#oregon-grape

Spring is creeping up the mountain! Snow still wraps the mid-to-high elevations of the park, but at low elevations early season wildflowers are beginning to bloom. Look for coltsfoot, trillium, yellow violets, and skunk cabbage along the road between the Nisqually Entrance and Longmire. Holly-leaf Oregon-grape (Berberis aquifolium) is less common, but you can find it blooming in a few low elevation areas in the park, including at Longmire. The lovely patch pictured here is located in a planted island near the Nisqually Entrance, visible as you drive in and out of the park. Holly-leaf Oregon-grape has shiny dark green leaves with spiny edges similar to its namesake. Its bright yellow flowers form large clusters at the end of each branch. What early season wildflowers are you beginning to see at home or in the park?

For updates on what’s blooming where visit https://go.nps.gov/RainierWildflower

Unfamiliar with Mount Rainier’s wildflower species? Check out the wildflower guide at https://go.nps.gov/RainierWildflowerGuide

Weekly Wildflower There are two species of Oregon-grape in the park, and both are currently blooming! Cascade Oregon-grape (Berberis nervosa) is common at low elevations, while holly-leaf Oregon-grape (Berberis aquifolium) is rare. Both species are found around Longmire. Cascade Oregon-grape is short, and each leaf has 11-19 leaflets. Holly-leaf Oregon-grape is a larger shrub, with 5-9 spiny, dark green leaflets per leaf. Both species have clusters of bright yellow flowers.

Wildflower Updates: https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wildflower-status.htm