an explosion of colours in the norwegian mountains

Large scale, far reaching, wide ranging panoramic views stretch all the way to the horizon. They are your constant companions  on hikes and treks in the alpine environment of Jotunheimen. Yet on the small scale under your feet and along the trail, many enchanting sights can equally delight. Mosses and lichen, flowering plants, shrubs and trees grab the hikers’ attention, wherever they go. 

diversity explained

Not before long and the hiker starts wondering how this diversity and abundance is brought about, sometimes in the course of just a day’s hike. The seeds and spores  of plants flew over and started colonising the landscape, some 12000 years ago at the end of the last iceage. In fact they could be considered the first immigrants to Norway. Today around 2100 species of flower plants have been recorded in Norway, of which only a few are endemic. Depending where in the country you are you can find wild flowers from March to October.  

Snow cover is an important factor driving diversity. Places with essentially zero vegetation days, like for example Fannaråki, will only show lichen growing on rock, as plants can’t handle sub zero temperatures for an extended amount of time as they photosynthesise sunlight to grow. Around Skogadalsbøen by contrast, which is only a day hike away from Fannaråki, you will be treated to a riot of colours. In addition to the higher number of vegetation days, the quality of the bedrock is very important too. Variation in its composition and acidity leads to rich or poor nutrient soils that are in turn favoured by different plant species. 

the miracle of evolution

The rest is ‘just’ the miracle of evolution that has made plants adjust  to  different levels of precipitation, sunlight hours and exposure to wind. Some will favour closeness to the snowfields that last until deep into the summer, others will thrive in the  deep, quiet valleys that protect them from harsh sunlight and wind. Some will be small and unassuming, others will produce intense colours to attract the insects or birds they need for pollination and distribution of their seeds. Together they form a kaleidoscope of colours, forms and textures. 

want to learn more?

If you are keen to learn more while trekking in Norway, consider taking along the Cicerone guidebook to Alpine Flowers. This pocket guide allows you to identify more than 200 Alpine flowers. It is written for the non-specialist is arranged by colour and gives you interesting background and information. As Gillian Price, my fellow author says, “… these plants are masters of adaptation and survival, they can trap insects, store precious water, expel excess minerals and fool insects”. You can find her book here https://www.cicerone.co.uk/alpine-flowers

Alternatively, look for books in the common rooms of the mountain huts, or even for posters decorating some of their walls. Many huts have a book or two on the local plants and flowers, and some display large overview posters with the most commonly encountered flowers. While the text may be in Norwegian, the pictures and the rainbow of colours  and diverseness of shapes speak in any language. 

Source: https://botaniskforening.no/wildflowers-in-norway

Photo credit: A collage made from photos taken during treks in Southern Norway