(DK) Flowers

Flowers
Flowers




The buds at the
top of the stem
open last.
Written by David Burnie

Consultant: Mike Grant




Pollen grains are
made at the end
of the stamens
in anthers.


Thistle

Each flower has
a bright pattern
to attract
bumblebees.


















Wild pansy







US_004-005_Half_Title.indd 4 06/09/18 11:38 AM US_004-005_Half_Title.indd 5 06/09/18 11:38 AM

Flowers









Written by David Burnie

Consultant: Mike Grant


















































US_004-005_Half_Title.indd 5 06/09/18 11:38 AM

Contents



Senior editor Carrie Love Picture researcher Sakshi Saluja
US Senior editors Margaret Parrish, Shannon Beatty Producer, pre-production David Almond
Assistant editor Prerna Grewal Producer Basia Ossowska
Senior art editors Ann Cannings, Pallavi Narain Managing editors Laura Gilbert, Monica Saigal 8 Looking at flowers 40 A flying start
Project art editor Radhika Banerjee Managing art editor Diane Peyton Jones
Illustrators Abby Cook, Dan Crisp Deputy managing art editor Ivy Sengupta
Jacket coordinator Francesca Young Delhi team head Malavika Talukder 10 Flowers in close-up 42 Garden flowers
Jacket designers Dheeraj Arora, Suzena Sengupta Art director Helen Senior
Senior DTP designer Jagtar Singh Publishing director Sarah Larter 12 Complicated flowers 44 Making flowers last
DTP designer Dheeraj Singh
Original edition
Project editor Christine Webb 14 Flowers with a difference 46 Woodland flowers
Art editors Ch’en-Ling, Chris Legee
Senior editor Susan McKeever
Senior art editor Jacquie Gulliver 16 Plants that don’t flower 48 Tropical flowers
Production Catherine Semark
Photography by Roger Phillips
Editorial consultant David Sutton, The British Museum 18 The life of a flower 50 Grassland flowers
(Natural History)
First American Edition, 1993
This edition published in the United States in 2019 by DK Publishing 20 Bursting into flower 52 Waterside flowers
345 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014
Copyright © 1993, 2019 Dorling Kindersley Limited 22 Blooming colors 54 Mountain flowers
DK, a Division of Penguin Random House LLC
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
001–311560–Mar/2019 24 All about pollen 56 Seashore flowers
All rights reserved.
Without limiting the rights under the copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, 26 Animal visitors 58 Desert flowers
photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Published in Great Britain by Dorling Kindersley Limited.
A catalog record for this book 28 Perfumed flowers 60 Index
is available from the Library of Congress.
ISBN: 978-1-4654-7910-5
DK books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk 30 Floating in the wind
for sales promotions, premiums, fund-raising, or educational use.
For details, contact: DK Publishing Special Markets, 345 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014
[email protected] 32 Seed story
Printed and bound in China
The publisher would like to thank the following for their kind permission to reproduce their photographs: 34 Juicy fruits
(Key: a-above; b-below/bottom; c-center; f-far; l-left; r-right; t-top)
4 Dreamstime.com: Elen33 (r); Voltan1 (br). 5 123RF.com: Vasin Leenanuruksa. 8 123RF.com: Teerayut Ninsiri (crb). 13 123RF.com: Richard Griffin
(r). Depositphotos Inc: griffin024 (ca). Dreamstime.com: Whiskybottle (tr). 14 123RF.com: Tamara Kulikova (b). 15 Dreamstime.com: Firina (clb);
Romasph (br). 16–17 123RF.com: Valerii Zan (b). 17 123RF.com: Ihor Bondarenko (tl). Dreamstime.com: Sanja Baljkas (crb). 22 123RF.com: Uliana 36 Flowers from bulbs
Dementieva (crb). Dreamstime.com: Marilyn Barbone (br). 25 Alamy Stock Photo: Christian Musat (tr); Geoff Smith (crb). Getty Images: Martin Harvey
(cla). Science Photo Library: Dr. Jeremy Burgess (c). 26 Alamy Stock Photo: Ahmed Jawid Asefi (clb). 27 Alamy Stock Photo: blickwinkel (r).
28 123RF.com: serezniy (cl). Dreamstime.com: Katrina Brown / Tobkatrina (cr). 29 Dreamstime.com: Kira Kaplinski / Kkaplin (tr). 30 Alamy Stock 38 Springing into life
Photo: blickwinkel (bl). 32 Dreamstime.com: Sahua (bl). 33 123RF.com: Ruttawee Jaigunta (cb); wiesdie (ca). 34 Depositphotos Inc:
imagebrokermicrostock (r). 36 Dreamstime.com: Andreevaee (r). 38 123RF.com: PaylessImages (b). 39 Fotolia: Zee (r). 41 Dreamstime.com:
Andreykuzmin (Soil). 42 Alamy Stock Photo: Dave Marsden (crb). Dreamstime.com: Simicv (bl). 43 123RF.com: alekss (br); photoroad (tr);
Evgenyi Lastochkin (cr). Alamy Stock Photo: flowerphotos (bc). Dreamstime.com: Voltan1 (cla). 44 Dreamstime.com: Marina Scurupii (fcr);
Svrid79 (cr). 46 123RF.com: Iryna Khudoliy (bc). Dreamstime.com: Elen33 (r). 47 Dreamstime.com: Argenlant (cl). 48 123RF.com: Teerayut
Yukuntapornpong (cr). Depositphotos Inc: belchonock (bl). 49 Dreamstime.com: Alisali (tl); Ronnachai Limpakdeesavasd (r). 50 123RF.com: voltan1
(r). Dreamstime.com: Antonel (bl). 50–51 123RF.com: gromaler (b). 51 123RF.com: Zdenek Precechtel (tr). Dreamstime.com: Christina Hudson (clb).
52 Dreamstime.com: Iva Villi (cra). 53 123RF.com: Vasin Leenanuruksa (b); zych (tr). 55 Depositphotos Inc: ploutarxina (cl). 56 Getty Images:
Eye Ubiquitous (cr). 57 123RF.com: Rudmer Zwerver (tl). Alamy Stock Photo: Garden World Images Ltd (cb). Depositphotos Inc: PJ1960 (bl).
58 Dreamstime.com: Natador (cr)
Cover images: Front: 123RF.com: Serezniy bl; Alamy Stock Photo: Christian Musat tr; Dreamstime.com: Firina tc, Svrid79 cra; Fotolia: Zee c; Back:
Dreamstime.com: Marilyn Barbone ca, Elen33 crb; Spine: Dreamstime.com: Irochka cb, Svrid79 bc
All other images © Dorling Kindersley
For further information see: www.dkimages.com
A WORLD OF IDEAS:
SEE ALL THERE IS TO KNOW
www.dk.com
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Contents






