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Bandelier National MonumentApache Plume
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Bandelier National Monument
Plants
 
Cholla cactus
NPS Photo by Sally King
Cane or walking stick cholla not only produce beautiful flowers in early summer but also provided an important food source for Ancestral Pueblo people.

The range of elevations in Bandelier's landscape of mesas and canyons creates a diversity of ecosystems, populated by numerous species of plants. Water, most in the form of winter snow or late summer afternoon thunderstorms, is a major key to the survival of these plants. A wet season or a series of wet seasons can spur the growth of plants not seen for years or even decades. Cyclic fire, browsing by wildlife, and insect infestations are some other factors that affect the range and variety of plant species in an area.

 
Wild Iris
Identify Bandelier's Blooming Plants
Photos and Descriptions
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Aspen fall color  

Did You Know?
All the aspens in a cluster will change colors at approximately the same time. That's because in a grouping of aspens, most are clones that grew as root sprouts from the original plant.

Last Updated: September 04, 2007 at 12:42 EST