#speedwell

The speedwell symbolizes loyalty, fidelity, and faithful friendship, frequently gifted to express heartfelt devotion or wishing someone a safe journey.

Germander Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys) 1846 by Margaret Rebecca Dickinson (1821-1918). Collected near Ponteland, Northumberland.

Watercolour.

jstor.org

NPS Photo of spotted coralroot, June 2026.

Wildflowers in the forests of Mount Rainier are not flashy compared to the subalpine wildflower meadows. Often forest wildflowers are smaller, grow alone or in small clusters, and at first glance may seem drab. Look closer! There are a variety of colors, patterns, and unique structures to be found in forest wildflowers. Wildflowers observed blooming in the past couple weeks include the tiny, blue-striped flowers of thyme-leaf speedwell, the lace-like green flowers of leafy mitrewort, the magenta-dotted petals of spotted coralroot, and the aptly named starflower.

What wildflowers are you finding in Mount Rainier National Park?

NPS Photos of leafy mitrewort (left) and starflower (right), May 2026.

Remember, please stay on trails to avoid trampling wildflowers just starting to grow!

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