8 Looking at flowers 40 A flying start
10 Flowers in close-up 42 Garden flowers

12 Complicated flowers 44 Making flowers last

14 Flowers with a difference 46 Woodland flowers
16 Plants that don’t flower 48 Tropical flowers

18 The life of a flower 50 Grassland flowers
20 Bursting into flower 52 Waterside flowers

22 Blooming colors 54 Mountain flowers

24 All about pollen 56 Seashore flowers
26 Animal visitors 58 Desert flowers

28 Perfumed flowers 60 Index
30 Floating in the wind

32 Seed story

34 Juicy fruits
36 Flowers from bulbs

38 Springing into life





















US_006-007_Imprints_Contents.indd 7 06/09/18 2:29 PM

Looking at flowers KEEPING A RECORD

Using colored pencils and a drawing pad, keep records of
flowers that you see. A magnifying glass is useful for looking
It’s hard to imagine a world without flowers. at flowers close-up; scissors and tweezers will help you to

Plants that have flowers grow almost investigate the parts of a flower. A notebook is the flower
everywhere, from gardens to high explorer’ s most important piece of equipment. If you want
a lasting reminder of a flower’ s shape, you can learn how
mountains. Every flower has a particular
shape and color, so that it can perform to press it.
a special job. By the time you’ve finished

reading this book, you’ll know what this Be careful while using
job is, and how the flower does it. Always scissors. Always ask an
ask permission before picking a flower. adult to help.

