Nestled in the foothills above Salt Lake City, Red Butte Garden's Natural Area offers a unique escape. With over five miles of trails winding through its untamed beauty, visitors can explore the diversity of Utah native plants without leaving the city.

Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)

This beautiful blue flowering Utah native is found throughout western North America.

Few-flowered Peavine (Lathyrus pauciflorus)

Watch for this large-flowered native twining its way through the stands of oak and maple.

Claret Cup Cactus (Echinocereus mojavensis)

This bright red-flowered cactus evolved its beautiful blooms in order to attract its hummingbird pollinators.

Pale Evening Primrose (Oenothera pallida)

Look for patches of this large-flowered native growing on the dry, open hillsides.

Clustered Broomrape (Orobanche fasciculata)

Where's the green? Orobanche is a parasitic plant and lacks chlorophyll so it obtains its water and nutrients from its nearby host plant.

Wasatch Penstemon (Penstemon cyananthus)

Wasatch Penstemon is a native perennial found in the Rocky Mountains.

Nootka Rose (Rosa nutkana)

Nootka rose is a popular choice for wildlife gardens due to its fragrant flowers and attractive red hips.

These resilient beauties are not only adapted to Utah's unique climate, but also provide valuable food and shelter for wildlife. Come take a stroll in the Natural Area and see these native plants in person.

If you haven't heard yet, Red Butte's new event, Blooming with Pride is almost here. Click HERE to find out more and register for timed entry.

Photos by Jason W. Baker