Top of the World
Elevation: 2,080m
EARLY Season BLOOMERS
The following local wildflowers greet us early each spring/summer season in the valley and alpine meadows of Sun Peaks.
Western Anemone (Anemone Occidentalis) is one of the first plants to flower in the summer - often just after snowmelt. The flowers are short-lived and soon replaced by a highly distinctive 'mop-top' which is actually the seeds of the flower. When properly prepared, the plant was used as a sedative by indigenous groups.
Bloom Period: Early spring
Location: Alpine meadows
The Larkspur (Delphinium) is one of our earliest season flowering plants in the open alpine meadow. Larkspur is easily recognized by the deep blue/purple flowers with a unique 'spur' off the backside. Larkspur tends to occur as a solitary plant. All parts of the plant are highly toxic.
Bloom Period: Early spring/summer
Location: Alpine meadows
The Shooting Star (Dodecatheon Pulchellum) forms spectacular patches on shallow soils in our alpine meadows. The name is aptly suited as the flower petals are turned back and trailing like a shooting star. The flower is familiar as the Shooting Star is related to the much larger ornamental cyclamen. Local indigenous groups are known to have used this plant as a charm.
Bloom Period: Early to mid spring/summer
Location: Alpine meadows
Who can forget an encounter with the Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica)!? The stings are actually glass-like hairs (or trichomes) that release chemicals when shattered. It is histamine and other chemicals that will produce a hit, stinging sensation. Stinging Nettle has long been used as a herbal supplement, food source, and even textile fiber.
Bloom Period: Early spring/summer
Location: Valley
Western Anemone (Anemone Occidentalis) is one of the first plants to flower in the summer - often just after snowmelt. The flowers are short-lived and soon replaced by a highly distinctive 'mop-top' which is actually the seeds of the flower. When properly prepared, the plant was used as a sedative by indigenous groups.
Bloom Period: Early spring
Location: Alpine meadows
The Larkspur (Delphinium) is one of our earliest season flowering plants in the open alpine meadow. Larkspur is easily recognized by the deep blue/purple flowers with a unique 'spur' off the backside. Larkspur tends to occur as a solitary plant. All parts of the plant are highly toxic.
Bloom Period: Early spring/summer
Location: Alpine meadows
The Shooting Star (Dodecatheon Pulchellum) forms spectacular patches on shallow soils in our alpine meadows. The name is aptly suited as the flower petals are turned back and trailing like a shooting star. The flower is familiar as the Shooting Star is related to the much larger ornamental cyclamen. Local indigenous groups are known to have used this plant as a charm.
Bloom Period: Early to mid spring/summer
Location: Alpine meadows
Who can forget an encounter with the Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica)!? The stings are actually glass-like hairs (or trichomes) that release chemicals when shattered. It is histamine and other chemicals that will produce a hit, stinging sensation. Stinging Nettle has long been used as a herbal supplement, food source, and even textile fiber.
Bloom Period: Early spring/summer
Location: Valley
Western Anemone (Anemone Occidentalis) is one of the first plants to flower in the summer - often just after snowmelt. The flowers are short-lived and soon replaced by a highly distinctive 'mop-top' which is actually the seeds of the flower. When properly prepared, the plant was used as a sedative by indigenous groups.
Bloom Period: Early spring
Location: Alpine meadows
Mid Season Bloomers
When the heat of summer turns up, these wildflowers really put on a show!
White Bog Orchid (Platanthera Dilatata) is often overlooked as the delicate white flowers can be short lived. Found in wetlands, bogs and seepage areas, the flowers of white bog orchid have a distinct, spicy scent.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Entire range
Baneberry (Actaea Ruba) is an attractive plant with many small white flowers in rounded clusters at the end of 1 metre long stalks. This plant produces either white or red berries. The entire plant (roots, shoots and berries) is highly toxic and the common name 'Bane' comes from bana, or murderous.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Valley and forests
Cow Parsnip (Heracleum Maximum) is a very large, robust plant with large leaves and a showy 'umbrella' of flowers. While indigenous groups do report harvesting the young plants, correct identification is critical as Cow Parsnip is easily confused with the violently poisonous Water Hemlock and Poison Hemlock.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Valley
The False Solomons Seal (Maianthemum Racemosum), also known as false lily-of-the-valley, is in the lily family and characterized by large (15cm) leaves with distinct parallel veins. The leaves are attached to the stem in a zig-zag pattern. Plants tend to grow in clumps and flowers occur in a showy terminal bunch of 20-80 star-shaped flowers.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Valley and forests
Tiny, delicate white flowers on thin stalks give rise to the aptly suited common name - Foamflower (Tiarella). The plant form may have 1 or 3 deeply lobed leaves. Look for this species in small pocket clearing in the shady understory of conifer forests.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Valley and forests
The Groundsels (Senecio) are a diverse group of plants that are easily distinguishable from yellow arnicas by their cluster of flowers (typically 8 ). Our most common Groundsel is the Arrowleaf Groundsel, which has triangular leaves. Groundsels are poisonous to wildlife and were not commonly used by indigenous groups.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Alpine meadows
The Hellebore (Veratrum Viride) is a robust plant, often standing 2m in height, and emerges early to enjoy a long season. The large (10-25cm) leaves are easily distinguished as they clasp the entire length of the stem and have prominent ribs. The flowers are abundant tassels but not showy as they are yellow-green. All parts of this plant are toxic.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Entire range
Lupins (Lupinus) are easily distinguished by their bluish pea-like flowers on an upright stalk. The Lupin also has unique large palmate (handlike) leaves with 6-8 lance shaped leaflets. At Sun Peaks, Lupins extend from the valley trail to the high alpine meadows - often forming large, spectacular patches.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Entire range
Moss Campion (Silene Acaulis) is a low, ground-hugging plant that forms mats known as cushions on rocky outcrops and screeslopes. The dense cushions are up to 20cm in diameter. Close inspection of the tiny flowers reveals characteristics similar to its relative - the carnation.
