2022 Mountain Flora Forever Stamps (Booklet) – 20 Stamps

2022 Mountain Flora Forever Stamps (Booklet) – 20 Stamps

Celebrate the Beauty of Mountain Flora

The 2022 Mountain Flora Forever Stamps beautifully showcase the delicate beauty of four wildflowers that thrive in alpine environments. These stamps feature the purple pasqueflower, the orange-red wood lily, the bright yellow alpine buttercup, and the dark pink Woods’ rose. Designed by Lili Arnold, each stamp presents an intricate representation of these remarkable flowers. Arnold created the designs from hand-drawn illustrations and then edited them digitally into block print-style artwork. Together, these stamps celebrate the resilience and elegance of nature’s wild creations.

Stamp Details and Features

• Stamp Category: Definitive
• Face Value: First-Class Mail Rate (Forever)
• First Day of Issue: March 14, 2022
• First Day City: Alpine, Wyoming
• Quantity Issued: 500,000,000
• Printed By: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd.
• Printing Method: Offset
• Format: Double-sided Booklet of 20 stamps
• Tagging: Nonphosphored Type III, Block Tagged

Why These Flowers Matter

Mountain wildflowers are particularly special because they possess incredible beauty and remarkable adaptability. The four featured flowers—the pasqueflower, wood lily, alpine buttercup, and Woods’ rose—have developed unique traits that enable them to survive in high-altitude environments. For instance, they have smaller sizes, slower growth rates, and flexible stems that help them withstand extreme conditions. However, many of these species face threats due to climate change and human activity. Additionally, these plants take years to mature, which makes them vulnerable to disturbance. Unfortunately, many mountain wildflowers are now considered endangered or threatened.

First Day of Issue in Alpine, Wyoming

The 2022 Mountain Flora stamps made their official debut with First Day cancellations in Alpine, Wyoming. Although there was no formal ceremony, Alpine was chosen as the ideal location due to its proximity to the very mountain habitats where these wildflowers grow. The town’s high-altitude environment makes it a fitting place to honor these beautiful flowers.

A Call for Preservation

Mountain wildflowers may be visually striking, but they are also fragile. Many of the plants featured on these stamps take more than 10 years to reach full maturity, and disturbing them can have detrimental effects. When hiking in alpine areas, it’s essential to “leave no trace.” By refraining from picking or trampling these plants, you help preserve both the flowers and the surrounding mountain ecosystem. This practice ensures that these unique species will continue to thrive for future generations to admire.

Conclusion

The 2022 Mountain Flora Forever stamps offer a stunning look at alpine wildflowers and highlight the resilience of these extraordinary plants. These stamps also serve as a reminder of the need to protect and preserve these delicate species. Ultimately, by appreciating the beauty and adaptability of mountain flora, we can continue to enjoy their presence in the mountains for years to come.