National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preservehiking on cinders
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve
Wildflowers
Rabbitbrush

Rubber Rabbitbrush

Despite the seemingly barren nature of the cinder cones and lava fields, spectacular floral displays occur at Craters of the Moon each spring. Starting with the arrival of the wild onion in late April and ending with the disappearance of the yellow blossoms of the rabbitbrush in September, some variety of wildflower can be found blooming within the monument's boundaries. The ability to grow in this harsh environment means overcoming a lack of moisture, meager soil, and surface temperatures that exceed 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Many of the unusual characteristics of the wildflowers are adaptations for survival.
 
Blazing Star flower
Night blooming Blazing Star flowers.
 

Current Status

The night blooming blazing star is now showing nightly. The yellow flowes of the rubber rabbitbrush are also visible throughout the park.

President Calvin Coolidge  

Did You Know?
"a weird and scenic landscape peculiar to itself" is how President Calvin Coolidge described Craters of the Moon when he established this National Monument in 1924. Craters of the Moon is perhaps the only officially "weird" park in the National Park System.

Last Updated: September 08, 2009 at 17:08 EST