A survey of distribution patterns in the Montana alpine flora

A second Rocky Mountain alpine location which has been studied is the Beartooth Plateau of northern Wyoming and southwestern Montana, an area which is also large and easily accessible (Billings and Mooney, 1959; Bliss, 1956?Johnson, 1962; Johnson and Billings, 1962).Among the earliest and most comprehensive studies were those of Rydberg (1913, 19lii)o He included in his series of publications on the phytogeography of the Rocky Moun tains three articles on the phytogeography of the Rocky Mountain alpine» His observations which are relevant to the Montana alpine were based on a limited number of collections primarily from the Yellowstone Park region of Montana.An early study which dealt with the alpine flora of Montana was that of Hawkins (1903), but his collections were limited to south-central Montana.Only three recent studies have been made which have been concerned with alpine vegetation in Montsina, excluding those of the Beartooth Plateau area.A longterm study undertaken by Drs.R.