Plants

Prairie goldenpea and yucca — Yucca and Prairie Goldenpea
NPS photo

Four hundred fifty-two species, subspecies, and varieties of vascular plants have been identified at Scotts Bluff National Monument. The vegetation is divided into three major plant associations:

the moderately dense mixed-grass prairie,
the ponderosa pine/Rocky Mountain juniper/eastern red cedar forests, and
the hardwood association along the floodplain of the North Platte River

Within these plant associations can be further found seven major habitat types: riverine woodland, coniferous woodland, mixed-grass prairie, riparian habitat associated with irrigation canals, pine-studded bluffs, shrub-dominated slopes, and badlands.

In 1995 twenty vegetation "mapping classes" were identified within the boundaries of the Monument in accordance with the Federal Geographic Data Committee's National Vegetation Classification Standard. A vegetation map was produced from this research. The mixed-grass prairie is the predominant vegetative cover of the Monument.

Common Scotts Bluff Plants

Distinctive winterfat
Winterfat

Winterfat can be found throughout Scotts Bluff National Monument.
An important tree species.
Rocky Mountain juniper

Rocky Mountain juniper is an important source of food and shelter for many Scotts Bluff wildlife species.
An aptly named plant.
Soapweed Yucca

Yucca glauca is a common plant in the western Great Plains.
A beautiful tree!
Ponderosa pine

Ponderosa pines are common on the summit of Scotts Bluff.
Watch out for sharp spines!
Plains Prickly Pear

Plains prickly pear are interesting plants that are commonly seen in the Great Plains.
Explore The Flowers Of The Monument!
Commonly Seen Flowers

A list of flowers commonly seen in Scotts Bluff National Monument.