Wildflowers and Herbs: As its name implies, a wildflower is a flower that grows in the wild. Simply defined, it is a flower that grows ‘on its own’ without needing cultivation. Some wildflowers are native species, that is, they are indigenous to an area or region. Other wildflowers have been introduced to an area but are able to thrive on their own. Some species of wildflowers are very common while others are quite rare.
Phenophases for Wildflowers and Herbs:
First Flower : Report the date at which the first flowers are completely open. You must be able to see the stamens among the unfolded petals. For herbs (non-woody plants), look for the date when the first flowers of one patch are blooming. For trees or large shrubs you will want to make sure there are blooms on at least three places on the tree or shrub. If flowers are in clusters or stalks then there need to be open flowers on at least one stalk (and on trees and shrubs on stalks which grow on at least three separate branches).
End of Flowering : Report the date when the last flower has withered, dried up, or died. If flowers are in clusters or stalks then the stalks should have no open flowers.
First Ripe Fruit : Report the date when you notice the first fruits becoming fully ripe or seeds dropping naturally from the plant. For conifers record when the cones turn brown and the scales expand (seeds should start dispersing shortly thereafter). If fruits are in clusters or stalks then record when stalks have ripe or dispersing fruit (or for trees and shrubs when 3 or more branches have stalks with ripe or dispersing fruit). Ripening is usually indicated by a change in color to the mature color, or by drying and splitting open (for dry fruits such as capsules).
All Leaves Withered : Report when virtually all (95-100%) of the leaves that developed this season, have lost green color or are dried and dead.
