About
Idaho Wildflowers is a collaborative field guide app produced by the University of Idaho's Stillinger Herbarium, the University of Washington Herbarium at the Burke Museum, and Idaho State University's Ray J. Davis Herbarium. Designed for both amateur enthusiasts and experienced botanists, the app provides detailed information on more than 800 common wildflowers, shrubs, and vines found throughout Idaho and neighboring areas of Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Utah. The app features an intuitive search key with ten filter categories — including growth habit, flower color, bloom month, geographic region, habitat, flower type, leaf arrangement, leaf type, duration, and origin — allowing users to narrow down species quickly and accurately. Each species entry includes multiple photos, a species description, range map, bloom period, and a technical botanical description. A standout feature is full offline functionality, making it reliable in remote wilderness settings without cell service. Beyond identification, Idaho Wildflowers serves as an educational resource with an extensive botanical glossary, labeled diagrams, family-level descriptions, ecoregion overviews, habitat guides, and wildflower destination recommendations. A portion of app revenues supports conservation and botanical exploration in the region. It is available as a one-time purchase on Android devices.
Key Features
- 800+ Species Database: Covers over 800 wildflowers, shrubs, and vines native and introduced to Idaho and adjacent areas, with photos, descriptions, and range maps.
- 10-Category Search Key: Filter plants by growth habit, flower color, bloom month, region, habitat, flower type, leaf arrangement, leaf type, duration, and origin to quickly narrow down matches.
- Full Offline Functionality: The entire database runs without an internet connection, making it reliable for hikes and field work in remote areas.
- Educational Reference Content: Includes a botanical glossary, labeled plant diagrams, ecoregion overviews, habitat guides, family descriptions, and wildflower destination guides.
- Expert-Curated Data: Content developed by professional botanists from three major university herbaria, ensuring accuracy and scientific reliability.
Use Cases
- Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts identifying wildflowers encountered on trails throughout Idaho and the Pacific Northwest.
- Botany students using the app as a field reference and educational supplement for learning plant families, terms, and identification techniques.
- Amateur naturalists building knowledge of regional plant communities, ecoregions, and habitats.
- Travel and nature photographers planning wildflower photography trips using destination guides and bloom period data.
- Educators and interpretive guides using the app as a teaching tool for plant identification and ecological literacy.
Pros
- Works Completely Offline: Ideal for remote outdoor use — no cell service or Wi-Fi needed to access the full database and all features.
- Scientifically Accurate: Backed by three university herbaria, offering professionally vetted data not found in generic plant apps.
- Suitable for All Skill Levels: Simple search interface for beginners, with technical descriptions and family-level data that satisfy experienced botanists too.
Cons
- One-Time Paid Purchase: There is no free version or trial — users must pay upfront before trying the app.
- Limited Geographic Coverage: Content is focused on Idaho and adjacent Pacific Northwest states; not useful for plant identification outside this region.
- Android Only: Currently available only on Google Play, with no iOS version available for iPhone or iPad users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Idaho Wildflowers require an internet connection?
No. The app is fully functional offline, making it ideal for use in remote wilderness areas without cell service or Wi-Fi.
How many plant species are included in the app?
The app covers more than 800 wildflowers, shrubs, and vines — both native and commonly introduced species — found in Idaho and adjacent parts of Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Utah.
Who created Idaho Wildflowers?
It was developed in partnership by the University of Idaho's Stillinger Herbarium, the University of Washington Herbarium at the Burke Museum, and Idaho State University's Ray J. Davis Herbarium.
Is the app suitable for beginners with no botany background?
Yes. The search key uses plain-language categories like flower color and bloom month, and the app includes a botanical glossary and labeled diagrams to help beginners learn as they identify plants.
Does purchasing the app support conservation efforts?
Yes. A portion of revenues from Idaho Wildflowers is directed toward supporting conservation and botanical exploration in the Idaho region.
