The Yellowstone National park is home to some unique endemic species that can be found only here and nowhere else in the world. A small beautiful flower that grows only in the park—Yellowstone Sand Verbena—can be found along the shores of the Yellowstone Lake and several other areas.
It is a trailing, branched plant with sticky stems and many small white flowers. Yellowstone sand verbena survives during the long and cold winters and uses every sunny day to bloom and reproduce. Perhaps it is supported by the thermal activity in the park. The pollination is mainly provided by bumblebees and moths. It blooms from mid-June till the first frost.
Practical info
In which areas of Yellowstone National Park can the Yellowstone Sand Verbena be found?
The Yellowstone Sand Verbena grows in several areas of the park, including along the shores of Yellowstone Lake. It is found in isolated populations that occupy a specific habitat niche with sandy but moist soil containing high levels of alumina, iron, and silt. Show more
When is the best time to see the Yellowstone Sand Verbena bloom?
Yellowstone Sand Verbena blooms annually from mid-June until the first frost. Therefore, visitors should plan their trip to the park between mid-June and mid-October to catch the plant's stunning annual bloom. Show more
How many species of endemic plants can be found exclusively in Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone National Park is home to over 200 species of endemic plants, comprising approximately 10% of the park's entire flora. Among these exclusive plants is the Yellowstone Sand Verbena, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Show more
What is the possible reason for thermal activity supporting the growth of the Yellowstone Sand Verbena?
Although not clearly understood, scientists believe that the warmth generated by the thermal activity in Yellowstone National Park creates warm microclimates which allows plants like the Yellowstone Sand Verbena to survive the long, harsh winters in the area. Show more
