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Florissant Fossil Beds National MonumentFlower fossil
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Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Plants
 
Nature and Science

J Dillon

Parry oatgrass is commonly found in the Ponderosa pine forest.

The word "Florissant" is actually a French word meaning "flowering" or "blooming." Although the valley was actually named after Florissant, Missouri by an early settler, the name is fitting in that the summers often bring blankets of beautiful wildflowers into the mountain meadows and forests.

With a mixture of forests and meadows, shrubs and wildflowers, Florissant provides wonderful opportunities to experience and learn about Montane ecosystems.

See Vegetation Map
illustration of rhinocerous-like mammal  

Did You Know?
Fossil remains of a brontothere, a rhinocerous-like creature, have been found in the Florissant fossil beds.

Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:23 EST