How to Identify Spring Wildflowers

Each geographical area has its own set of native wildflowers. Taking a hike along your local nature trails or undeveloped areas can be like going on a treasure hunt in springtime. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy and identify the spring wildflowers you will come across on your nature walk.

Instructions

1. 

   In the springtime local wildflower societies, native gardens and other centers offer regular classes, lectures and guest speakers that are fascinating to attend for the wildflower enthusiast. Or you can plan your own wildflower discovery hike alone or with friends.

2. 

   Look up local wildflower sites in magazines or on the internet that offer pictures of the plants that grow in your area. You can print them out and take the pages with you on your wildflower hunt.

3. 

   Buy wildflower books. There are a number of pocket-sized books that will be convenient to take with you on short or long walks.

4. 

   Bring a camera. You can take pictures as you go, but don't forget to focus in on some close-ups. Most flowers offer a magical world of wonder if you look carefully into the flower -- designs and colors that will be missed if you just gaze at them from afar. These markings can also help you identify the variety of wildflower you are looking at.

5. 

   Bring a small pad of paper to take notes. You can make sketches, jot down questions or simply feel free to write whatever comes into your head. This way you can record your experiences and take notes to help you identify wildflowers when you get home.

6. 

   Once you get home you can re-check your books and magazines. You can also look up plants on the internet to learn all about them. Check your local native plant centers, too. They will give you expert tips and identification information.

7. 

   It's best not to pick wildflowers since some might be endangered. A few might also cause skin irritations. So, if you take photos and notes, you should be able to identify each wildflower with any of the sources I just mentioned. For more information on plants in your area and how to identify spring wildflowers, check out some of the links listed below under Resources.

Resources

• Look for the wildflower section in this gardening site for a Southern California chaparral photo-list of wildflowers
• New England Wildflower Society
• eHow Spring Guide