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With all of the wondrous things to see in Glacier Country, Montana, it might be easy to overlook the flowers, grasses, and other plants that cover the land below the Big Sky.

Scientists are studying the effect of lost species on ecosystems. They have learned that it is important to have many different kinds and species of life forms for the world to stay healthy (biodiversity). People once thought that small creatures, or plants, did not do anything important, so it didn't matter if they died. Now we are learning that everything does something important. When it comes to wildflowers, the unsung heroes are often worms, ants, and fungi.

The destruction of habitats has lead to smaller numbers of flower and plant species. When we use the word habitat, we mean the place or environment where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives and grows. It includes important things like food sources and water. Ecosystem is a word that means how everything that lives in a certain area effects every other thing that lives there. People have built roads, houses, and farms, in places that were once plant and animal habitats. Until recent years, saving ecosystems was not a priority for many people.

B eargrass
Usually, when people dig up wildflowers to plant in their gardens, they do not grow. The plants need special fungi and bacteria in the soil in order to grow and be healthy. Fungi favor "humus" on the forest floor. That portion of the soil formed by the decomposition of animal or vegetable matter. Bacteria are important because they cause the decay that makes the soil so rich. Many plants have a special relationship with fungi. The fungi either grows into the roots of a plant, or they form a net around the roots, depending on the variety. Once it is established, it grows out like roots and provides the plant with a lot more water than the plant could get on its own. In return, the fungi take nutrients that the plant makes during photosynthesis. Fungi lack the chlorophyll that plants use during photosynthesis. This is an example of the special relationships that go on in an ecosystem.

The best way to enjoy wildflowers and other species listed here, is to find and identify them, but don't pick them. When a flower is picked, it does not have the chance to make seeds. Some species will not flower again for a number of years. One great way to collect wildflowers is by taking pictures of them.

Although you will find information here about how some plants were once used as food or medicine, please understand that it is dangerous to experiment with them. This information is provided only for general interest.