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Nez Perce National Historical ParkDouglas Fir Forest along the Lolo Trail
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Nez Perce National Historical Park
Trees and Shrubs

The traditional homeland of the Nimiipuu are marked with distinctive elevation zones of vegetation. Douglas-fir is the dominant conifer below the subalpine zone in many areas, while mountain hemlock dominates others. Below this, western redcedar and western hemlock dominate, but Douglas-fir, western white pine, western larch, and ponderosa pine are also found. Lodgepole pine and grasses dominate in the basin-and-ranges. Tree species were used for tepee poles, canoes, fires, and a wide variety of other needs by the Nimiipuu.

The great Nez Perce rodeo rider Jackson Sundown on his horse, circa 1920. NPS photo NEPE-HI-1922  

Did You Know?
Horses came into Nez Perce country about the 1730s and the Nez Perce became well known for their large herds of fine horses. The Nez Perce practiced selective breeding to obtain the traits of intelligence, endurance, and speed.

Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:22 EST