1804-1806.
[Illustration: Lewis Flax]
50. CREOSOTEBUSH Caltrop Family
_Larrea tridentata_
Probably the most characteristic shrub of the arid valleys and mesas of
the Southwest is the Creosotebush, which is sometimes erroneously called
Greasewood.
At times this plant fills the air with a peculiar pungent aroma that
gives rise to the common name Creosotebush. Mexicans call it
“Hediondilla” the (Little Bad Smeller.)
A sticky resin on the leaves is used as a poultice for bruises and
sores. A resinous gum or lac deposited by scale insects on the branches
is used by the Indians as a cement for fixing arrow points and mending
of pottery.
[Illustration: Creosotebush]
51. WHITEMARGIN EUPHORBIA Spurge Family
_Euphorbia albomarginata_
This low-growing plant with abundant small, round or oval leaves and
tiny white flowers is commonly called Carpetweed because of the manner
in which it spreads over the ground.
Found mostly in the dry sandy soils, this plant serves as an excellent
soil binder and is very helpful in preventing erosion.
The milky juice of this species is considered toxic and may cause
dermatitis in susceptible persons. It is also known as Rattlesnake Feed
and popularly supposed to be efficacious in treating snake bite.
[Illustration: Whitemargin Euphorbia]
52. SCARLET GLOBEMALLOW Mallow Family
_Sphaeralcea coccinea_
Very commonly found along the roadsides and especially prominent in the
campgrounds or other disturbed areas. This member of the Mallow Family
presents a lovely coral-red display as early as May, and it continues
blooming throughout much of the summer.
Cotton belongs to this large and important family, which also contains
such ornamental plants as the Hollyhock. Extensive fields of this flower
present brilliant displays of orange.
[Illustration: Scarlet Globemallow]
53. DESERT GLOBEMALLOW Mallow Family
_Sphaeralcea ambigua_
Found most commonly along the roads and trails, this member of the
Mallow Family is known by a variety of common names such as: Rose of
Sharon, False Mallow and Wild Hollyhock. It generally blooms in late
summer, especially in the Cedar Breaks region. The plants sometimes grow
to be 4 to 5 feet tall and have a great profusion of pink-colored
flowers, really a very colorful and attractive display.
[Illustration: Desert Globemallow]
54. FIREWEED Evening-primrose Family
_Epilobium angustifolium_
This tall, willowy plant, called Fireweed, is frequently the first plant
to come in after a forest fire. Its colorful bloom gives new life to the
blackened ground. Fireweed is one of the world’s most widely
disseminated wild flowers, being found throughout much of northern North
America, Europe and parts of Asia. Its seeds are scattered by the wind.
In these areas it is found mostly on the high plateaus.
[Illustration: Fireweed]
55. WOODLAND PINEDROPS Indian Pipe Family
_Pterospora andromedea_
In the rich soil of the Ponderosa Pine forest of the high plateaus you
may occasionally see this peculiar plant called Pinedrops. It has a
single reddish-brown stalk (no green parts at all) about a foot or two
high, apparently without leaves (they are mere scales), and numerous
round or bell-shaped blossoms or seed pods hanging from short stems. The
stalk is generally sticky with a material much like the pitch of the
pine trees. It is a parasite that lives on the roots of pine trees.
[Illustration: Woodland Pinedrops]
56. YELLOW VIOLET Violet Family
_Viola praemorsa_
There are five different species of Violets in Zion, two of them with
yellow flowers and the others with white or purple. They are found
blooming in May or June on the high plateaus or sometimes later in the
wet meadows of Cedar Breaks or in shady canyons. Violets are closely
related to the cultivated Pansies. The flowers are irregular, as one
petal has a saclike spur which contains nectar. They have five sepals,
five petals and five stamens. This species is found most commonly in the
shady forest, while the purple and white species are more common in the
very moist and cool areas of the shady canyons.
[Illustration: Yellow Violet]
57. DESERT BLAZINGSTAR Loasa Family
_Mentzelia multiflora_
Blazingstars, sometimes called “Stickleaf” because of their rough, hairy
leaves, are plants well suited to the drought conditions of this area,
as they adapt well to dry, rocky soil. They are often found in roadside
cuts or other newly disturbed soils and are found blooming usually in
July and August. They are conspicuous with their yellow flowers
consisting of five long petals and a large number of stamens almost as
long as the petals that attract the eye as they blaze forth in the
bright sunlight of midsummer. These plants are found mostly in the
Transition Zone.
[Illustration: Desert Blazingstar]
58. A HEDGEHOG CACTUS Cactus Family
_Echinocereus coccineus_
This family is well represented in Zion, where ten prominent species are
found, six of which are illustrated in this booklet. This species is
sometimes called the Cucumber Cactus. It is found blooming in bright-red
clumps as early as April or on occasion in March when the winters are
not severe. Its favorite habitat appears to be the rocky slopes of the
lava fields below 5,000 feet.
