Snake River Plain is a lower, gently sloping ecoregion primarily located in southern Idaho, characterized by sagebrush steppe vegetation, alluvial valleys bordering the Snake River used for agriculture, and a dry, mid-latitude steppe climate.
Zone
Interior
Common Name
Snake River Plain
CEC Level III Code
10.1.8
CEC Level II Code
10.1 Cold Deserts
Overview
Region facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Aliases | Snake River Plain |
| Geographic Range | The Snake River Plain is located primarily in southern Idaho and forms the northeastern portion of the xeric intermontane basin and range area of the western United States. |
| Climate Snapshot | The Snake River Plain has a dry, mid-latitude steppe climate with warm summers, cold winters, a mean annual temperature between 6°C and 10°C, and a mean annual precipitation of 316 mm. |
| Terrain Profile | The terrain is lower and more gently sloping than surrounding ecoregions, consisting of alluvial valleys, lava fields, plains, and low hills, with elevations ranging from 640 to about 1,980 masl. |
| Vegetation Cover | The natural vegetation of the Snake River Plain is primarily sagebrush steppe, featuring species like Wyoming and basin big sagebrush, bluebunch wheatgrass, and Idaho fescue, but also includes areas of barren lava fields and saltbush-greasewood associations. |
| Wildlife Habitat | The Snake River Plain today is home to Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, pronghorn, black bear, coyote, cougar, bobcat, various small mammals, migratory waterfowl, and several species of birds and fish, having historically also supported bison, bighorn sheep, grizzly bear, and gray wolf. |
Eco snapshot
The natural vegetation of the Snake River Plain is primarily sagebrush steppe, featuring species like Wyoming and basin big sagebrush, bluebunch wheatgrass, and Idaho fescue, but also includes areas of barren lava fields and saltbush-greasewood associations.
The Snake River Plain today is home to Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, pronghorn, black bear, coyote, cougar, bobcat, various small mammals, migratory waterfowl, and several species of birds and fish, having historically also supported bison, bighorn sheep, grizzly bear, and gray wolf.
Seasonal timing
Yearly needs
What pollinators need throughout the year, and what to do about it.
| Season | What pollinators need most | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Late winter/early spring | Early nectar/pollen; safe shelter as insects emerge | Plant/maintain early bloomers; leave some stems and leaf litter until weather is consistently mild |
| Spring | Steady bloom; nesting sites (especially bare ground) | Add spring-flowering natives; keep a small patch of open, well-drained soil; avoid all pesticides |
| Summer | Heat/drought resilience; continuous flowers; water access | Choose drought-tough natives; water new plants deeply; add a shallow water dish with stones |
| Late summer/fall | Late-season nectar; seed/cover; places to overwinter | Plant late bloomers; stop deadheading some plants; leave stems standing for winter habitat |
| Winter or Dry Season | Undisturbed shelter (stems, soil, leaf litter) | Don’t “clean up” everything; delay heavy pruning; keep habitat areas intact |
Keystone plants
Mix early, mid, and late bloomers so pollinators always find food.
Seed mix concept
Spring starter: early bloomers that help pollinators as they first become active.
Summer bridge: heat-tough flowers that keep nectar/pollen available through the driest stretch.
Fall finisher: late bloomers (often asters/goldenrods/rabbitbrush types) that fuel the last big push before winter.
What You Can Do
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.
Native plants
Asters are late-season wildflowers that bring a burst of daisy-like blooms when many gardens are winding down, making them a reliable choice for pollinator-friendly planting.
Blazing stars (Liatris) are upright, purple-pink wildflowers that bloom in showy spikes and are well-loved by many pollinators. They’re a strong choice for sunny gardens, borders, and meadow-style plantings.
Gilias (genus Gilia) are airy, nectar-rich wildflowers that can add quick color to sunny spots and help support a variety of pollinators.
Goldenrods are tough, sunny wildflowers in the genus Solidago that light up late-season gardens with golden blooms and provide reliable nectar and pollen when many other flowers are fading.
Penstemons (beardtongues) are hardy, flower-filled wildflowers that bring bright color and steady nectar to gardens and containers, especially in sunny spots with well-drained soil.
Phacelias are easygoing wildflowers in the genus Phacelia, known for their nectar-rich blooms that can bring lots of pollinator activity to gardens, schoolyards, and even containers.
Rabbitbrush is a tough, sun-loving shrub known for its bright yellow late-season blooms that can help keep pollinators fed when many other flowers are fading.
Sagebrushes are tough, aromatic shrubs in the genus Artemisia that can anchor a dry, sunny habitat and offer shelter and seasonal nectar for a range of insects.
Wild buckwheats (genus Eriogonum) are tough, long-blooming western native wildflowers that can turn dry, sunny spots into reliable pollinator stops.
Yarrow is a tough, easygoing wildflower that brings long-lasting blooms and steady pollinator visits to gardens, schoolyards, and even containers.
Pollinators
Adults visit flowers for nectar and can move pollen between blooms; their presence is a sign of diverse, functioning habitats.
Many brushfoots move pollen between flowers as they feed, and their caterpillars are part of healthy food webs.
Bumble bees are important pollinators of many wildflowers and garden plants, helping ecosystems and food crops reproduce.
Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen, and many species’ larvae help keep plant-eating pests in check.
They can move pollen between flowers while feeding on nectar, especially for blooms that open or scent up in the evening.
They move pollen between flowers while foraging, helping many wild plants and garden plants set seed and fruit.
They move pollen between flowers while foraging, helping many wild plants and garden crops set seed and fruit.
They move pollen between flowers while foraging, helping many wild plants and garden plants set seed and fruit.
They can move pollen while drinking nectar, and they also help control many plant-eating insects.
They’re part of healthy food webs and plant communities, and their caterpillars depend on a wide range of native trees and shrubs.
Skippers visit many flowers for nectar and can help move pollen between blooms while they feed.
Many small moths move pollen while feeding on nectar, supporting wild plants and garden blooms—especially in the evening and at night.
Many adults visit flowers and can move pollen between blooms, while also helping control some garden pests.
Adult swallowtails visit many flowers for nectar and can help move pollen between blooms as they feed.
They help move pollen between flowers in gardens, parks, and natural areas, supporting seed and fruit production.
They visit a wide range of flowers for nectar and can help move pollen between blooms as they feed.
