April 2022 - 25

wildflowers, and without wildflowers, we
would have far less food for wildlife.
The columbine, of which Wyoming has
six species, is one of the showier flowers and
lives at high elevations. It's popular with
bumblebees, which can survive the chilly
nights with tiny bodies covered in fuzz.
Because insects see differently than humans,
the wide variation in shapes and colors of
wildflowers, especially those like columbine,
are critical to pollinator survival.
Where: Foothills, montane, subalpine and
alpine zones in most central and western
mountain ranges.
When: May to August.
Helpful identification tips: White, blue and
white or light blue petals with colorful, petallike
pieces that extend backward into a spur.
Large leaves have nine leaflets per leaf. They
grow 8 to 24 inches high.
Sticky geranium
Geranium viscosissimum
If Randall could list one supreme flower
for mule deer food, it would be the sticky
geranium. The sticky geranium is one of seven
species of wild geraniums in the state. Unlike
residential geranium plants avoided by mule
deer, the wild geranium is one of the most
nutritious and easily digestible foods. It also
grows in many places mule deer live in the
summer months.
" It's kind of a generalist plant in that
sense, " Randall said. " We have some forbs
that are high quality but don't exist across a
huge geographic area, but geraniums are one
that are really consistently found in different
habitats, so it's definitely critical. "
Glandular hair meant to protect the plant
from marauding herbivores like mule deer
earned the plant the sticky title.
Where: Dry, sunny sites across all vegetation
zones in the state.
When: June to August.
Helpful identification tips: Light pink,
magenta or purple flowers growing in clumps
15 to 30 inches tall.
*All plant identification information sourced from
" Wildflowers of Wyoming " by Diantha and Jack States.
-Christine Peterson has spent more than a decade
writing about Wyoming's fish, wildlife, outdoors and
environment. She is a regular contributor to Wyoming
Wildlife.
The columbine, the purple-colored flowers in this photo, is one of many wildflowers eaten by mule deer in Wyoming. There
are at least six different species of columbine found throughout the state. (Photo by Dawn Wilson)
Sticky geraniums are good for wildlife and pollinators. (Photo by Kathy Lichtendahl)
Wyoming Wildlife | 25

April 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of April 2022

April 2022 - 1
April 2022 - 2
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