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Strange Names and Oddball Stories Define American Wildflowers
Wildflowers are nature’s gems, unfurling not only beautiful blooms but also wonderful tales of tenacity and folklore. Some wildflowers, like the perennial purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) shown here, transition easily to a garden setting. Others demand such specific growing conditions that they don’t adapt to a typical home landscape. Look for both types of native plants in this gallery, which showcases wildflowers with intriguing back stories. These plants provide talking points you can use at your next book club, barbecue or family dinner. If nothing else, you’ll grab some new words for your Scrabble arsenal.
What’s inspired our interest in all things wildflower is the recent update — decades in the making — of the National Audubon Society Wildflowers of North America. This beloved guide is the go-to book for nature lovers who want to learn about the plants they encounter while they’re enjoying the Great Outdoors. Let’s go for a walk on the wild side.
