30 Mountain Flowers You’ll Love Discovering on Your Next Hike

Mountain flowers add beauty and color to high-altitude landscapes. These hardy plants thrive in tough conditions, brightening rocky slopes and alpine meadows. You’ll find a wide variety of striking blooms adapted to life at elevation.

Many mountain flowers have unique features that help them survive in harsh environments. Some have fuzzy leaves to trap heat, while others grow low to the ground to avoid strong winds.

As you hike through mountain terrain, keep an eye out for these special wildflowers. Their vibrant petals and interesting shapes make for great photos and memories of your outdoor adventures.

1. Alpine Forget-Me-Not

The Alpine Forget-Me-Not is a charming mountain flower you’ll love to spot on your hikes. This small perennial plant grows in high alpine areas and rocky slopes.

You’ll recognize it by its tiny blue flowers with yellow centers. The blooms are about 1 cm wide and grow in clusters at the top of short stems.

Alpine Forget-Me-Nots usually reach heights of 10-30 cm. Their leaves are small and covered in fine hairs, giving the plant a soft, fuzzy look.

You can find these lovely flowers blooming from April to August in mountain regions. They’re tough little plants that can handle harsh alpine conditions.

In Alaska, the Alpine Forget-Me-Not holds a special place as the state flower. It was chosen to represent the state’s beauty and resilience.

2. Sky Pilot

Sky Pilot is a beautiful mountain flower you’ll love to spot on your hikes. It grows in high-altitude areas, often above 10,000 feet. You’ll find it in places like the Sierra Nevada in California.

This flower has a unique appearance. It features clusters of blue-violet blooms with bright orange-yellow stamens. The petals form a cone shape, creating a stunning display against rocky landscapes.

Sky Pilot has a strong, musky scent. Some hikers say it smells a bit like a skunk! This smell gives it the funny nickname “skunkweed.”

When you see Sky Pilot in full bloom, you’re in for a treat. Its vibrant colors and eye-catching shape make it a favorite among wildflower enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for this special plant on your next mountain adventure!

3. Yellow Avalanche Lily

The Yellow Avalanche Lily is a beautiful mountain flower you might spot in subalpine meadows. Its bright yellow blooms stand out against snowy landscapes, often appearing soon after the snow melts.

You’ll recognize this lily by its nodding yellow flowers and long, slender leaves. The plant grows up to 12 inches tall and usually has 1 to 3 flowers per stem.

These lilies are more than just pretty to look at. They’re an important food source for wildlife. Bears love to dig up their nutritious bulbs, while elk and deer enjoy munching on the leaves.

Native Americans also found the Yellow Avalanche Lily useful. They would harvest and cook the bulbs for food. The lilies were even mentioned by Meriwether Lewis during his famous expedition.

If you’re hiking in mountain areas, keep an eye out for these cheerful yellow flowers. They bloom quickly and don’t stick around for long, so timing is key to spotting them.

4. Mountain Bluebell

Mountain Bluebells are lovely flowers you might spot on your next hike. These pretty plants have bell-shaped blooms that nod gently in the breeze.

You’ll often see them in shades of blue, but sometimes they surprise you with pink or lilac hues. Their flowers grow in clusters, making a beautiful display against the mountain backdrop.

These plants can grow quite tall, reaching up to 3 feet in height. They prefer moist soil and do well in partly shady spots.

If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Mountain Bluebells in meadows or along streams. They add a splash of color to the alpine landscape from spring to summer.

Native Americans found uses for Mountain Bluebells beyond their beauty. They made tea from the roots to help with certain skin issues.

5. Glacier Lily

The glacier lily is a stunning mountain flower you’ll often spot in high alpine meadows. Its bright yellow blooms stand out against snowy landscapes in late spring and early summer.

You might know this flower by other names like yellow avalanche lily or dogtooth fawn lily. It has long, wavy green leaves that can grow up to 20 centimeters.

When you see a glacier lily, look for its drooping yellow petals and hanging white pistil. The flower stalk can reach 30 centimeters tall and usually bears 1-3 blossoms.

You’ll find these beauties carpeting mountain meadows as the snow melts. They thrive near retreating snowlines, adding splashes of cheerful color to the alpine scenery.

Next time you’re hiking in subalpine areas, keep an eye out for these lovely yellow flowers. They’re a sure sign that summer is on its way in the mountains!

6. Montane Clematis

Montane clematis is a beautiful flowering vine that can add charm to your garden. This plant, also known as Clematis montana, is perfect for climbing walls, fences, or trellises.

