Alpine Wildflowers: Showy Wildflowers of the Alpine and Subalpine Areas of the Northern Rocky Mountain States is written by Dr. Dee Strickler. It was published jointly by The Flower Press and Falcon Publishing, Inc. in 1990.

This is a handy, inexpensive guide for residents or visitors to the Rocky Mountain ranges in British Columbia, Alberta (both in Canada), Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. The photographs are excellent. Each plant is described in detail. Information is then presented on its habitat, range, along with general comments about the plant. There is a brief illustrated glossary which helps the reader to understand some of the botanical terms used in the plant discussion.

Conclusion Which book would I recommend? This is a tough question because each of these books has a purpose. If you need a general book on alpine plants, I recommend Rock Garden Plants . If you live in Colorado and/or the Rocky Mountains, then you need the other two books too. Since most of us have limited budgets, I'd splurge and get the general book first and buy the books covering specific areas later.