Challenges of Being a Wildflower in Early Spring

Challenges of Being a Wildflower in Early Spring

By Paul Alaback, Professor Emeritus of Ecology, University of Montana How can early spring wildflowers produce seeds when it is so cold and pollinators are scarce? I have been following the parade of flowers that emerge each spring for many years. It is usually quite...
Clematis hirsutissima, Sugar Bowls

Clematis hirsutissima, Sugar Bowls

Of all the common names for Clematis hirsutissima, Sugar Bowls is surely the best. The other common names include Hairy Clematis (ugh), Vase Flower, Leatherflower, and Lion’s Beard. No contest in my mind! Although they are defined as being ‘common’...