Many trees and shrubs that grow in mountain areas are evergreen. This means their leaves or needles stay green all year long. Unlike trees with broad leaves that change color and fall in the fall, evergreen trees keep their foliage through every season.
These trees, such as cedars, pines, and spruces, are common in mountain regions because they thrive in colder weather. Their ability to stay green helps them survive harsh winters when many other plants might die back or go dormant.
Many Christmas trees are actually grown on farms in these mountain areas because their dense, green needles stay fresh and look good all year.
Apart from the large trees, another type of evergreen shrub called juniper is also found in mountain areas. Junipers are bushy plants with purple-blue berries. These berries are enjoyed by many birds and small animals who eat them.
Junipers like to grow in rocky places and prefer cold, dry weather. They rarely grow in warm, humid areas because they prefer the cool, often harsh conditions found in the mountains.
Their hardy nature makes junipers an important part of the mountain landscape, providing shelter and food for wildlife.
During summer months, the mountains burst into a riot of colors with many wildflowers. These flowers bloom in the short warm season, covering hillsides and meadow floors with bright yellows, reds, blues, and purples.
If visitors are lucky, they might see the rare fairy slipper flower. This delicate plant looks like a tiny orchid with a soft, slipper-shaped bloom.
It is difficult to find and is protected in many areas because of its rarity. The sight of these wildflowers enhances the natural beauty of mountain regions, drawing nature lovers and photographers from around the world.
Overall, the evergreen trees and shrubs are vital to mountain ecosystems. They provide shelter for animals and help prevent soil erosion. Their resilience allows them to survive through cold winters and tough weather conditions, which many other plants cannot withstand.
The vibrant wildflowers of summer add to the mountain's charm and diversity. Both the evergreen plants and seasonal flowers create a landscape full of life and color that attracts hikers, nature enthusiasts, and scientists alike.