Introduction Bees are essential to our ecosystems! They pollinate plants and flowers, ensuring the growth of fruits, vegetables, and other plants. Not only that, but their importance goes beyond pollination. Bees are vital for the health and preservation of our planet. Let’s explore their role in flowers and our world! Continue Reading
The Language of Flowers Understanding the Symbolism Behind Each Bloom
Introduction Centuries ago, people used flowers to express emotions and convey meaning. This is called the “language of flowers”. Each bloom has a different symbolic meaning – from love and romance to joy, healing and hope. In this article, we learn about the special meanings of flowers. We get a Continue Reading
The Science Behind the Scent How Flowers Produce Their Sweet Fragrance
Introduction The sweet smell of fragrant blossoms can bring a smile to any face. For centuries, humans have found joy in the beautiful aromas of freshly bloomed flowers. But how do flowers produce this delightful fragrance? How are they dispersed so widely? Let’s explore the anatomical cues that allow flowers Continue Reading
The Secret to Extending the Life of Cut Flowers
Preparation Flower-care involves prepping them to make them last. Firstly, decide what type of flowers you plan to use. Some need more prep than others. Here, we’ll discuss the steps needed to prep cut flowers for extended freshness. Choose the right vase Choosing the right vase is key for long-lasting Continue Reading
The Wonders of Daffodils How to Grow and Enjoy These Cheerful Blooms
Introduction Daffodils (Narcissus sp.) are a faved flower in spring. They come in shades of yellow, white, and pink. Plus, they make lovely cut flowers for indoors. They’re from the Amaryllidaceae family. Some even have fragrant blooms that last months with proper care. Here’s how to grow daffodils for a Continue Reading
Pteridaceae – Maidenhair Fern Family
Adiantum aleuticum (=A. pedatum var. aleuticum). WESTERN MAIDENHAIR. ALEUTIAN MAIDENHAIR. Perennial. Oak Creek Canyon and Schnebly Hill (Coconino County); “near General Springs”; (this reported in Gila County in K&P; there is a General Springs just north of the Mogollon Rim in Coconino County, and it is unclear if K&P; cited the wrong county, Continue Reading
Selaginellaceae – Spikemoss Family
Selaginella densa ROCKY MOUNTAINS SPIKE-MOSS. LESSER SPIKE-MOSS. PRAIRIE CLUB-MOSS. Perennial. White Mountains: Summit of Mt. Baldy, 11,470 feet [K&P;]. Selaginella mutica SPIKE-MOSS. Perennial. Grand Canyon National Park: Inner Canyon, 3000-6000 feet (Coconino County). [PP&B;]. Tsegi and Betatakin canyons (northern Navajo and Apache counties) [K&P;]. Selaginella underwoodii SPIKE-MOSS. UNDERWOOD’S SPIKEMOSS. Perennial. Continue Reading
Equisetaceae – Horsetail Family
Equisetum arvense FIELD HORSETAIL. COMMON HORSETAIL. Perennial. Coconino, Navajo, Apache and Gila counties, 5000-8000 feet [K&P;]. Grand Canyon National Park: Kanabownits Spring, North Rim, 7938 feet (Coconino County) [PP&B;]. Northern Hualapai Mountains, Mohave County; moist soil along drainages [JANAS-24/25]. West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon of Coconino County [DP-21(1)]. Equisetum x ferrissii Continue Reading
Dryopteridaceae – Wood Fern Family
~Athyrium alpestre var. americanum (=Athyrium americanum). AMERICAN ALPINE LADY FERN. Perennial. Shown on FNA range map as occuring as close to Northern Arizona as southern Nevada, so should be looked for [FNA-2]. Athyrium filix-femina var. californicum. SOUTHWESTERN LADY FERN. Perennial. White Mountains of Apache County [K&P;]. Cystopteris bulbifera. BULBET BLADDER FERN. BULBLET BLADDER FERN. Perennial. West Fork Continue Reading
Aspleniaceae – Spleenwort Family
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum. BLACK SPLEENWORT. Perennial. Mt. Elden at about 7500 feet [K&P;]. Asplenium platyneuron. EBONY SPLEENWORT. Perennial. FNA range map shows this species occurring as a disjunct population in the middle of northern Arizona [FNA-2]. Asplenium resiliens. BLACK-STEMMED SPLEENWORT. BLACKSTEM SPLEENWORT. Perennial. Near Flagstaff (Coconino County), and in the mountains of Gila County, Continue Reading