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Niobrara National Scenic River Wildflowers
Wildflowers add to the inherent beauty of the Niobrara National Scenic River valley. Because the valley is known as a major biological crossroads in the midwest, wildflowers are abundant along the lowland and upland slopes. Springbranch canyons with cool north-facing slopes provide excellent habitat for several species of plants including verbena, aster, prairie coneflower, beggar-ticks, sneezeweed, and Nuttall's sunflower. In addition to these common species, the Scenic River is home to several threatened and endangered species.
The following is a list of wildflower species that are considered sensitive, threatened, or endangered within the Niobrara River valley. Some species receive protection at both the state and federal levels. For additional information please contact Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Natural Heritage Database at (402) 471-5419.
Sensitive, Threatened, or Endangered Species
Western prairie-fringed orchid ( Platanthera praeclara ): Threatened
Blowout penstemon ( Penstemon haydenii ): Endangered
Maine ocean islands provide the only nesting sites for Atlantic puffins in the United States. Eastern Egg Rock in the midcoast region, Seal Island and Matinicus Rock at the mouth of Penobscot Bay, and Machias Seal Island and Petit Manan Island off the downeast coast provide habitat for more than 4,000 puffins each summer.