Trees, flowers and greenery

There is so much natural beauty in the flora of Northern Arizona and we can't possibly list it all, but this page will share some of the prolific and interesting plants, trees, etc. that you may see around Northern Arizona. The city of Flagstaff and Coconino County Sustainability departments encourage Flagstaff residents to grow pollinator gardens so if you are visiting late spring or summer you may see some of these beautiful pollinators on the property. This page lists just a few of the amazing flora and fauna of Northern Arizona. A visit to the Flagstaff Arboretum is recommended.

Ponderosa Pine

Ponderosa pine forest stretches from near Flagstaff along the rim to the White Mountains to form the largest stand on the continent.

Aspen

Distinct white trees with heart shaped green leaves that "shimmer" in the wind. In Fall they turn shades of gold and red. Located around Flagstaff and also along the Snow Bowl Rd. The ski lift runs in summer and Fall and if you come ride when the leaves are changing it is a beautiful sight!

Oak Trees

Oak trees are found all around Northern Arizona and are easily recognized by their leaf shape. Native peoples would collect the acorns and then rinse for long periods in creeks to get rid of the the bitter tannin in them before grinding them into acorn flour.

Blue Spruce

The blue spruce, also commonly known as green spruce, white spruce, Colorado spruce, or Colorado blue spruce, is a species of spruce tree native to North America. You can find some spruce around Flagstaff and many grow along Snow Bowl Rd and forests of the San Fransisco Peaks.

Wild Sunflower

Make sure to plan ahead. The sunflowers typically start popping up in late July, peak in mid-August and wither away by early September.

located at the intersection of Shultz Pass Road and the US-180 when heading towards Snowbowl, along Lake Mary Road and sporadically around Flagstaff

Lupine

Lupine comes from the word "lupus" meaning wolf. It was once believed that they werewolf-like by devouring soil nutrients but they actually prefer poor soil, and they don't further deplete. They are part of the Pea Family and actually enrich the soil in nitrogen. The flowers are mostly blue and arranged in a dense flower cluster. They grow about 1 to 2 feet. Blooms from June to the first part of August.

Evening Primrose

We have numerous members of a wonderful group of drought-tolerant native flowers. These plants can take partial shade or brutal full sun, require only occasional watering, propagate easily, and bloom profusely in the evenings and early mornings. They add an attractive green ground cover whether they are in bloom or not. Blossoms are white, pink, and yellow and have four petals. They are most common from 1,000 to 7,000 feet.

Prickly Pear Cactus

Most of what you see on this cactus are the pads, but the cactus is a very hearty plant here in the southwest and it can survive without water for long periods of time. The Prickly Pear has adapted to many different locations around Arizona.

Not only will see this plant thriving around the state, you will also find them in grocery stores, in products, and in some drinks. This cactus is actually delicious and has many health benefits. Rich in vitamin C, fiber, vitamin B-6, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Wild javelina love them as well!

You can find Cattails by rivers and stream. You can find them around Lake Mary and along Oak Creek to the south.

Globe Mallow
Mostly flower in the spring, but can flower other times of the year.

Snapdragons:
You will see lots of these flowers in the forests around Flagstaff, while they are pretty this introduced ornamental flower is an invasive species and competes with shallow-rooted natives. Conservationist encourage their removal

Indian paintbrush or prairie-fire, is a species native to the Flagstaff region. These bright red flowers add cheery color to the forest floor in Spring and Summer.

mushrooms

Flagstaff has many mushroom species in a variety o colors. Make sure not to touch any without a guide as some mushrooms are poisonous.

Arizona Milkweed

Flowers May-August. This is one of the most effective native milkweeds for attracting both caterpillars and mature Monarch and Queen butterflies and is a must for pollinator gardens.

Golden Columbine

A pretty yellow flower that attracts pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, moths.

Purple Aster

Flowers later summer through early Fall and provides food for birds and animals also a pollination for bees and butterflies.