The pansy is a
typical garden
Animal visitors flower—big,
Many flowers have lots of animal bold, and bright.
visitors throughout the day, or
sometimes even at night. But
what are these animals doing?
Read on, and you’ll find out. Drawing flowers helps you
to see how the different
parts fit together.




This rose flower has Making seeds A cherry is
a juicy fruit
a ring of five petals. Once a flower has withered, that contains
it starts to make seeds. Some
What’s what? seeds come in juicy cases. a single seed.
There is much more to a flower than just We call them fruit. Later on,
its petals. Later on, you can discover you will see how seeds are
what else makes up a flower, and what scattered, and how they turn
all the different parts do. into new plants.
8 9




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KEEPING A RECORD
Using colored pencils and a drawing pad, keep records of
flowers that you see. A magnifying glass is useful for looking
at flowers close-up; scissors and tweezers will help you to
investigate the parts of a flower. A notebook is the flower
explorer’ s most important piece of equipment. If you want
a lasting reminder of a flower’ s shape, you can learn how


to press it.



Be careful while using
scissors. Always ask an
adult to help.













Drawing flowers helps you
to see how the different
parts fit together.




Making seeds A cherry is
a juicy fruit
Once a flower has withered, that contains
it starts to make seeds. Some a single seed.
seeds come in juicy cases.
We call them fruit. Later on,
you will see how seeds are
scattered, and how they turn
into new plants.
9




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Flowers in close-up Many flowers in one Thistle

From a distance, this thistle seems like a
single flower, but take a closer look. It is
A good way to find out about flowers is to take one apart. made of many tiny flowers, called florets,
packed together. In the daisy’s “face,” you
The petals are often big and bright. If you take the petals will see lots of tiny dots. Each of these is a
off, however, you will be left with the important parts of tiny flower. Flowers, such as thistles and
a flower—the ones that make the seeds. daisies, are composite flowers. Each strand
is a flower.

Simple flowers
Kingcups and poppies are called simple Tufty thistle
flowers. Their petals are arranged in a Look around in your
circle. In the center of the flower are yard or in the park, and
the parts that produce the seeds. see how many composite
flowers you can spot. The
tiny florets of this thistle
Center has
been cut make a tuft that looks
in half. like a bush.



Kingcup Inside the thistle,
Seeds form you can see the
Center of
in pointed, tubelike florets.
the flower
green parts,
Petal
called ovaries. Daisy pieces
Zoom in Pull apart a large daisy
Use a magnifying glass to look more to see the different
closely at flowers. This will give you florets that make it
a better view of the different parts. up. Each floret makes
a single seed.


The “face” is made up Each petal is
Be careful if using a magnifying glass
of many tiny florets. really a separate,
in sunlight because it can cause fire.
lopsided flower.
10 10




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Many flowers in one Thistle
From a distance, this thistle seems like a
single flower, but take a closer look. It is
made of many tiny flowers, called florets,
packed together. In the daisy’s “face,” you
will see lots of tiny dots. Each of these is a
tiny flower. Flowers, such as thistles and
daisies, are composite flowers. Each strand
is a flower.


Tufty thistle
Look around in your
yard or in the park, and
see how many composite
flowers you can spot. The
tiny florets of this thistle
make a tuft that looks
like a bush.



Inside the thistle,
you can see the
tubelike florets.

Daisy pieces

Pull apart a large daisy
to see the different
florets that make it
up. Each floret makes
a single seed.