Bloom Period: Mid-late summer
Location: Alpine (rocky areas)
Although the group of Pussytoes (Antennaria Sp.) is easy to identify - the individual species are more challenging. As a group, the pussytoes have unimpressive flowers. However, the leaves of this group are unique in that they form dense mats of low lying grey or whittish wolly leaves. In the alpine, pussytoe mats are found on rock and scree.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Entire range
Common Red and Alpine Paintbrush (Castilleja sp.) exist in Sun Peaks. Common red is much larger (80cm) than alpine (<30 cm). The showy red 'petals' are not actually the flowers of this plant. Like poinsettias, the red 'petals' are indeed bracts (modified leaves). The true flowers of the paintbrush are very small, green and concealed within the red bracts.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Entire range
The Fringed Grass of Parnassia (Parnassia Fimbriata) is oddly named as there is nothing grass-like about this plant. The distinct flower is un-mistakeable as is the large kidney shaped leaves. Look for a single leaf clasping the stem half way up. This plant is typically found in wet areas.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Alpine meadows
Red Columbine (Aquilegia Formosa) is a tall plant with unmistakable red and yellow flowers. Indigenous groups were known to use columbine as a good luck charm. There are a number of references to the flowers resembling a circle of birds (pigeons or doves) feeding from a dish.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Entire range
The Showy Aster (Eurybia Conspicua/Aster Conspicuss) can be quite large (1m) with a cluster of flowers atop a single, unbranched stem. When properly prepared, local indigenous groups used the roots to treat infections.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Entire range
The white flowers of Sitka Valerian (Valeriana Sitchensis) also have a tinge of pink. Look for the 3 hair-like stamen that protrudes from the flower. The paired leaves that come up the squarish stem nearly reach the flat-topped cluster of flowers. Local indigenous groups used Sitka Valerian for a number of purposes, from disinfecting, treating common colds, and even as a flavouring.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Entire range
Also known as Subalpine Daisy (Erigeron Peregrinus), this species is widespread and common in our alpine meadows. The plant is quite robust with a typically solitary flower on a long stalk.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Valley and alpine meadows
Sulphur Buckwheat (Eriogonum Umbellaturn) can be highly variable, but all plants make loose mats of leaves, often green above and gray-woolly beneath. From the mats of leaves emerge long, erect stalks with clusters of tiny, yellow or cream flowers in balls at the ends of branches.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Alpine meadows
White Bog Orchid (Platanthera Dilatata) is often overlooked as the delicate white flowers can be short lived. Found in wetlands, bogs and seepage areas, the flowers of white bog orchid have a distinct, spicy scent.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Entire range
Baneberry (Actaea Ruba) is an attractive plant with many small white flowers in rounded clusters at the end of 1 metre long stalks. This plant produces either white or red berries. The entire plant (roots, shoots and berries) is highly toxic and the common name 'Bane' comes from bana, or murderous.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Valley and forests
Cow Parsnip (Heracleum Maximum) is a very large, robust plant with large leaves and a showy 'umbrella' of flowers. While indigenous groups do report harvesting the young plants, correct identification is critical as Cow Parsnip is easily confused with the violently poisonous Water Hemlock and Poison Hemlock.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Valley
The False Solomons Seal (Maianthemum Racemosum), also known as false lily-of-the-valley, is in the lily family and characterized by large (15cm) leaves with distinct parallel veins. The leaves are attached to the stem in a zig-zag pattern. Plants tend to grow in clumps and flowers occur in a showy terminal bunch of 20-80 star-shaped flowers.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Valley and forests
Tiny, delicate white flowers on thin stalks give rise to the aptly suited common name - Foamflower (Tiarella). The plant form may have 1 or 3 deeply lobed leaves. Look for this species in small pocket clearing in the shady understory of conifer forests.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Valley and forests
The Groundsels (Senecio) are a diverse group of plants that are easily distinguishable from yellow arnicas by their cluster of flowers (typically 8 ). Our most common Groundsel is the Arrowleaf Groundsel, which has triangular leaves. Groundsels are poisonous to wildlife and were not commonly used by indigenous groups.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Alpine meadows
The Hellebore (Veratrum Viride) is a robust plant, often standing 2m in height, and emerges early to enjoy a long season. The large (10-25cm) leaves are easily distinguished as they clasp the entire length of the stem and have prominent ribs. The flowers are abundant tassels but not showy as they are yellow-green. All parts of this plant are toxic.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Entire range
Lupins (Lupinus) are easily distinguished by their bluish pea-like flowers on an upright stalk. The Lupin also has unique large palmate (handlike) leaves with 6-8 lance shaped leaflets. At Sun Peaks, Lupins extend from the valley trail to the high alpine meadows - often forming large, spectacular patches.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Entire range
Moss Campion (Silene Acaulis) is a low, ground-hugging plant that forms mats known as cushions on rocky outcrops and screeslopes. The dense cushions are up to 20cm in diameter. Close inspection of the tiny flowers reveals characteristics similar to its relative - the carnation.