You’ll love the abundant flowers that bloom in spring. They come in shades of pink and white, creating a stunning display. The dark green leaves provide a nice backdrop for the blossoms.

Planting your montane clematis is easy. Choose a spot with full sun and cool, deep soil. Dig a hole big enough for the roots and add some compost. Water it well after planting.

Pruning is simple too. Wait until after the flowers fade in spring. Then trim away any dead or damaged stems. This helps keep your plant healthy and looking its best.

Montane clematis is a great choice for small gardens. It’s well-behaved and doesn’t grow too large. With proper care, you’ll enjoy its beauty for years to come.

7. Fireweed

Fireweed is a stunning mountain flower that will catch your eye with its vibrant pink blooms. You’ll often spot these tall, showy wildflowers along roadsides, streams, and forest edges.

This resilient plant gets its name from its ability to quickly grow in areas affected by fire. You might see fireweed carpeting entire meadows with its brilliant color, creating a breathtaking sight.

In your garden, fireweed can thrive in sunny or partly shaded spots. It grows up to 5 feet tall and spreads easily, so give it plenty of space. The plant prefers rich, well-drained soil and regular watering.

Fireweed isn’t just pretty – it’s also tough. It can grow in a wide range of conditions, from sea level all the way up to subalpine zones. Each plant can produce thousands of seeds, helping it spread rapidly.

8. False Hellebore

False hellebore is a striking mountain flower you might spot in wet areas. It has tall stems and large, pleated leaves that catch the eye.

This plant grows yellow-green star-shaped flowers in clusters. You’ll often find it near streams or in damp meadows in mountainous regions.

Be careful not to touch false hellebore. All parts of the plant are toxic if eaten. It’s best to admire this beauty from a safe distance.

Native Americans once used false hellebore in ceremonies. They thought it had magical properties.

When you’re hiking in the mountains, look for false hellebore’s distinctive tall stalks and broad leaves. Just remember to enjoy its unique appearance without getting too close.

9. Rosy Paintbrush

You’ll find the beautiful rosy paintbrush in high mountain meadows and slopes. This vibrant flower grows in the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest, often near or above the tree line.

The rosy paintbrush gets its name from its eye-catching pink to magenta color. You might see it in shades ranging from pale pink to deep fuchsia. It usually blooms from June to August.

These flowers grow in clusters at the top of stems that can reach up to 12 inches tall. You’ll often spot them growing in groups, creating colorful patches in alpine landscapes.

Rosy paintbrush is part of the broomrape family. It’s a unique plant because it’s a hemiparasite. This means it can make its own food but also takes nutrients from nearby plants.

When you’re hiking in subalpine or alpine areas, keep an eye out for this striking mountain flower. Its bright colors make it stand out against rocky backdrops and green meadows.

10. Alpine Speedwell

Alpine speedwell is a charming mountain flower you might spot on your hikes. This small plant grows close to the ground, with stems reaching 4-30 cm tall.

You’ll notice its leaves are opposite each other on the stem. They’re lance-shaped to oval and can be up to 3 cm long.

The flowers of alpine speedwell are a striking deep blue color. They form in clusters at the top of the stem. Each flower is tiny, measuring only 4-8 mm across.

Look closely and you’ll see the plant is covered in small hairs. These hairs give it a slightly fuzzy appearance.

Alpine speedwell thrives in mountain environments across Europe and Asia. It’s a tough little plant that can handle harsh alpine conditions.

11. Pasqueflower

You’ll love the charming pasqueflower, a mountain beauty that blooms in early spring. Its fuzzy, bell-shaped flowers come in shades of purple and blue, making it a delightful sight on the mountainside.

Pasqueflowers are tough plants that can handle harsh mountain conditions. They grow in rock gardens and scree beds, where their striking flowers and fluffy seed heads really stand out.

Did you know the pasqueflower is the state flower of South Dakota? It’s also called the May Day flower there. In Manitoba, Canada, a close relative is the provincial flower.

These plants are part of the Ranunculaceae family, which includes other popular flowers like delphiniums and clematis. Pasqueflowers form clumps and typically grow 8 to 12 inches tall and wide.

Be careful when handling pasqueflowers, as their sap can irritate your skin. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying their beauty in the mountains!

12. Snow Buttercup

Snow buttercup is a pretty alpine flower you might spot in the Rocky Mountains. It loves to grow near melting snow in high mountain meadows.

You’ll find these bright yellow blooms in Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada. They pop up as the snow starts to melt, adding cheerful color to the landscape.

The flowers sit atop short stems, usually no taller than 8 inches. Each plant has one or two large blossoms that stand out against the green grass.