As cactus flowers mature into fruit, they form bulb-like bodies called
tunas. The fruits of this species are about an inch or more in diameter
and serve as important food for many rodents.
[Illustration: A Hedgehog Cactus]
59. PURPLETORCH CACTUS Cactus Family
_Echinocereus engelmannii_
Found mostly on the rocky slopes in the Lower Sonoran Zone, this cactus
is fairly common and distinguished chiefly by its waxy and brilliantly
colored purple flowers. The stems of this species are similar to those
of the Cucumber Cactus except for being generally taller. The fruits are
also similar, but the flowers differ as they are much larger and bright
purple instead of red in color. They bloom generally during the month of
May.
[Illustration: Purple Torch Cactus]
60. A PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS Cactus Family
_Opuntia rhodantha_
The most common cactus in Zion is this species of the Prickly Pear. It
is found in a great variety of habitats, even at the higher elevations.
The flowers, large and spectacular in various shades of red, salmon or
yellow, bloom late in May to July. Because of its long blooming season,
this species is more often found in flower than any other cactus in the
park. Its pear-shaped fruit, red to purple in color, is eaten by many
animals as well as by the native peoples.
[Illustration: A Prickly Pear Cactus]
61. BEAVERTAIL CACTUS Cactus Family
_Opuntia basilaris_
One species of cactus that at first sight does not seem to be a cactus
is the Beavertail, for it is lacking the long spines characteristic of
most cacti. Upon close examination, however, you will find that it is
protected by numerous, fine spines. The name of this species is derived
from its flat stems shaped somewhat like a small beaver’s tail. The
conspicuous magenta flowers mark this species as one of the most
beautiful in the park. The fruit of this species is important as animal
food, especially for chipmunks and ground squirrels.
[Illustration: Beavertail Cactus]
62. BUCKHORN CHOLLA CACTUS Cactus Family
_Opuntia acanthocarpa_
The Cholla (pronounced Choya) Cactus is the only “tree” cactus found in
Zion. It is fairly common in the Lower Sonoran Zone, especially in
Coalpits Wash. Strangely enough this plant is a favorite nesting place
of some desert birds, including sparrows, wrens and finches. The
spreading branches seem to reach out and grab the careless hiker, and
the barbed spines stick so fast in the flesh that the joint of the plant
is separated from the main stem before the spines can be withdrawn.
Cholla blossoms come in many shades of color with the accent on yellows
and reds.
[Illustration: Buckhorn Cholla Cactus]
63. ENGLEMANN PRICKLYPEAR CACTUS Cactus Family
_Opuntia engelmannii_
As one of the largest of the flat-jointed or Pricklypear Cacti of Zion,
this species is fairly abundant in Zion Canyon and is probably the most
frequently observed species because of its dense growth in certain
habitats and its fairly immense size as well as its colorful display of
blossoms. It is locally called Elephant Ear Cactus. In June in produces
large yellow flowers, very waxy in texture.
(See Figure 64 for information concerning the fruit of this cactus.)
[Illustration: Engelmann Pricklypear Cactus]
64. CACTUS FRUIT Cactus Family
_Opuntia engelmannii_
The fruit of the Engelmann Pricklypear Cactus is similar to the fruits
of many other species of cacti; it is conspicuous, being deep red in
color and about the size of a large Crab Apple. It is called Tuna or
locally “Cactus Apple” and ripens as early as June but more abundantly
during July.
Indians of the Southwest use this fruit as an important item of their
diet. Many people living in the desert have come to learn that this
cactus fruit makes excellent jellies and candies. It is also feasted
upon by several rodents, especially the Antelope Ground Squirrel.
[Illustration: Cactus Fruit]
65. ROUNDLEAF BUFFALOBERRY Oleaster Family
_Shepherdia rotundifolia_
A low, evergreen shrub with small, oval leaves that appear to have been
painted with a thin coat of aluminum paint through which the green shows
faintly. It is most common in the Upper Sonoran Zone and may be found
along the Canyon Overlook and Emerald Pool Trails in Zion National Park.
The pale-yellow flowers, not much over ¼ inch across, are often hidden
by the leaves. They bloom early in April or sometimes in March. The
fruit of a similar shrub has a tart berry that was gathered by the early
pioneers and used as a sauce on Buffalo steaks, hence the name
Buffaloberry.
[Illustration: Roundleaf Buffaloberry]
66. WHITE EVENING-PRIMROSE Evening-primrose Family
_Oenothera caespitosa_
This member of the Evening-primrose Family, with its fragrant, large
white flowers, bloom early in the evening and lasts only a few hours the
next day, as it turns pink and wilts.