The “face” is made up Each petal is
of many tiny florets. really a separate,
lopsided flower.






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Complicated flowers Piped aboard

The Dutchman’s-pipe plant has flowers that
look just like a pipe. They attract flies with
If you look at flowers in a garden or in the countryside, their sickly smell. The flies can only escape

you will see that they come in many shapes. Some flowers when stiff hairs inside the flower wither.
are flat and round. Others are shaped like funnels, beaks,
or even umbrellas. These types of flowers are called A living trap Spadix
complicated flowers. Imagine being Flies tumble from the

caught in a trap, spadix, or hood, into a
How many petals? dusted with pollen,
An everlasting pea has five petals. Two and then released. lower chamber, which
contains tiny flowers.
are joined together making the inside That is what happens
of the “beak,” which sticks forward. to tiny flies that visit the
Two more lie on either side, while lords-and-ladies plant. The club-shaped spadix
the fifth makes a curved “hood” gives off a scent that
around the top of the flower. attracts tiny flies.
The hood has
a slippery lining.
The “beak” is made Try and guess how many flowers
up of four petals. a flower head has in this picture,
and then count them.
“Hood”
petal “Beak” petal

Growing together
Many complicated flowers
grow together in clusters,
called flower heads.
Lower
“Beak” chamber
petal

Anthers hold
a yellow dust
called pollen.
12 13




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Piped aboard
The Dutchman’s-pipe plant has flowers that
look just like a pipe. They attract flies with
their sickly smell. The flies can only escape
when stiff hairs inside the flower wither.



Spadix
A living trap
Imagine being Flies tumble from the
caught in a trap, spadix, or hood, into a
dusted with pollen, lower chamber, which
and then released. contains tiny flowers.
That is what happens
to tiny flies that visit the The club-shaped spadix
lords-and-ladies plant. gives off a scent that
attracts tiny flies.
The hood has
a slippery lining.


















Lower
chamber







13




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Flowers with Tropical treat Flower

You have to look closely

a difference to see this plant’s true flowers,
because they are small. The
flowers are surrounded by special
pink leaves. The plant’s name,

In nature, things are not always Find that flower! bougainvillea (boo-gan-vil-ia),
is quite a mouthful!
what they seem. Some plants have Most of this sun-spurge
small, drab flowers, but they still flower head is made up This colored leaf

manage to put on a brilliant show of special cup-shaped is called a bract.
of color. Instead of petals, they leaves, called bracts. The
flowers themselves are
use brightly colored leaves, or tiny, and they nestle in Leaf stems cling on Bougainvillea is Ordinary
a climbing plant.
sepals, to attract insects. the middle of each cup. by hooking around leaf
other plants.

Two in one Showy sepals
Take a look at this “lacecap” The showy flower of this
hydrangea flower head. It is clematis is actually a ring of
made up of many tightly sepals. Many plants have
packed flowers. Some of small green sepals, but the
the flowers have big, clematis has sepals that are
colorful sepals, bigger and more colorful
while the others Sepals than the rest of the flower.
are very small.
Colorful leaves
When growing wild,
Inner flowers are
much smaller. Only poinsettia (poyn-set-ee-ah)
these can make seeds. plants grow into big bushes,
topped by leaves that turn
crimson during the flowering
Outer flowers have season. The poinsettia’s real
four big, colorful sepals flowers are surrounded by
to attract insects. these bright leaves.
14 15




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Tropical treat Flower
You have to look closely
to see this plant’s true flowers,
because they are small. The
flowers are surrounded by special
pink leaves. The plant’s name,
bougainvillea (boo-gan-vil-ia),
is quite a mouthful!

This colored leaf
is called a bract.


Bougainvillea is Ordinary
Leaf stems cling on
by hooking around a climbing plant. leaf
other plants.

