Missoula’s Rare Wildflower Steals the Spotlight This Weekend

Missoula: A Unique Landscape

Missoula is a special place. There are things about this town you just will not find anywhere else, from Malfunction Junction to the iconic Slant Streets neighborhood.  

But there are also some unique details about Missoula that even longtime locals might not know.  

Discovering Missoula Phlox

For example, Missoula is home to a rare native flower that actually takes its name from the area. Phlox missoulensis, also known as Missoula phlox.  

The Fragile Beauty of Missoula Phlox

This delicate plant blooms from mid-April through June and is considered a species of concern, meaning it needs a little extra protection to thrive. You will find it growing naturally in rocky crevices and carefully maintained garden spaces.  

READ MORE: Watch Your Step! Rare Flower in Missoula Needs Your Protection

If you want to see it up close, you can visit Rocky Mountain Gardens. This weekend is the perfect time.  

Phlox Fest is happening Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is free, family-friendly, and will feature local garden groups, plant vendors, food trucks, and live music from Pronto Alivio.  

READ MORE:  Here’s Why Missoula Is Called the Garden City

You can also spot Missoula phlox out on Waterworks Hill, but there is one important rule. Stay on the trail.  

Protecting Missoula's Unique Flora

These plants are extremely fragile, and even a single step off the trail can destroy them.  

It's another reminder of what makes Missoula so unique and why it is worth protecting.  

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So, if you are looking for something to do this weekend, check out Phlox Fest and experience a little piece of what makes Missoula so special.