Look closely at the leaves – they’re divided into narrow segments, giving them a delicate, feathery appearance. This unique leaf shape helps you identify snow buttercups.

These tough little plants thrive in harsh mountain conditions. They’re a welcome sight for hikers exploring alpine areas from late spring through summer.

13. Spotted Monkeyflower

Spotted monkeyflower is a charming mountain bloom you’ll love to spot on your hikes. This cheerful flower gets its name from its face-like appearance, which might remind you of a playful monkey.

You’ll find these flowers growing near streams and in moist, shady areas. They prefer cool, damp spots in the mountains.

The blooms are usually yellow with red or purple spots dotting the petals. Some varieties can be pink, red, or even blue. Their tubular shape is perfect for attracting hummingbirds and bees.

Spotted monkeyflowers are easy to grow in your garden if you have a shady, moist spot. They bloom from spring to fall, bringing color to your yard for months.

These flowers are tough and can handle light frost. In warmer areas, they might even stay green all year. With the right care, you can enjoy these cute “monkey faces” in your own backyard.

14. Western Columbine

Western Columbine is a beautiful mountain flower you’ll love to spot on your hikes. It grows 1 to 3 feet tall and has eye-catching red and yellow blooms.

The flowers hang down and have a unique shape. You’ll see red sepals and spurs with yellow petals peeking out. They look a bit like little lanterns swaying in the breeze.

This plant blooms from late spring to early summer. You can find it in Western North America, including Alaska. It grows well in mountain meadows and forest edges.

Western Columbine has pretty blue-green leaves that look like ferns. Butterflies and hummingbirds really like these flowers. They’re drawn to the bright colors and sweet nectar.

You might hear people call it Crimson Columbine too. It’s part of the buttercup family, which has lots of different flowers in it.

15. Small-Flowered Penstemon

You’ll spot Small-Flowered Penstemon along mountain paths and in open glades during summer hikes. This pretty wildflower grows 20-40 cm tall and blooms in late spring to early summer.

The blue-purple flowers appear in dense clusters at the stem tips. They have a unique shape that resembles tiny snapdragons. Bees and other pollinators love visiting these flowers for nectar and pollen.

Small-Flowered Penstemon does well in rocky or sandy areas at middle to high elevations. You’ll find it in the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. It spreads slowly through creeping woody stems.

This penstemon makes a great addition to rock gardens. Its compact size and pretty blooms fit nicely among stones and other alpine plants. With the right conditions, you can enjoy its charming flowers year after year in your mountain-inspired garden.

16. Bog Laurel

Bog laurel is a small mountain flower you might spot in wet areas. It’s a low-growing shrub that reaches about 8 inches tall.

You’ll find bog laurel in boggy spots, near lakes, and along streams. It has deep pink flowers that bloom in small clusters at the stem tips.

The leaves of bog laurel are small and grow opposite each other on the stem. They stay green all year round.

Be careful if you come across this pretty plant. Bog laurel is toxic to humans and animals. Its flowers and leaves contain poison.

Bees help pollinate bog laurel flowers. The blooms open in spring and summer, brightening up mountain wetlands.

While beautiful, it’s best to enjoy bog laurel from a distance. Take pictures, but don’t touch or eat any part of the plant.

17. Pygmy Bitterroot

You’ll find the pygmy bitterroot in high mountain areas across western North America. This tiny flower often grows less than an inch tall, making it easy to miss.

Look for its delicate pink or white petals with pale stripes. The pygmy bitterroot has long, thin leaves and white filaments that stand out against its colorful blooms.

You can spot this hardy plant in moist, rocky places like gravel beds and sandy meadows. It thrives in tough alpine conditions from Alaska down to California and New Mexico.

The pygmy bitterroot is part of the Lewisia family. Scientists first discovered it during the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1806. Its scientific name is Lewisia pygmaea, but you might also hear it called alpine lewisia.

18. Mountain Sorrel

Mountain sorrel is a tough little plant you might spot on your high-altitude hikes. It grows in dense tufts, reaching heights of 4 to 12 inches. You’ll notice its kidney-shaped leaves that feel a bit fleshy when touched.

The plant’s stems and leaf stalks often have a reddish tint. Its Greek name, Oxyria, means “sour” – a nod to the tangy taste of its leaves. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try a leaf or two for a zesty trail snack.

Mountain sorrel thrives in rocky areas and alpine meadows. You’ll find it growing from cracks in rocks or nestled in dry creek beds above 11,000 feet. Its flowers are small and numerous, appearing in crowded clusters of red and green.