Showy sepals
The showy flower of this
clematis is actually a ring of
sepals. Many plants have
small green sepals, but the
clematis has sepals that are
bigger and more colorful
than the rest of the flower.
Sepals

Colorful leaves
When growing wild,
poinsettia (poyn-set-ee-ah)
plants grow into big bushes,
topped by leaves that turn
crimson during the flowering
season. The poinsettia’s real
flowers are surrounded by
these bright leaves.
15




US_014-015_Flowers_with_a_difference.indd 15 06/09/18 11:38 AM

Plants that Slime and seaweed

In summer, ponds sometimes fill with

don’t flower green slime. This is made up of tiny
algae —very simple plants that have no
flowers. There are thousands of kinds
of algae, including seaweed, and the
green “dust” that covers tree trunks.
No matter how well you look after
a fern, you will never persuade it to Some lichens
flower. Nor will you ever see flowers Slow, but sure are brightly

on a moss. This is because moss Tree ferns Look carefully at rocks, walls, and colored.
doesn’t have flowers or seeds. have thick tree trunks for lichens. They look
Instead, moss reproduces by “trunks.” Some like flat patches that have been
making dust-like spores. grow as high stuck on. They grow very slowly,
as a house. but live for a long time. Lichens
are only half plant, since they are
a mix of fungus and alga.
Feathery ferns The frilly “gills”
Most ferns live in damp places. A lichen expands of a toadstool drop
spores into the air.
Their leaves, or fronds, are often outward as it grows.
split into many pieces, giving
them a feathery outline. Wet and dry
An easy way to spot
ferns is to look at Mosses are small plants that
their new fronds. usually live in damp places. Some
These usually live on walls and rooftops, where
have a coiled it can get very dry. ln hot weather,
shape, which they turn gray and hard. When it
unwinds as they rains, they turn green and start Mushrooms and toadstools
Many ferns grow bigger. growing again. Most fungi feed on the remains of
carry their other living things. A mushroom or a
spores on the toadstool is just the part of a fungus
back of fronds. that makes spores. The rest of the
fungus is hidden away. Although


16 fungi look like plants, they aren’t.




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Slime and seaweed
In summer, ponds sometimes fill with
green slime. This is made up of tiny
algae —very simple plants that have no
flowers. There are thousands of kinds
of algae, including seaweed, and the
green “dust” that covers tree trunks.


Some lichens
are brightly
Slow, but sure colored.
Look carefully at rocks, walls, and
tree trunks for lichens. They look
like flat patches that have been
stuck on. They grow very slowly,
but live for a long time. Lichens
are only half plant, since they are
a mix of fungus and alga.
The frilly “gills”

A lichen expands of a toadstool drop
outward as it grows. spores into the air.



Wet and dry
Mosses are small plants that
usually live in damp places. Some
live on walls and rooftops, where
it can get very dry. ln hot weather,
they turn gray and hard. When it
rains, they turn green and start Mushrooms and toadstools
growing again. Most fungi feed on the remains of
other living things. A mushroom or a
toadstool is just the part of a fungus
that makes spores. The rest of the
fungus is hidden away. Although
fungi look like plants, they aren’t.






US_016-017_Plants_that_dont_flower.indd 17 06/09/18 11:38 AM

The life of a flower Long-lived plants

These garden cranesbills are perennials.
They have big leaves and spreading
Have you ever noticed how wild poppies can roots. The leaves die in the fall, but
the roots stay alive through the winter.
suddenly spring up on a patch of bare ground? In the spring, new leaves grow and
This happens because most poppies are “annual” cranesbills flower once again.
plants. They grow very quickly, and
they flower and die all within the The poppy Perennial plants grow
space of a year. Not all plants petals start where the ground is

are like this. Many more to wither and not disturbed, from
fall off.
live for a number of woodlands to deserts.
years. Plants like this A single cranesbill

are called “perennials” flower makes just
(per-en-ee-als). five seeds.





