I hadn't been to the Meadow Vue Ranch in a few days (west and adjacent to the RedRock RV Park) to see what flowers were popping up. So, Reggie and I explored the east most pasture of this ranch this morning. To remind you, the Meadow Vue Ranch is 400 acres of ranchland owned by Dennis Moedl. The development rights were bought for 380 of those acres to be put aside for scenic and wildlife conservation easement thanks to the Nature Conservancy and Dennis.

It was cloudy and a 43F cool, with rain and thunderstorms forecast today (we need it for the continued success of the wildflowers!)

So far the ranch is cow-less and gives us the freedom to explore without interruption. Mostly Sagebrush buttercup is showing, but now the beautiful Leafy Bluebells are scattered all over. These small versions of the popular bluebells have beautiful shades of blue and mauve. In addition, the white, low-lying Spreading Phlox can be found here and there. Also, pervasive throughout most of this pasture is the Wyoming Kittentails. Also present are the Shooting Stars, though they are not in all areas. They tend to like the more moist spots.

New since my last visit is the first specimens of the colorful red Mountain or Sheep Sorrel (Rumex acetosella). This is considered a weed due to it's slightly toxic effect on livestock, but it does make a nice accent for the other wildflowers with it's dark red color. This plant is part of the buckwheat family. The leaves have a lemony, tangy or nicely tart flavor. There is some confusion on my part as to the identification of this plant due to several sorrels that resemble it.


I did find a couple specimens of the Vase Flower near a small snow-fed stream on the property. But these are unusual out here due to the drier and less shady characteristics of the range. (There is still snow hanging around in places on the property.)


Another weed that is starting to grow is the Elk Thistle. It starts in such a symmetric way, flattened on the ground forming a large circle. When these bloom, large purple heads grow from the center and the plant stands at least 2 to 3 feet tall.



One unique aspect of this property is a parcel of uncovered volcanic rock near the snow fed stream. Although this entire area (greater Yellowstone area) is known for it's volcanic activity, the area from Sawtelle Peak to Henry's Lake has few exposed areas of volcanic rock. Mostly, this land North of Sawtelle Peak is composed of slope wash, alluvial fans, tuffs produced during the eruption(s) of the Yellowstone volcanic system, & glacial moraines. Some of this uncovered volcanic rock is extremely porous, one example containing many pea sized or greater holes where obivously the lava was filled with gas. This might be some form of pumice, formed when hot lava instantly contacts water (Henry's Lake?). Most of this rock is covered with various types of lichen, adding to it's odd beauty.

Also evident is a large depression in one rock that looks like a mortar, a bowl like depression ground into the rock and used by Indians to grind grains for food. There are parts of the mortar that are smooth (presumably from the grinding action of the pedestal.) Henry’s Lake, known for its tremendous trout fishing, was a favorite of the American Indian tribes who set up camps along the lake’s shores. Indian artifacts, like this mortar, can still be found along the banks.

Come visit, but be careful exploring the pasture when the cows are here. The bulls can get jealous.

Also please leave it as you find it, or carry away some other visitor's carelessly discarded litter.