The flowers grow close to the ground on stemless plants. They have long,
slender and hairy calyx tubes that resemble stems. This plant is found
mostly in very rocky and dry habitats, which are often devoid of all
other plants.
[Illustration: White Evening-primrose]
67. YELLOW EVENING-PRIMROSE Evening-primrose Family
_Oenothera strigosa_
You will find this plant most commonly in the road cuts or in places
where the soil has been disturbed. This species and other members of
this family have very showy flowers with four broad, thin petals.
Generally they bloom at night but sometimes in the daytime if growing in
deep shade.
The Evening-primroses are among the comparatively few flowers blooming
in Zion Canyon during the heat of midsummer, and many of them are
usually found on sandy or rocky soil in the Upper Sonoran Zone.
[Illustration: Yellow Evening-primrose]
68. PORTER LIGUSTICUM Parsley Family
_Ligusticum porteri_
Locally called “Wild Parsley,” this fairly tall plant, with its fernlike
leaves, is very common at Cedar Breaks National Monument. It grows at
very high elevations. Other plants in this family, useful as food, are
the carrot, parsnip, dill and anise. However, one member of the family,
the Water Hemlock, is very poisonous.
[Illustration: Porter Ligusticum]
69. GREENLEAF MANZANITA Heath Family
_Arctostaphylos patula_
Many people are attracted to this plant by its bright mahogany-red bark.
Its oval-shaped leaves are a bright green throughout the year. The
flowers grow in clusters and sometimes are very numerous on the shrub.
The fruit resembles a tiny apple, and the name Manzanita is Spanish for
“Little Apple.” Indians use the berries for food and for making a
pleasant, sour drink.
[Illustration: Greenleaf Manzanita]
70. GREEN GENTIAN Gentian Family
_Frasera speciosa_
Found in the open meadows of the Cedar Breaks highlands and on the high
plateaus of Zion and Bryce Canyon. The tall stalks, with their
intermixture of pale-green leaves and similarly colored flowers, present
a rather conspicuous sight as they tower to heights of 5 feet. The
flowers have four sepals and four petals and nectar glands that attract
many insects. The petals are flecked with brown and purple.
[Illustration: Green Gentian]
71. PARRY PRIMROSE Primrose Family
_Primula parryi_
This outstanding member of the Primrose Family is found only at high
elevations, generally above 10,000 feet. In this region it grows fairly
abundantly on Brian Head Peak but is found sparingly at Cedar Breaks.
Its brilliant display of rose-red flowers is a remarkable and rewarding
sight for those who gain the high places and see this alpine beauty. The
smooth, thick leaves, which are quite long, all grow in a rosette at the
base of the plant. The fragrance of this flower is disappointing, for it
does not match its splendid color.
[Illustration: Parry Primrose]
72. INDIANPOTATO Parsnip Family
_Orogenia linearifolia_
As the snow melts on the plateaus, at elevations above 7,000 feet, you
may find one of the very first flowers of spring. This member of the
Parsnip Family often carpets the alpine meadows with a mass of tiny
white flowers never more than an inch or two high.
The root bulb was eaten by the Indians and gives rise to the common name
Indianpotato. Another common name is Salt and Pepper Plant because of
the speckled appearance of the flowers.
The blooming period of this plant is very brief, and soon after the
flowers have faded the leaves disappear and the plant lies dormant
during most of the year.
[Illustration: Indianpotato]
73. SHOOTINGSTAR Primrose Family
_Dodecatheon pauciflorum_
Shootingstars are one of the early blooming flowers in the alpine
meadows of Cedar Breaks and on the high plateaus. They also come on very
early in the moist canyons of Zion. Along with the Columbine and
Monkeyflower they are the predominant plants of the Hanging Gardens
found on many of the Canyon Walls.
The basal leaves spread close to the ground, while the flowers in a
variety of colors, white, pink or purple grow on stems 6 to 8 inches
high. The down-pointed stamens of the flower center and the reflexed or
turned-back petals gives the flower its common name Shootingstar.
[Illustration: Shootingstar]
74. FRINGED GENTIAN Gentian Family
_Gentiana thermalis_
One of the most beautiful of all mountain flowers, the Fringed Gentian
is commonly found in the moist meadows of Cedar Breaks at elevations
near or above 10,500 feet. The flower stalks are generally 6 to 10
inches tall, and each bears a handsome flower about two inches long with
four fringed petals. At times the Fringed Gentian carpets the alpine
meadows with a waving mass of deep-blue color. This species is the Park
Flower of Yellowstone National Park.
[Illustration: Fringed Gentian]
75. BUTTERFLY MILKWEED Milkweed Family
_Asclepias tuberosa_