The poppy is Annual plants like this
fully open. poppy grow best where
the soil has been dug,
plowed, or moved around.
Poppy flower
folded up
Flower
inside bud
bud
Seeds are shaken out by
the wind. The cycle begins
Rushing into flower again the next year, when
The poppy is an annual the seeds germinate.
plant. It puts all its energy Chamber
into flowering and making Seeds are containing
lots of seeds as quickly as made in this seeds
it can. A single poppy flower chamber.
can make hundreds of seeds.
18 19




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Long-lived plants
These garden cranesbills are perennials.
They have big leaves and spreading
roots. The leaves die in the fall, but
the roots stay alive through the winter.
In the spring, new leaves grow and
cranesbills flower once again.



The poppy Perennial plants grow
petals start where the ground is
to wither and not disturbed, from
fall off. woodlands to deserts.



A single cranesbill
flower makes just
five seeds.





Annual plants like this
poppy grow best where
the soil has been dug,
plowed, or moved around.





Seeds are shaken out by
the wind. The cycle begins
again the next year, when
the seeds germinate.

Seeds are Chamber
made in this containing
chamber. seeds


19




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Bursting into flower The three petals of Calling all bees

an iris that point
An iris is not just a pretty
upward are called shape —it is a complicated
A flower bud is like a well-packed suitcase. It has the “standards.” In machine that attracts bees
this iris, they are
a tough outer cover, which stops it from being frilly and rounded. to visit it. Once a bee
has landed, the flower
damaged. Inside, the different parts of the flower sprinkles it with a
are rolled up tight, so they take up very little space. dust called pollen.
As the bud grows, the flower expands
inside. Soon, the flower becomes so The highest bud The three

big that it can no longer fit in the bud. flowers first. When drooping petals Bees use falls
as landing
Then it bursts into bloom. it withers, the next are called “falls.” platforms.
bud opens.

Petals unfold after
Iris flower buds bursting through the Streaks on the petals guide
grow out from bud’s papery sepals. bees to a sweet food called
nectar at the center of
folds in the Tightly
the flower.
pointed leaves. rolled
petals
Pretty in pink
This lily bud is shaped like
a torpedo. It has six long,
pointed petals. Lilies grow Ovary
from bulbs and come in
a range of colors. Inside the bud
This iris bud has
The buds are been sliced open
protected Anther coated just before it was
by sepals. Bearded bloom with pollen about to bloom. See
The German iris, if you can make out
also called “bearded iris,” the rolled-up petals
blooms in late spring to and the ovary, where
early summer. It often the seeds are made.
has fragrant flowers.
20




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The three petals of Calling all bees
an iris that point An iris is not just a pretty
upward are called shape —it is a complicated
the “standards.” In machine that attracts bees
this iris, they are to visit it. Once a bee
frilly and rounded. has landed, the flower
sprinkles it with a
dust called pollen.




The three Bees use falls
drooping petals as landing
are called “falls.” platforms.



Streaks on the petals guide
bees to a sweet food called
nectar at the center of
Tightly
the flower.
rolled
petals
Pretty in pink
This lily bud is shaped like
a torpedo. It has six long,
pointed petals. Lilies grow Ovary
from bulbs and come in
a range of colors. Inside the bud
This iris bud has
Anther coated been sliced open
with pollen just before it was
about to bloom. See
if you can make out
the rolled-up petals
and the ovary, where
the seeds are made.







US_020-021_Bursting_into_flower.indd 21 06/09/18 11:38 AM

Blooming colors DO-IT-YOURSELF COLORS


To see how a flower draws up water, you will need some
white carnation flowers, tap water, and food coloring.
Flowers use their colors to

attract insects. When a bee 1. Take a white 3. Within an hour, one half
or a butterfly sees a brightly carnation and ask will change color! This
colored flower, it flies an adult to split happens because the flower
toward it. The color the lower half draws up the water and the
is like a signpost that of the stem in two. color through the stem.

