Invitation to participate in MVFN’S Local Plant Watch
Wildflower watch
Watch closely for changes in plants and trees of the Mississippi River watershed over the
coming years. This spring (2006) MVFN will begin recording the first bloom date for
area wildflowers at a variety of locations (some have started already of course). Results
will be tabulated and posted later in the spring and summer. These can be used to
compare with results in the coming years, as part of our climate change awareness
project.
Flowers to watch for 2006 and forms
A group of MVFN members took the first step this spring (2006) by selecting the
wildflower species to watch. These include plants representing a variety of preferred
habitats (see full details of MVFN Plant Watch wildflowers chosen and form to record
observations). We ask others to join in monitoring. On the wildflower watch forms
check the wildflowers to monitor for 2006 and fill in the location, plant and flowering
dates on the sheets as indicated. Then submit to Sheila Edwards at penyak@rogers.com
or send to MVFN Wildflower Watch c/o Janine de Salaberry, RR# 2 Almonte, KOA
1A0.
April temperatures are on the rise!
Many climate variables affect plant growth and flowering. Length of growing season is
one key climate variable affecting plant growth. Another variable is mean temperature. A
graph of Ottawa’s mean April temperatures from the 1930’s to 2005 (based on climate
data from Environment Canada) shows that although there is variation from year to year,
a warming trend, which scientists predict will continue, is evident. How will this affect
the growth and the flowering time of wildflowers and other plants?
MVFN Plant Watch – 2006 Wildflowers
Illustration by Janine DeSalaberry
Monitoring suggestions:

Become familiar with what the plants leaves look like so they can be found before
flowering

Check locations where the plants have been seen in previous years starting before
the expected blooming time – avoid any unnatural site, such as near a brick wall,
which may affect temperature or light conditions

Monitor these locations – every couple of days would be great

Record when the blooms first open - when the first flowers open revealing
the stamens inside

Describe the location in lat/long if possible, or in distance relative to a known
location (e.g. 4 ft NE of my large oak tree)

Note the habitat and sun exposure of the plant (e.g. rocky meadow)

Note other locations where the flowers are found for monitoring next year
Submitting your results:
Please submit observations via e-mail to Sheila Edwards at penyak@rogers.com.
or mail to Plant Watch c/o Janine DeSalaberry, RR# 2 Almonte, KOA 1A0.
Illustrations are from the 1948 Edgar Wherry Wild Flower Guide (www.plants.usda.gov),
with the exception of the trillium illustrated by Janine DeSalaberry.
#1 Dandelion
Scientific Name: Taraxacum officinale – Sunflower family
Favourite Location: fields, roadsides, lawns, disturbed sites
First Flowering: very early
Observations
Date:
Location:
Notes:
#2 Bloodroot
Scientific Name: Sanguinaria canadensis – Poppy family
Favourite Location : hardwood stands
First Flowering: April, May
Observations
Date:
Location:
Notes:
MVFN Plant Watch- 2006 wildflowers
page 2 of 5
#3 Grand/large-flowered/white trillium
Scientific Name: Trillium grandiflorum – Lily family
Favourite Location: hardwood stands
First Flowering: April, May
illustrated by Janine DeSalaberry
Observations
Date:
Location:
Notes:
#4 Wild columbine
Scientific Name: Aquilegia canadensis- Buttercup family
Favourite Location: rocky woods and slopes
First Flowering: April, May
Observation
Date:
Location:
Notes:
MVFN Plant Watch- 2006 wildflowers
page 3 of 5
#5 Viper’s Bugloss
Scientific Name: Echium vulgare – Forget-me-not family
Favourite Location: fields, roadsides – prefers limestone
First Flowering: June (Biennial)
Observations
Date:
Location:
Notes:
#6 Spotted Joe-Pye Weed
Scientific Name: Eupatorium maculatum – Sunflower family
Favourite Location: moist
First Flowering: July
Observations
Date:
Location:
Notes:
MVFN Plant Watch- 2006 wildflowers
page 4 of 5
#7 New England Aster
Scientific Name: Aster novae-angliae- Sunflower family
Favourite Location: meadows and moist areas
First Flowering: August (1 to 2m tall)
Observations
Date:
Location:
Notes:
#8 Orange Hawkweed
Scientific Name: Hieracium aurantiacum –Sunflower family
Favourite Location: sandy roadsides and fields
First Flowering: May, June
Observations
Date:
Location:
Notes:
MVFN Plant Watch- 2006 wildflowers
page 5 of 5