This hardy plant is well-adapted to harsh mountain conditions. Its strong taproot helps it cling to steep slopes and withstand harsh winds. Keep an eye out for mountain sorrel on your next alpine adventure!

19. Bear Grass

Bear grass is a unique mountain flower that might trick you at first glance. Despite its name, it’s not actually a grass at all. It’s part of the lily family!

You’ll spot bear grass by its tall, thick stalks that can reach up to 5 feet high. The base forms a clump of long, thin leaves that look like grass.

At the top of the stalk, you’ll see a dense cluster of small white flowers. These blooms create a striking sight against the mountainside.

Bear grass is tough and can handle harsh mountain conditions. Native Americans have used its strong leaves to make baskets for centuries.

You might come across bear grass in subalpine meadows or forest clearings. It grows in the western parts of North America, from Alaska down to California.

20. White Mountain Avens

White Mountain Avens is a charming alpine flower you might spot on your mountain hikes. Its scientific name is Dryas octopetala, and it belongs to the rose family.

This small plant forms low-growing mats on rocky ground. You’ll notice its tiny, glossy leaves that look a bit like oak leaves.

The flowers are the real showstoppers. They have eight white petals, which is unusual for the rose family. Each bloom sits atop a leafless stalk.

You can find White Mountain Avens in arctic and alpine areas. It thrives in cold, harsh conditions where other plants struggle.

After flowering, the plant produces feathery seeds. These create an eye-catching display as they catch the sunlight.

If you’re lucky, you might see large colonies of White Mountain Avens. They can cover rocky slopes with their neat, green mats and pretty white flowers.

21. Alpine Dwarf Buttercup

The Alpine Dwarf Buttercup is a charming little flower you might spot in high mountain meadows. Its bright yellow petals shine like tiny suns against rocky slopes and snowy backdrops.

This tough plant grows close to the ground to survive harsh alpine conditions. You’ll often find it near melting snow patches, where it can get the water it needs.

The buttercup’s leaves are small and divided, helping it conserve energy in the thin mountain air. Its flowers are about the size of a penny, making them perfect for up-close admiration.

When you’re hiking in places like the Rocky Mountains, keep an eye out for these cheery blooms. They’re a sign that spring has arrived in the high country, even if there’s still snow around.

22. Cascade Azalea

Cascade Azalea is a stunning mountain flower you’ll love to spot on your hikes. This shrub grows up to 6 feet tall and thrives above 3,500 feet in elevation.

You’ll find it on open slopes and along meadow edges. Its white or pink flowers bloom in clusters, creating a beautiful display against the green foliage.

The flowers have a funnel shape with five lobes at the end. They appear on top of last year’s growth, tucked under the current year’s leaves.

Bees and butterflies are drawn to these flowers, helping with pollination. The plant prefers moist, well-drained acidic soil and partial shade.

If you want to grow Cascade Azalea at home, protect it from strong winds. Be careful not to overwater or over-fertilize, as it’s sensitive to both.

23. Sticky Polemonium

Sticky polemonium, also known as sky pilot, is a beautiful mountain flower you might spot on your alpine adventures. This eye-catching plant belongs to the phlox family and thrives in high-altitude environments.

You’ll recognize sticky polemonium by its deep blue flowers and finely divided leaves. The plant gets its name from the sticky, glandular hairs that cover its stems and foliage.

When you’re hiking above 10,000 feet in the western United States, keep an eye out for this stunning flower. It often grows in rocky areas and alpine meadows.

Sticky polemonium is a tough little plant that can survive harsh mountain conditions. Its upward-pointing leaves and compact growth help it withstand strong winds and cold temperatures.

Next time you’re exploring mountain trails, take a moment to appreciate this resilient and beautiful flower. It’s a true alpine gem that adds a splash of color to the rugged landscape.

24. Mountain Fleabane

Mountain Fleabane is a charming wildflower you’ll find in high-altitude meadows and along stream banks. These pretty plants have daisy-like flowers with delicate petals in shades of purple, pink, and white.

You’ll love how Mountain Fleabane adds a touch of wild beauty to the landscape. The plants grow 6 to 14 inches tall, with arching stems that support multiple blooms.

If you’re hiking in the Rocky Mountains, keep an eye out for these lovely flowers. They thrive in moist, mountainous areas and bloom in late summer.

Mountain Fleabane comes in different varieties. Some have pure white petals, while others show off pink or purple hues. The center of each flower is typically yellow, creating a cheerful contrast.

