Montana Wildflowers & State Flower

The State Flower of Montana: Bitterroot

The official state flower of Montana is the Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva). Peak bloom in Montana: May–June.

Montana's prairies, valleys, and Rocky Mountain peaks together support a classic western wildflower palette, with bitterroot a state symbol since 1895.

Common Wildflowers in Montana

Whether you're hiking, gardening, or walking your neighborhood, these are some of the most frequently encountered wildflowers and native blooms across Montana:

• Bitterroot
• Indian Paintbrush
• Arrowleaf Balsamroot
• Lupine
• Beargrass
• Glacier Lily
• Pasque Flower
• Fireweed

The free Flower Identifier app recognizes all of these and thousands more from a single photo. Just point, snap, and identify.

Montana Climate & Bloom Seasons

Zones 3a–5b. Eastern plains support shortgrass-prairie species; western valleys and high country support classic Rocky Mountain flora.

Tips for Identifying Flowers in Montana

• Time it right. Most wildflowers in Montana peak in May–June. Visit the same spot every two weeks during peak season to catch different species.
• Photograph the bloom face-on. A close, well-lit shot of the open flower gives the AI the strongest identification signal.
• Add a leaf shot. If the first identification is uncertain, a second photo of a leaf usually resolves it.
• Note the habitat. Forest, meadow, roadside, wetland — habitat alone narrows the candidates significantly.
• Stay on trail in public lands. Take only photos. Many state and federal lands prohibit picking flowers.

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