Wildflower Study

Wildflower Study Update

Linda Ford at work

Thirty-four species of wildflowers have been identified as a result of the preliminary study done by Linda Ford, Master Gardener from upstate New York. The first phase of this study was conducted at the start of the flower season from mid to late August 2005.

She returned in September 2006 at the peak of the wildflower season to continue her study, and this time was assisted by Ryan Hawkins, a volunteer at the Oso from Iowa. She brought with her a first draft of her wildflower guide, and guests were eager to learn about the wildflowers in the area. At her departure at the beginning of October, 53 new species have been studied and photographed and will now be worked on for identification.

Linda’s first visit to the Oso was in early October 2004. She noted the vast profusion of wildflowers and asked about a guidebook. When she was told that there was no guidebook, she decided to do one on her own. She is planning for an eventual publication in English and Spanish once her studies are completed.

Update: Details on Linda's pending book can be seen here.

Below is the list of plants that have been identified to date according to color:

White: Mexican star, Milla biflora Mexican thistle, Eryngium lemmonii Calochortus venustus Horsemint, Monarda citriodora Pearly everlasting, Gnaphalium pringlei	Yellow: Sisyrynchium pringlei Bidens structhionides Aster, cf. Wedelia hispida Mexican zinnia, Zinnia angustifolia Buffalo bur, Solanum rostratum Stinking cassis, Senna hirsuta
Orange: Stenorrhynchus aurantiacus Mexican bird-of-paradise, Caesalpinia pulcherrima	Red: Perennial wild poinsettia, Euphorbia colorata Cinquefoil, Potentilla thurberi Zinnia, Zinnia peruviana Common four o’clock, Mirabilis jalapa Bat-faced monkey flower, Cuphea llavea Scarlet sage, Stachys coccinea Firecracker bush, Bouvardia ternifolia
Pink/Lavender/Magenta: Cosmos, Leucampyx newberryi Begonia, Begonia, gracilis Chihuahua vervain, Verbena pinetorum Tripogandra purpurascens Basket flower, Centaurea americana Morning glory, Ipomoea capillacea Mountain wood sorrel, Oxalis alpine	Purple: Widow’s tears, Achimenes mexicana Bellflower, Penstemon campanulatus Morning glory, Ipomoea hirsuta Solanum houstonii Blue mudplantain, Heteranthera limosa Pinewoods spiderwort, Tradescantia pinetorum
Blue: Day flower, Commelina tuberosa

Note: The Oso provides subsidized rates to researchers doing study or research in this area. Contact us for details and Part of the list above follows - click on any image for an enlargement:


Bat-faced Monkey Flower Cuphea llavea	Common Four O'clock Mirabilis jalapa	Day Flower Commelina tuberosa


Horsemint Monarda citriodora	Mexican Bird of Paradise Caesalpinia pulcherrima	Mexican Star Milla biflora


Mexican Thistle Eryngium lemmonii	Stenorrhynchus aurantiacus	Wild Poinsettia Euphorbia colorata

...in a moment of relaxation.

Note: The Oso provides subsidized rates to researchers doing study or research in this area. Contact us for details and explain your area of expertise.

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Updated 06/01/2008