shows where tasty
nectar can be found.
2. Put one side in
tap water, and the Water with
other in water with food coloring
Color pigments food coloring.
Flowers contain natural Tap water
substances called pigments,
which give color to their
petals. The varying colors
are a result of the different
types of pigment present.
Green for growth
Plants have a green pigment in their leaves
called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is very
important for plants, because it collects
Dyes from plants energy from sunlight so that they
Ancient Greeks and Romans can grow. Before their leaves drop, the
used plant pigments to dye Crocus green color of the leaves changes into
their clothes. They used crocus Madder flower yellow and red—the colors you
flowers to make yellow, woad roots see in the fall.
plant to make blue, and the roots
of madder plants for red. Woad
plant
23




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DO-IT-YOURSELF COLORS

To see how a flower draws up water, you will need some
white carnation flowers, tap water, and food coloring.



1. Take a white 3. Within an hour, one half
carnation and ask will change color! This
an adult to split happens because the flower
the lower half draws up the water and the
of the stem in two. color through the stem.





2. Put one side in
tap water, and the Water with
other in water with food coloring
food coloring.
Tap water








Green for growth
Plants have a green pigment in their leaves
called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is very
important for plants, because it collects
energy from sunlight so that they
can grow. Before their leaves drop, the
green color of the leaves changes into
yellow and red—the colors you
see in the fall.





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All about pollen A pollen grain Stigma Pollen in close-up

lands on the
stigma and Pollen grains are so small
that about 50 of them can
grows a tube
Every living thing on Earth is made up of tiny parts, to the ovary. fit on a pinhead. Every plant
called cells. A plant cannot grow until two kinds of has its own type of pollen.
Some are round, while others
cell join together. One kind of cell is called an ovule. are shaped like triangles
Ovules are formed in the base of the flower, inside a or sausages.
chamber called an ovary. The other kind of cell is called A seed is
formed here,
a pollen grain. Pollen grains are tiny. They have to join in the ovary. Magnified pollen
grain of a hollyhock
up with the ovules from another flower, so they have Pollen at the ready
to move from one flower to another. This lily bud has been
cut in half to reveal its
Stamen Coming and going stamens and stigma. At
This lily flower makes ovules as well the end of each stamen
as pollen grains. However, it will only is a dark orange anther.
form seeds if it receives pollen that This makes the pollen, Spikes Hollyhock
has traveled from another lily flower. which is like a fine dust. plant


Anther






The stigma is a
landing platform
that receives pollen
from other flowers.

Sticky business
A single anther Pollen grains are often sticky. When
The pollen grains are makes millions a bee visits a flower, it cannot keep
made at the end of of pollen grains. from brushing against the anthers
the stamens in anthers. and getting covered in pollen.
24 25




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A pollen grain Pollen in close-up
lands on the Stigma
Pollen grains are so small
stigma and
that about 50 of them can
grows a tube
fit on a pinhead. Every plant
to the ovary.
has its own type of pollen.
Some are round, while others
are shaped like triangles
or sausages.
A seed is
formed here, Magnified pollen
in the ovary. grain of a hollyhock

Pollen at the ready
This lily bud has been
cut in half to reveal its
stamens and stigma. At
the end of each stamen
is a dark orange anther.
This makes the pollen, Hollyhock
which is like a fine dust. Spikes plant



Anther














Sticky business
A single anther Pollen grains are often sticky. When
makes millions a bee visits a flower, it cannot keep
of pollen grains. from brushing against the anthers
and getting covered in pollen.
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Animal visitors A face full of pollen

