The Badlands National Park in South Dakota is famous for its rugged rock formations and sweeping prairie, but there is another side of the park that is easy to overlook. Among the grasses, rocks and cactus are wildflowers and weeds in surprising shades of yellow, purple, pink, orange and blue. Come along as I take a closer look at some of the beautiful flowers and weeds I discovered while photographing the Badlands.
Weeds at sunset.
Pretty bird.
The grasses, flowers, insects and other plants are all part of the ecosystem that makes this place what it is. The mixed-grass prairie is one of the defining features of Badlands National Park, and nearly 70 species of butterflies have been observed here as well.
Brilliant yellow prickly pear blossoms.
The landscape is rugged and dry. The summer sun can be intense, rain can be unpredictable, and the exposed prairie is constantly subject to wind. The USGS describes the area as a semi-arid mixed-grass prairie where plants have to cope with drought, thin topsoil, fire, grazing and temperature extremes. And yet, somehow, flowers thrive here. The park is home to more than 400 plant species, including a wide variety of flowering plants and forbs.
Hello bee.
I love the contrast here - One small flower/weed against the world.
Field of white flowers/weeds.
If you visit the Badlands National Park, take time to enjoy the famous overlooks and spectacular formations. Take the scenic drive and watch for bison, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs. Look at the changing colors of the rock, and watch the clouds move across the prairie. But every once in a while, stop and look down - you might find a flower growing where you least expect it. And if you have a camera with you, get a little closer. That's what I discovered while photographing the Badlands. The bigger landscape may be what brings you here, but sometimes it’s the smallest thing that stays with you.