Celebrating Wildflowers
The genus name Aquilegia comes from the Latin word aquila, which means "an eagle". This reference is specific to the shape of the petals which are said to be like an eagle's claw.
Trilliums hold a special place in the hearts of naturalists, botanists, horticulturalists, and those who enjoy the outdoors worldwide!
“Caring for the land and serving people”, the mission of the U.S. Forest Service, means caring for rare plants and their habitats, and helping people learn about these special plants on our national forests and grasslands.
Ethnobotany is the study of how people of a particular culture and region make use of indigenous (native) plants.
Celebrating Wildflowers News
Statement from USDA Forest Service Chief, Randy Moore Recognizing National Pollinators Week and National Grasslands Week
Posted May 1, 2023
In celebration of two valuable contributions provided on and by our National Forest System lands, I have proclaimed the following:
- May 14 – 20, 2023, as National Wildflowers Week (PDF, 260 KB). I encourage you to implement public events and activities in support of native wildflowers and their role in sustaining native ecosystems and supporting nature tourism which supports local economies. Information and resources for supporting wildflowers and other native plants are available on Celebrating Wildflowers | Forest Service.
Thousands of wildflowers can be found on our National Forests and Grasslands in May of each year. Nature tourism, including wildflower viewing and photography, provides local economies with much-needed jobs and recreational dollars spent in local businesses, primarily benefiting rural economies. Celebrating Wildflowers events create an excellent opportunity for the Forest Service to emphasize its “Kids in Nature” program and provide economic opportunities for rural economies.
- June 18 – 24, 2023, as National Grasslands Week (PDF, 436 KB). I encourage you to support your National Grasslands managers and staff in implementing public events and activities that demonstrate the value of grassland ecosystems. Please join in education efforts emphasizing the aesthetic,recreational, fish and wildlife, water, forage, and economic value of native grasses and grasslands. Information and resources for grasslands are available on National Grasslands | Forest Service.
Our National Grasslands managers, with the support of local communities and in partnership with State Fish and Wildlife agencies, grazing organizations, sportspeople, and environmental groups, and other stakeholders work hard to administer the National Grasslands using sound, progressive principles of land conservation on behalf of the people of the United States. Our Nation’s 20 National Grasslands continue to be an outstanding conservation success story. It is essential to recognize the precious legacy represented by the establishment and maintenance of our National Grasslands.