Via Flickr:
The canyon grasslands of the Snake River canyon and its immediate tributaries differ from the Palouse prairie by being drier and having less species diversity.
Via Flickr:
Although most of western Washington is covered with thick, dense forests, non-forested vegetation is occassionaly encountered in places like wetlands, prairies and rock outcrops like these, which are locally called "balds".
Via Flickr:
This beautiful grass is one of the few remaining native species that has been able to withstand farming and grazing impacts which have eliminated most of the native species from the grasslands at American Camp (San Juan National Historical Park).
Via Flickr:
This coastal bluff had few remaining native species (due to past heavy grazing), but its beauty against the backdrop of the Straits of Juan de Fuca remains intact.
Via Flickr:
Late evening light through the canopy of an Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) woodland. Located at English Camp (Young Hill) at San Juan Island National Historical Park.
Via Flickr:
This little plant in the lily family is quite common in our grasslands here in western Washington.
Via Flickr:
Native prairie remnant dominated by Roemer's fescue (Festuca roemeri). Located at American Camp (San Juan Island National Historical Park).
Via Flickr:
Native prairie remnant dominated by Roemer's fescue (Festuca roemeri) and California oat grass (Danthonia californica). Located at American Camp (San Juan Island National Historical Park).
Via Flickr:
Live oak (Quercus fusiformis) and Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei) savanna at Westcave Preserve (Texas).
Via Flickr:
Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) tree growing alongside a slow-moving creek. This riparian area was so lush compared to the relativley dry oak/juniper woodland found above the canyon walls.
Via Flickr:
Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) was a common component in this riparian area. Westcave Preserve, Texas Hill Country.
Via Flickr:
The canopies of these bald cypress trees (Taxodium distichum) were absolutely beautiful, especially against the bluebird skies.
Via Flickr:
Live oak (Quercus fusiformis) and Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei) woodland at Westcave Preserve (Texas). The Texas Hill country has an interesting mix of eastern and western plants.
Eskers are the result of sand and gravels deposited by streams that flowed within or under glaciers. Although its hard to tell in this photo, the vegetation on the esker differs from adjacent areas because of the esker's coarse soils. This particular esker is supporting a rare plant community (threetip sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass).
