Interior Bottomlands is an ecoregion consisting of low elevation areas of interior Alaska.
Zone
Interior
Common Name
Interior Bottomlands
CEC Level III Code
3.1.2
CEC Level II Code
3.1 Alaska Boreal Interior
Overview
Region facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Aliases | Interior Bottomlands, CEC 3.1.2 |
| Geographic Range | The Interior Bottomlands consist of low-elevation areas along the larger rivers of interior Alaska, ranging from 120 masl in the west to 600 masl in the east, characterized by flat to nearly flat terrain and poorly drained soils often over discontinuous permafrost. |
| Climate Snapshot | The Interior Bottomlands have a subarctic, continental-influenced climate with cool summers, cold winters, a mean annual temperature ranging from -6°C to -4°C, and mean annual precipitation between 280 and 500 mm. |
| Terrain Profile | The terrain consists of flat to nearly flat bottomlands along larger rivers of interior Alaska, with elevations ranging from 120 masl in the west to 600 masl in the east, characterized by deep fluvial and aeolian deposits and poorly drained soils often over discontinuous permafrost. |
| Vegetation Cover | Forests are dominated by spruce and hardwood species, with common tall scrub thickets and wetlands, and permafrost-dominated lowlands supporting black spruce woodlands and sedge-tussock bogs. |
| Wildlife Habitat | The Interior Bottomlands support moose, black bear, beaver, and a variety of waterfowl including trumpeter swans, along with important runs of chinook, chum, and coho salmon in the large rivers. |
Eco snapshot
Forests are dominated by spruce and hardwood species, with common tall scrub thickets and wetlands, and permafrost-dominated lowlands supporting black spruce woodlands and sedge-tussock bogs.
The Interior Bottomlands support moose, black bear, beaver, and a variety of waterfowl including trumpeter swans, along with important runs of chinook, chum, and coho salmon in the large rivers.
Seasonal timing
Yearly needs
What pollinators need throughout the year, and what to do about it.
| Season | What pollinators need most | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Late winter/early spring | Safe shelter, early food as soon as conditions allow | Leave stems/leaves in place; plan for early-blooming natives; avoid “spring cleanup” that removes shelter |
| Spring | Nectar + pollen to start new colonies and support early flyers | Plant/maintain early bloomers; include shrubs; keep a shallow water source (pebbles for landing) |
| Summer | Continuous bloom, water, and nesting materials | Fill bloom gaps with mid-season natives; provide bare soil patches and small brushy corners |
| Late summer/fall | Late nectar/pollen to build reserves; shelter prep | Plant late bloomers; stop deadheading some plants; leave seedheads and stems standing |
| Winter or Dry Season | Protected overwintering sites | Keep leaf litter in some areas; avoid disturbing ground and stems; plan next season’s plant additions |
Seed mix concept
Spring starter: early bloomers (often shrubs and early wildflowers) to “turn on” the season.
Summer bridge: mid-season flowers that keep nectar and pollen steady.
Fall finisher: late bloomers (often goldenrods/asters) to prevent an end-of-season food crash.
What You Can Do
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.
Native plants
Alders are fast-growing trees in the genus Alnus that are especially useful in damp spots and along edges where you want quick cover and early-season pollen for insects.
Asters are late-season wildflowers that bring a burst of daisy-like blooms when many gardens are winding down, making them a reliable choice for pollinator-friendly planting.
Birches are graceful trees in the genus Betula, known for their often light-colored bark and early-season pollen and catkins that support springtime insects.
Blueberries and huckleberries (genus Vaccinium) are berry-producing shrubs with spring flowers that can support pollinators and later feed people and wildlife—great for gardens, schoolyards, and even large containers.
Clovers are small, easygoing plants in the genus Trifolium that can add nectar and pollen to gardens, lawns, and pots while helping cover bare soil.
Fireweed is a tough, fast-growing wildflower in the genus Chamerion that brings bright pink blooms and lots of pollinator activity to sunny, open spaces.
Fleabanes (genus Erigeron) are easygoing wildflowers with daisy-like blooms that can brighten gardens, schoolyards, and balcony pots while offering steady nectar and pollen for many small pollinators.
Goldenrods are tough, sunny wildflowers in the genus Solidago that light up late-season gardens with golden blooms and provide reliable nectar and pollen when many other flowers are fading.
Kinnikinnick is a tough, low-growing evergreen groundcover in the genus Arctostaphylos (often called bearberry) that forms a tidy mat and offers small spring flowers followed by red berries.
Manzanitas are tough, beautiful western shrubs with urn-shaped flowers that can feed early-season pollinators and evergreen leaves that keep gardens looking good year-round.
Poplars, aspens, and cottonwoods (genus Populus) are fast-growing trees best known for their fluttering leaves and soft “cottony” seeds. They can support early-season pollinators with spring catkins, but they’re also big, thirsty, and often short-lived in small yards—so they’re best chosen with space and roots in mind.
Rushes are tough, grass-like wetland plants (genus Juncus) that thrive in damp soil and help create calm, sheltered habitat at the edges of ponds, rain gardens, and low spots.
Sedges (genus Carex) are grass-like plants that form tidy clumps and thrive in many garden conditions, especially where soil stays a bit damp. They add texture, cover bare ground, and can support small wildlife by providing shelter and nesting material.
Willowherbs (genus Epilobium) are easygoing wildflowers that pop up in sunny, open spots and offer simple, nectar-rich blooms that many small pollinators can use.
Willows are fast-growing trees and shrubs in the genus Salix that offer some of the earliest pollen and nectar of the year, making them a strong choice for pollinator-friendly yards, parks, and school grounds.
Yarrow is a tough, easygoing wildflower that brings long-lasting blooms and steady pollinator visits to gardens, schoolyards, and even containers.
Pollinators
Adults visit flowers for nectar and can move pollen between blooms; their presence is a sign of diverse, functioning habitats.
Bumble bees are important pollinators of many wildflowers and garden plants, helping ecosystems and food crops reproduce.
Many visit flowers for nectar and can move pollen between blooms while also playing important roles in local food webs.
Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen, and many species’ larvae help keep plant-eating pests in check.
Adults can help move pollen as they nectar at flowers, and their caterpillars are an important part of local food webs.
They can move pollen between flowers while feeding on nectar, especially for blooms that open or scent up in the evening.
Many small moths move pollen while feeding on nectar, supporting wild plants and garden blooms—especially in the evening and at night.
Many adults visit flowers for nectar and can move pollen between blooms while feeding.
They visit a wide range of flowers for nectar and can help move pollen between blooms as they feed.
