Dwarf Bear-poppy

     The Dwarf Bear-Poppy, also referred to as a Bearclaw Poppy, has been listed as an endangered plant. It only grows in Washington County, and this limits its survival. The Dwarf Bear-Poppy likes to grow in harsher environments. It is typically found on rolling hills where vegetation is sparse in gypsum soil.

     The flowers on this plant are white with a yellow center. The buds that have not yet open hang loosely to the side. Since it grows in open spaces, this plant enjoys a lot of sunlight. It also does not need a lot of water.

     Because it grows in an area where off-road vehicles, the survival of the Dwarf Bear-Poppy is threatened. There is a wildlife preserve that is trying to maintain this species and its habitat, but that is not enough to get this plant off the endangered species list.

     By spreading awareness about this plant, and by working to keep its environment intact, we can help to save this endangered species! Its wonderful presence along the hills in Washington County contributes to the environment so it is important that we do not do anything to take away its possibilities of flourishing.

Sources:
http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_arhu3.pdf

http://my.chicagobotanic.org/science_conservation/arctomecon-humilis/

http://herbarium.uvu.edu/Virtual/details.asp?id=8582

http://dwrcdc.nr.utah.gov/rsgis2/search/Display.asp?FlNm=arcthumi

Fire Chalice (Zauschneria latifolia)

    These little red, trumpet-shaped flowers are so pretty! They grow normally in rocky environments and can survive during drought conditions. They also grow mostly at higher elevations. Sometimes they grow along waterways because the extra water can help make their flowering season last longer.

     The Fire Chalice prefers to grow with sunlight and blooms from midsummer to the time that frost starts to appear. These flowers often attract hummingbirds. They would be a wonderful addition to any garden and invite birds and bees to pollinate the flowers.

     It was not very easy to find a lot of information on these plants, but they are very nice to look at! If you notice them on a walk or hike, wait to see if any hummingbirds fly by!

Sources:
http://herbarium.uvu.edu/Virtual/viewer.asp?file=14080s1.jpg&title=Zauschneria+latifolia

http://conservationgardenpark.org/plants/101/fire-chalice/

http://wildaboututah.org/xeric-gardening-with-native-plants/

Skunkbush (Rhus Tribolata)

     Skunkbush, also known as "Squaw Bush" or "three-leaf sumac," is a deciduous shrub and grows across the Rocky Mountains. This is another sturdy plant that can survive despite drought conditions, and it likes to grow in areas that are relatively sunny or shady. It is suggested for bird gardens and can grow in sand.

     Some can mistake it for poison oak, but it does not irritate the skin in the same way. The shrub grows berries that are edible. Native Americans would gather these berries and eat them. Some even use them to make tea. The leaves on this shrub change colors in the fall and often turn a beautiful red.

     Although this is not necessarily a flower garden-type plant, it could still provide a beautiful backdrop to showcase your flowers, and its berries can be used to make tea or to put in baked goods. There are both aesthetic and practical uses for this sturdy shrub! Keep a look out for them when you go on your next hike in the Rockies!

Sources:
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/rhus-trilobata

http://herbarium.uvu.edu/Virtual/viewer.asp?file=06408s2.jpg&title=Rhus+aromatica

Wasatch Penstemon

     This beautiful blue flower is called the Wasatch Penstemon. It only grows in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah and the area around them. These flowers have a similar shape to a Snap Dragon, but they remain open.

     These flowers are sturdy and can even be relatively tolerant of overwatering; however, it is not recommended to try! They prefer full sunlight and well-drained soil.

     The seeds for this plant are a little more tricky. When the seeds reach maturity, they are dormant. They require ten to sixteen weeks of moist chilling. Moist chilling is when you keep seeds in a bit of moist seed starter mix, sand, sphagnum peat moss, or vermiculite and put them in the refrigerator for the ascribed amount of time. Make sure to check on them and be sure the sand, moss, mix, or vermiculite stays moist!

     After they have germinated--they will begin to germinate while they are chilling--they need to be placed in elongated boxes because their roots grow downward first rather than outward. It is also important to remember that it will take a couple years before it will begin flowering.

     These flowers would obviously brighten any garden and are pretty low-maintenance! Try to look for them when you go on a hike! Since they only grow in Utah, it is important to be respectful of them, and growing them is encouraged!

Sources:
http://www.unps.org/plant%20data%20base/plant%20sheets/penstcyanan.html

http://herbarium.uvu.edu/Virtual/search.asp?s=form

https://suite.io/barbara-m-martin/4hd203

Indian Ricegrass

     Indian Ricegrass is some of the sturdiest grass. Sometimes it can grow eight to twenty-four inches tall in the wild! This plant often likes to grow in cooler temperatures and is often referred to as a "bunchgrass."

     Because Indian Ricegrass is able to reseed and grow after a fire or overgrazing occurs. This is another example of its durability.

     Many grazing animals such as bison, desert bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, pronghorns, and jack rabbits enjoy eating Indian Ricegrass. For some, it is a staple food in late winter because it begins to regrow earlier than most plants. Its seeds are enjoyed by rodents and some birds as well.


     Something interesting and fun to know about this plant is that it has not always been a staple food for animals: people used it for food as well! Native Americans would use the seeds to grind into flour for bread if their corn crops did not grow. Another fun fact is that Indian Ricegrass was dubbed as Nevada's state grass in 1977.

     Now, when you go walking, you can look for Indian Ricegrass! You will probably recognize it be the seeds at the tips of each blade of grass. Maybe you can try grinding it into flour like the Native Americans did!

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oryzopsis_hymenoides

http://pioneer.utah.gov/research/utah_symbols/grass.html

http://herbarium.uvu.edu/virtual/viewer.asp?file=11682s1.jpg&title=Achnatherum+hymenoides

http://herbarium.uvu.edu/virtual/details.asp?ID=12136

Utah Ladyfinger

    
     The Utah Ladyfinger is a beautiful purple flower. It is small and often overlooked. Another name it goes by is the Utah Milkvetch. The term “milkvetch,” as defined by Google, is “a plant of the pea family found throughout the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere, grown in several regions as a fodder plant. Because Utah does not typically experience major climate conditions, the Utah Ladyfinger can thrive in its conditions. Its beautiful magenta-pink bloom from early to mid-spring.

                The Utah Ladyfinger is most often found in desert and foothill habitat and requires lots of sunlight; however, it does not require a lot of water. In fact, this plant will die if it gets too much water. When planting, it is important to know that the seeds will not take up water because they are hard. If they are rubbed with sandpaper, nicked with a razor blade, or soaked in warm water (preferred), the hardened exterior will soften and allow the seeds to germinate more easily.

                This plant is very sturdy and can survive in harsh conditions such as drought. It is a beautiful plant that can brighten difficult patches of earth where other plants may not grow. Because it needs lots of sunlight, it is best not to plant it around taller plants.

                Let’s keep this beautiful plant thriving! Now you know where to find them, how to look after them, and you can see how beautiful they are!

Source: http://www.unps.org/plant%20data%20base/plant%20sheets/utladyfing.html

Spring is Here!

This blog is dedicated to the native plants of Utah.

So many do not realize just how beautiful and diverse Utah is. While it can be a little hectic at times with the random weather changes, this allows for a variety of beautiful plant life to survive and thrive in this beautiful state.

What I am hoping to do is to encourage those in the state and those who visit to take time to appreciate the beautiful scenery: there are so many plants that only grow in Utah that few people know about. By increasing awareness and knowledge about native Utah plants, we can help to take better care of the environment and keep these native plants, especially the ones that are exclusive to Utah, from going extinct.

It is our responsibility to nurture our land and respect it!