Zion has the richest diversity of plants in Utah—almost 800 native species. Differences in elevation, sunlight, water, and temperature create "microenvironments," like hanging gardens, forested side canyons, and isolated mesas. The variety of mountain and canyon environments makes Zion an excellent location for wildflower walks in the spring and summer and brilliant leaf color in the autumn. Take on of the many hikes through Zion Canyon and you will see why Zion can be considered a "paradise".

Evening primrose native to the north temperate zone is a perennial herb with en erect hairy stem and rough hairy leaves generally 3-6 inches long. Yellow flowers bloom in umbrellas and are 1-1/2 inches across. The evening primrose also has medicinal purposes. The oil received from the plant is used to help with many medical problems. The oil has helped with: premenstrual syndrome, benign breast disease, cholesterol, blood pressure, obesity and some skin conditions.

Larkspur is a winter annual native to southern Europe that has adapted well all over the country. Larkspurs are distinguishable by the backward projecting spur formed by the upper petal of the flower. They can be found in in well drained soils out in the sun. Tightly compact blossoms area arranged on spikes in shades of white, pink, and deep blue.

The ponderosa pine also known as the western yellow pine, can be identified by its asymmetrically shaped bark plates, and its needles are 5-10 inches long and come in bundles of three. These trees are mostly found on the west rim of the canyon and can be seen in the Kolob Canyons also.

Cottonwood trees are found throughout Zion Canyon providing shade for hikers, picnickers and mountain bikers. In the late spring, the trees release its seeds in a cotton-like substance that floats through the air and covers the ground making it look as if it snowed.