These hardy plants are well-suited to their alpine homes. You might spot them brightening up rocky slopes or peeking out from between boulders.

25. Subalpine Daisy

The subalpine daisy is a beautiful flower you’ll often spot in mountain meadows. Its scientific name is Erigeron peregrinus. This pretty plant grows between 12 to 24 inches tall.

You’ll recognize subalpine daisies by their spoon-shaped leaves at the base. The stems grow straight up without branches. At the top, you’ll see lovely pink or purple petals surrounding a yellow center.

These daisies bloom in clusters, creating colorful patches in subalpine areas. They thrive at high elevations, usually between 7,000 to 8,500 feet. You might confuse them with alpine asters, but subalpine daisies have more petals.

Bees and butterflies love these flowers. When you hike in the mountains during summer, keep an eye out for these cheerful blooms. They add a splash of color to rocky slopes and meadows.

26. Scarlet Gilia

Scarlet gilia is a stunning mountain flower you’ll love to spot on your hikes. Its bright red, trumpet-shaped blooms stand out against green foliage.

You might know this plant by its other name, skyrocket. It got this nickname because of its tall, slender stems that can reach up to 5 feet high in some areas.

The flowers come in shades of red, pink, and sometimes white. They form long tubes that open into five petals at the tip.

Scarlet gilia prefers sunny spots with well-drained soil. You’ll often find it growing in rocky mountain areas.

This plant is a favorite of hummingbirds and long-tongued insects. They’re drawn to its vibrant colors and sweet nectar.

Interestingly, scarlet gilia produces an oil that keeps ants away from its flowers. This helps protect the important parts inside the bloom.

27. Alpine Harebell

Alpine harebell is a small but brave mountain flower. You’ll find it growing in rocky soil on high alpine slopes. Its delicate purple bells stand out against the harsh landscape.

This plant only grows about 2-6 inches tall. But don’t let its size fool you. The flowers are quite large for such a tiny plant. Each bell-shaped bloom can be up to 1.5 inches long.

You might spot alpine harebells growing alone or in small groups. Their light purple color adds a soft touch to the rugged mountain terrain.

These hardy flowers thrive in tough conditions. They can handle the strong winds and extreme weather of high altitudes. That’s why you’ll often see them in rock gardens or alpine gardens.

Alpine harebells have many fun nicknames. Some people call them lady’s thimble or witch’s thimble. Others know them as heathbells or fairies’ thimbles.

28. Leather Flower

Leather flower is a charming mountain plant you might spot on your hikes. It’s a small vine with unique bell-shaped blooms. The flowers have thick, leathery petals that give the plant its name.

You’ll often find leather flower growing on bluffs, slopes, or at the edge of woods. It’s a tough plant that can handle rocky mountain terrain.

The flowers come in shades of purple, blue, or pink. They nod downward, creating a delicate appearance. After blooming, the plant develops feathery seed heads that add interest.

Leather flower is easy to grow in your garden too. It likes sunny spots with well-drained soil. You can train it up a trellis or let it spread as ground cover.

This versatile plant blooms from spring to fall. It’s a great choice if you want to add mountain charm to your landscape.

29. Purple Fringe

Purple Fringe is a stunning wildflower you might spot in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its scientific name is Phacelia sericea, and it belongs to the Waterleaf family.

You’ll find this eye-catching plant in open meadows across different mountain ecosystems. It thrives in dry, rocky areas from montane to subalpine zones.

The flower gets its name from its bright purple color and fringe-like appearance. Each plant has multiple stems, and every stem boasts a dense cluster of blossoms.

When you’re hiking in the mountains, keep an eye out for Purple Fringe. It’s a beautiful sight that adds a pop of color to the landscape.

Remember, wildflowers like Purple Fringe are part of the delicate mountain ecosystem. Enjoy their beauty, but please don’t pick them. Take photos instead to preserve your memories of these lovely mountain blooms.

30. Prairie Smoke

Prairie Smoke is a charming mountain flower you’ll love to see in your garden. Its scientific name is Geum triflorum, but it’s also known as Old Man’s Whiskers. This native North American plant grows up to 8 inches tall.

You’ll notice its unique appearance right away. In spring, Prairie Smoke produces drooping pink flowers that hang upside down. These blossoms attract bumblebees looking for nectar.

After the flowers fade, something magical happens. The plant develops fluffy seed plumes that look like puffs of pale pink smoke. This is where it gets its common name.

To grow Prairie Smoke, give it full sun and well-drained soil. It’s a tough plant that can handle different conditions. You’ll find it adds interest to your garden throughout the seasons.