Growing your results…
The Rocky Mountain ecoregion spans dramatically different elevations — from dry sagebrush valleys to subalpine meadows and spruce-fir forests. Native willows dominate riparian corridors; aspen groves support the highest caterpillar diversity at mid-elevations.
States: MT, WY, CO, UT, ID, NM (northern)
Ranked by caterpillar species supported (NWF / Tallamy data)
| Genus | Common name | Caterpillar spp. |
|---|---|---|
| Salix | Willow | 289 |
| Populus | Quaking aspen / cottonwood | 249 |
| Pinus | Ponderosa / lodgepole pine | 200 |
| Betula | Water birch | 189 |
Ranked by pollen specialist bee species supported (Fowler data)
| Genus | Common name | Specialist bees |
|---|---|---|
| Helianthus | Native sunflower | 89 |
| Solidago | Goldenrod | 56 |
| Symphyotrichum | Aster | 43 |
No plants in the directory for this region yet.
The directory is actively being expanded — check back soon.
Data source: Keystone plant rankings based on NWF Keystone Plants by Ecoregion and Narango, Tallamy & Shropshire (2020), Nature Communications. Specialist bee data from Fowler (2016), USDA Forest Service.
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