There’s something magical about a spring afternoon in north central Idaho.
The Clearwater River sparkles below, the hills above it bursting with life. The air is warm, the sun stretches long across the landscape, and every breeze seems to carry the songs of meadowlarks and red-winged blackbirds. It’s the kind of day that begs you to slow down, wander, and really look at the world around you.
I laced up my boots and headed out, basket in hand, ready to explore and see what wild plants were coming alive after the long winter. The conditions were perfect — soft, warm ground underfoot, fresh green scents in the air, and bright pops of color across the meadows.
As I walked, I found a handful of favorite wildflowers — perfect for a little mindful wildcrafting:
🔗Wild Pansies (Viola tricolor)
Tiny but vivid, wild pansies are a cheerful sight tucked into grassy clearings. Sometimes called “heartsease,” they’ve traditionally been used for calming skin irritations like eczema and soothing mild respiratory complaints.
🔗Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale)
Often overlooked, dandelions are true herbal treasures. Every part — leaf, flower, and root — can be used. They support liver health, digestion, and are packed with nutrients like potassium and vitamin C. A few bright yellow heads made it into my basket for tea and tinctures.
🔗Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow’s feathery leaves and small white clusters of flowers are easy to spot once you know what to look for. Medicinally, it’s famous for helping stop bleeding from minor cuts and for its gentle support of circulation and immune health. I always feel lucky finding yarrow early in the season.
🔗Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Standing tall with soft, fuzzy leaves, mullein is a plant you want on hand for respiratory wellness. It’s been used for centuries to help soothe dry coughs and support lung health. I spotted a few young plants, leaves still low and wide to the ground, just waiting for their summer growth spurt.
🔗Arnica (Arnica montana)
Seeing arnica always feels like spotting gold. These bright yellow flowers are beloved for topical use — great for bruises, sore muscles, and sprains. It’s a plant that demands respect (not for internal use unless properly prepared), but when used correctly, it’s a powerful ally.
The afternoon slipped away faster than I realized. It’s easy to lose track of time when every bend in the trail brings something new — a flash of a mule deer disappearing into the brush, the sudden trill of a bird you can’t quite spot, or the discovery of another patch of wildflowers basking in the sunlight.
There’s something grounding about walking these hills and gathering a few gifts from the land — a reminder that nature is always offering support, if we just take the time to notice.
If you’re ever in this part of Idaho, especially in late spring, I can’t recommend it enough: leave your phone in your pocket, slow your pace, and see what plants are waiting for you. You might be surprised how much beauty — and medicine — you find right at your feet.
