Mountains 7,500'+ Native Plants
- 5 days ago
- 1 min read
Colorado’s mountainous region is home to immense beauty, but can be quite limited. The summer season is short and life in the rockies is harsh. Plants are exposed to cool nights, harsh sunlight, and high winds. The soils they in are nutritionally low, well draining, and get more precipitation than other Colorado plants. These plants, while their season is short, can be remarkably beautiful.
Common Name | Scientific Name | Mature Size | Water | Exposure | Wildlife Value |
Black Eyed Susan | Rudbeckia hirta | 24” x 12” | low | sun/part shade | Bee, butterfly, birds, native pollinator |
Silvery Lupine | Lupinus argenteus | 24” x 12” | low-med | sun/part shade | Bee, butterfly, hummingbird |
Wallflower | Erysimum Capitatum | 18” x 18” | low | sun/part shade | Bee, butterfly |
Boulder Raspberry | Rubus (Oreobatus) deliciosus | 4’ x 4’ | low | sun/part shade | Native pollinator, bee, butterfly, bird |
Quaking Aspen | Populus tremuloides | 60’ x 25’ | medium | sun | Shelter and birds |
Junegrass | Koeleria macrantha | 18” x 18” | low | sun | Birds |
Rocky Mountain Penstemon | Penstemon strictus | 30” x 24” | low | sun/part sun | Native pollinators, bees, butterflies, hummingbirds |
This list was created with resources from the Xerces Society, the Colorado Native Plant Society, and the Biota of North America Project. Check out their websites for even more plant recommendations!
Crested Butte wildfowers, Rocky Mountain Penstemon, and Black-Eyed Susan photos by Anna-Gray Anderson
