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Wildflower walks Report
The Alpine Flowers of the Italian Dolomites
A splendid array of alpine plants characterised our walks in 2008 and from the onset of a quite early spring we were rewarded with a diversity and richness of flora that lasted well into the cooler days of autumn. Photogenic patches of snow lingered on the screes and high ridges even into late June, but choice spring flowers flourished in the woods, meadows and valleys from mid-May onwards.
The upland pastures around Arabba and Pedraces were awash with sheets of colour for much of the year. At higher altitudes well-marked paths afforded access to vast sun-baked screes dotted with iridescent alpine gems, while the loftier but still accessible ridges cradled rare and enchanting species.
As always, dainty purple and white Crocus albiflorus (1) were one of the first species to bloom, bedecking the lush green meadows with their varied hues.These fragile bulbous gems were stunningly augmented by the golden-yellows of the globeflowers (Trollius europaeus) (2), massed in floral profusion on the upper flanks of the now quite verdant valleys, both were then shortly joined by the unrivalled beauty of the pasque flowers, illustrated here by the sublimely hairy Pulsatilla vernalis (3).
Every colour of the rainbow seemed to be represented during the warm midsummer months when the dramatic blues of the gentians vied for attention with the yellows of the geums, the whites of the mountain avens and the lustrous pinks of the primulas, rhododendrons and potentillas. The adjective gentian evokes the deepest of blues and the trumpet gentians; (Gentiana acaulis) (4) did not disappoint with their clusters of royal blue open-mouthed goblets soaking up the radiant warmth of a hot summer sun. Butter yellow geums; (Geum reptans) (5) and the stately martagon lilies with their pendulous purple-pink flower heads (Lilium martagon) (6) flourished in the sun drenched rocky outcrops, while deep magenta flushes of Potentilla nitida rubra (7) and Silene acaulis spread gracefully from the abundant crevices of the cliffs and boulders.
The surrounding meadow turf teemed all summer long with beautiful orchids,burnt-yellow arnicas (Arnica Montana) (8); the pastel pinks of primulas and the filigreed flowers of the exquisite Dianthus superbus (9). These often wet grassy slopes also supported vast colonies of the delightful spring gentian (Gentiana verna) (10), it's tiny upward-facing flowers reflecting the often azure blue of a clear dolomitic sky.much smaller in all it's parts than it's trumpeted relative (Gentiana acaulis) this beautiful harbinger of spring covered wide expanses of hillside on the Pordoi and Sella passes in particular.
...Arabba & the Pordoi Pass is a wonderful area, with much to see and fine flowers and is perhaps the nearest place to the finest flowers in the Italian Dolomites
Meanwhile, at lower altitudes, damp shaded glades in wooded areas were enriched by the majesty of the ladies-slipper orchids; Cypripedium calceolus (11), a plant now virtually and sadly lost to our woodlands here in Britain. Here, however, in this limestone haven, these glorious orchids really flourished in the summer of 2005, much to our complete pleasure.
A vast array of species carpeted the route of practically every walk, whilst those with a head for heights could discover a rare endemic such as Paederota bonarota (12) in one of the barren limestone outcrops or the gorgeous honey-scented Thlaspi rotundifolium (13) on an exposed scree and, if particularly fortunate, one may have been personally greeted by the 'untameable' 'King of the Alps'; Eritrichium nanum (14). This sky-blue, yellow-centred gem forms tight, hairy cushions on boulders at the highest of altitudes and flowered profusely during much of June and July 2005.
on a wildflower walk near Arabba
The seasons may change (whether early or late) and those fragile limestone pinnacles may occasionally crumble but time does not erode the beauty of these majestic mountains and their spectacular Dolomitic flora. In 2005, Arabba, Corvara and Pedraces were only one small step away from these magnificent plants.
Text & photography: Cliff Booker
To see two further reports by Cliff Booker about the Dolomites on the Scottish Rock Garden Website click the following links; www.srgc.org.uk/part one & www.srgc.org.uk/part two.
Cinque Torre
- Wildflower Walking Holidays
Low Level Valley and 'static' alpine flower walks beneath the famous towers of Dolomitic Limestone.
Five days a week - First World War walks with Collett's
Join a fascinating and spectacular war walk with Isabelle Johnson, a local war historian.
Five days a week - Low and Medium Level Walking Holidays
Low Level Valley and trail walking beneath the famous towers of Dolomitic Limestone.
Five days a week - Arabba, Corvara & Pedraces. - High Level Walking Holidays
Spectacular all day itineraries in the valleys and on the peaks in the world's most unique mountain range.
Five days a week - Arabba, Corvara & Pedraces. - Via Ferrata
Consist of a range of protected scrambling routes.
Comprised of skilfully installed fixed cables, ladders and gorge-spanning bridges
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Collett's is a regulated, independent holiday specialist committed to the highest levels of personal care and attention to detail. Abroad, we respect the people, character and local customs of our featured destinations. We are a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators abiding to its Quality Charter and encouraging high standards of quality and service. Finally, Collett's is bonded through ABTA and guarantees the protection of all holiday payments. Collett's Ltd. is registered in England No. 3467538 @ Lake House, Market Hill, Royston, Herts, SG8 9GN Directors: N.R.Baron, T.J.E Collett & P.Melia.