Bloom Period: Mid-late summer
Location: Alpine (rocky areas)
Although the group of Pussytoes (Antennaria Sp.) is easy to identify - the individual species are more challenging. As a group, the pussytoes have unimpressive flowers. However, the leaves of this group are unique in that they form dense mats of low lying grey or whittish wolly leaves. In the alpine, pussytoe mats are found on rock and scree.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Entire range
Common Red and Alpine Paintbrush (Castilleja sp.) exist in Sun Peaks. Common red is much larger (80cm) than alpine (<30 cm). The showy red 'petals' are not actually the flowers of this plant. Like poinsettias, the red 'petals' are indeed bracts (modified leaves). The true flowers of the paintbrush are very small, green and concealed within the red bracts.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Entire range
The Fringed Grass of Parnassia (Parnassia Fimbriata) is oddly named as there is nothing grass-like about this plant. The distinct flower is un-mistakeable as is the large kidney shaped leaves. Look for a single leaf clasping the stem half way up. This plant is typically found in wet areas.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Alpine meadows
Red Columbine (Aquilegia Formosa) is a tall plant with unmistakable red and yellow flowers. Indigenous groups were known to use columbine as a good luck charm. There are a number of references to the flowers resembling a circle of birds (pigeons or doves) feeding from a dish.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Entire range
The Showy Aster (Eurybia Conspicua/Aster Conspicuss) can be quite large (1m) with a cluster of flowers atop a single, unbranched stem. When properly prepared, local indigenous groups used the roots to treat infections.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Entire range
The white flowers of Sitka Valerian (Valeriana Sitchensis) also have a tinge of pink. Look for the 3 hair-like stamen that protrudes from the flower. The paired leaves that come up the squarish stem nearly reach the flat-topped cluster of flowers. Local indigenous groups used Sitka Valerian for a number of purposes, from disinfecting, treating common colds, and even as a flavouring.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Entire range
Also known as Subalpine Daisy (Erigeron Peregrinus), this species is widespread and common in our alpine meadows. The plant is quite robust with a typically solitary flower on a long stalk.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Valley and alpine meadows
Sulphur Buckwheat (Eriogonum Umbellaturn) can be highly variable, but all plants make loose mats of leaves, often green above and gray-woolly beneath. From the mats of leaves emerge long, erect stalks with clusters of tiny, yellow or cream flowers in balls at the ends of branches.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Alpine meadows
White Bog Orchid (Platanthera Dilatata) is often overlooked as the delicate white flowers can be short lived. Found in wetlands, bogs and seepage areas, the flowers of white bog orchid have a distinct, spicy scent.
Bloom Period: Mid-summer
Location: Entire range
Late Season Bloomers
As the days get shorter and the overnight temperatures start to dip, these wildflowers put on summers final act.
While Tiger Lily (Lilium Columbianum) can bloom earlier in the season, it can also be one of the last flowers to appear at Sun Peaks - and we saved the best for last. A gorgeous deep orange flower, with curled back petals decorated with brown dots, a top a tall stem makes this plant hard to miss. Although not abundant, Tiger Lily certainly rewards late season hikers!
Bloom Period: Late summer
Location: Valley and mid-mountain
Bunchberry (Cornus Canadensis) also called dwarf dogwood is a small plant with four very distinctive petal-like bracts. The flower is replaced by a cluster of red berries. While some indigenous groups are known to have eaten the berries, our local Interior people considered the berries poisonous.
Bloom Period: Late summer
Location: Valley and forests
Louseworts (Pedicularis Bracteosa) are easily noticeable by their odd form. These plants are tall and have fern-like leaves. Most louseworts are semi-parasitic, feeding off the roots of other species.
Bloom Period: Late summer
Location: Alpine meadows
Fireweed (Chamaenerion Angustifolium) can be a dramatic plant, 1-3m tall. Plants tend to have more than 15 flowers atop a stem with many lance-shaped leaves. The name 'fireweed' comes from the fact that this species is almost ubiquitous with fire burned areas. Indigenous groups used this species for many purposes ranging from tea to fibre to medicine for eczema.
Bloom Period: Late summer
Location: Valley and alpine
Though two different species, the Pink and White Mountain Heather (Phyllodoce Empetriformis/Cassiope Mertensiana) are often found growing together. These species are low growing evergreen shrubs. The delicate nodding flowers are found at the branch tips. Being hardy plants, they are often found on high elevation rocky sites above the timberline.
Bloom Period: Late summer
Location: Alpine meadows
The flowers of Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis Margaritacea) are aptly named as they are dry and papery to the touch. The showy white 'petals' are actually bracts (modified leaves) and flowers late in the summer but can persist through early winter. Local aboriginal groups prepared the roots and shoots into a soothing tea.
Bloom Period: Late summer
Location: Valley and forests
There are a number of Penstemon species characterized by stout, evergreen growth. The penstemons of Sun Peaks are typically found at high elevation on rocky outcroppings and scree slopes.
Bloom Period: Late summer
Location: Valley and forests
It is likely the fruit of the Queen's Cup (Clintonia Uniflora) is more eye-catching than the dainty white cup-shaped flower. Late in the season, the Queen's Cup produces a metallic blue berry atop a straight, short stalk (15cm).
Bloom Period: Late summer
Location: Valley and forests
While Tiger Lily (Lilium Columbianum) can bloom earlier in the season, it can also be one of the last flowers to appear at Sun Peaks - and we saved the best for last. A gorgeous deep orange flower, with curled back petals decorated with brown dots, a top a tall stem makes this plant hard to miss. Although not abundant, Tiger Lily certainly rewards late season hikers!
Bloom Period: Late summer
Location: Valley and mid-mountain
Bunchberry (Cornus Canadensis) also called dwarf dogwood is a small plant with four very distinctive petal-like bracts. The flower is replaced by a cluster of red berries. While some indigenous groups are known to have eaten the berries, our local Interior people considered the berries poisonous.
Bloom Period: Late summer
Location: Valley and forests
Louseworts (Pedicularis Bracteosa) are easily noticeable by their odd form. These plants are tall and have fern-like leaves. Most louseworts are semi-parasitic, feeding off the roots of other species.
Bloom Period: Late summer
Location: Alpine meadows
Fireweed (Chamaenerion Angustifolium) can be a dramatic plant, 1-3m tall. Plants tend to have more than 15 flowers atop a stem with many lance-shaped leaves. The name 'fireweed' comes from the fact that this species is almost ubiquitous with fire burned areas. Indigenous groups used this species for many purposes ranging from tea to fibre to medicine for eczema.
Bloom Period: Late summer
Location: Valley and alpine
Though two different species, the Pink and White Mountain Heather (Phyllodoce Empetriformis/Cassiope Mertensiana) are often found growing together. These species are low growing evergreen shrubs. The delicate nodding flowers are found at the branch tips. Being hardy plants, they are often found on high elevation rocky sites above the timberline.
Bloom Period: Late summer
Location: Alpine meadows
The flowers of Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis Margaritacea) are aptly named as they are dry and papery to the touch. The showy white 'petals' are actually bracts (modified leaves) and flowers late in the summer but can persist through early winter. Local aboriginal groups prepared the roots and shoots into a soothing tea.
Bloom Period: Late summer
Location: Valley and forests
There are a number of Penstemon species characterized by stout, evergreen growth. The penstemons of Sun Peaks are typically found at high elevation on rocky outcroppings and scree slopes.
Bloom Period: Late summer
Location: Valley and forests
It is likely the fruit of the Queen's Cup (Clintonia Uniflora) is more eye-catching than the dainty white cup-shaped flower. Late in the season, the Queen's Cup produces a metallic blue berry atop a straight, short stalk (15cm).
Bloom Period: Late summer
Location: Valley and forests
While Tiger Lily (Lilium Columbianum) can bloom earlier in the season, it can also be one of the last flowers to appear at Sun Peaks - and we saved the best for last. A gorgeous deep orange flower, with curled back petals decorated with brown dots, a top a tall stem makes this plant hard to miss. Although not abundant, Tiger Lily certainly rewards late season hikers!
Bloom Period: Late summer
Location: Valley and mid-mountain