Wild fuchsias (few -shas) are often visited
by hummingbirds. As the hummingbird
Have you ever noticed insects flitting from flower to hovers to drink the nectar, its face gets

flower? They are spreading pollen. When a bee visits dusted with pollen. It then carries the
pollen to the next flower it visits.
a flower, it gets dusted with pollen. When it moves on
to another flower, it unloads some of the pollen and Hummingbirds usually
picks up some more. In return for its hard work, the visit red flowers.
bee gets “paid” with sugary nectar. Painted lady

butterfly

Bird-of-paradise flower Long stamens dust
The bird-of-paradise flower is pollinated the hummingbird
by birds. It is big and bright and with pollen. Teasel flowers have
produces lots of sweet nectar. The petals lots of nectar.
are tough so
that they are
not damaged
The part of the Prickly drink
by birds.
flower that The teasel is preferred
makes pollen is by insects with long
like a perch. It tongues. Butterflies and
dusts pollen onto bumblebees can reach
its visitors’ feet. past the teasel’s long
spikes to drink its nectar,
The cape weaver but ordinary honeybees
bird pollinates cannot reach far enough.
the bird-of-paradise
flower in South Africa.
Bright colors
attract birds.
Look for seed-eating birds
near teasel plants. They love
to eat teasel seeds.


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A face full of pollen
Wild fuchsias (few -shas) are often visited
by hummingbirds. As the hummingbird
hovers to drink the nectar, its face gets
dusted with pollen. It then carries the
pollen to the next flower it visits.


Hummingbirds usually
visit red flowers.

Painted lady
butterfly

Long stamens dust
the hummingbird
with pollen. Teasel flowers have
lots of nectar.



Prickly drink
The teasel is preferred
by insects with long
tongues. Butterflies and
bumblebees can reach
past the teasel’s long
spikes to drink its nectar,
but ordinary honeybees
cannot reach far enough.






Look for seed-eating birds
near teasel plants. They love
to eat teasel seeds.


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Perfumed flowers A scent in the night

Try this: smell a honeysuckle’s
flowers during the day and then
Have you ever wondered why flowers smell? The in the evening. You will find that

answer isn’t to please our noses. Instead, flowers use the evening scent is much stronger.
Honeysuckle is pollinated mainly by
smell as a signal. Their scent spreads into the air, where moths. It releases its perfume after
bees and other insects can detect it. The insects fly dark to attract its nighttime visitors.
to where the scent is strongest. This leads them to
the flowers, and to a sugary meal. Most Smelly monster

flowers smell strongest by day, but a few The world’s biggest flower
is the giant Rafflesia. lt grows
release more of their scent at night. up to 31 in (80 cm) across
and attracts flies by smelling
like rotting meat!
Freesia flowers open one
after the other. Each flower
lasts for several days.


Bees are attracted Moths have long tongues
to flowers with a that can reach deep into the
sweet smell and honeysuckle’s tubelike flowers.
Sweet-smelling freesias bright colors.
Freesia flowers produce a rich scent The evening primrose
for many days, which is why they has a strong scent and
are often cut and brought indoors. pale color to guide
Twenty kinds of freesia grow in the Bell-shaped moths toward it.
wild, but many more varieties have flowers Night shift
been specially bred by gardeners.
Many flowers open up during
Calling all bees the day and close at night. The
Grape hyacinths have small, bell -shaped flowers. flowers of evening primrose
They give off a rich scent during the day, work the other way around. As
attracting bees in early spring. Grape hyacinths dusk falls, they open wide and
can often be found in parks and gardens. release their scent to attract moths.
28 29




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A scent in the night
Try this: smell a honeysuckle’s
flowers during the day and then
in the evening. You will find that
the evening scent is much stronger.
Honeysuckle is pollinated mainly by
moths. It releases its perfume after
dark to attract its nighttime visitors.


Smelly monster
The world’s biggest flower
is the giant Rafflesia. lt grows
up to 31 in (80 cm) across
and attracts flies by smelling
like rotting meat!








Moths have long tongues
that can reach deep into the
honeysuckle’s tubelike flowers.


The evening primrose
has a strong scent and
pale color to guide
moths toward it.
Night shift

Many flowers open up during
the day and close at night. The
flowers of evening primrose
work the other way around. As
dusk falls, they open wide and
release their scent to attract moths.
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Floating in the wind Blooming unnoticed People who suffer from hay fever are

Grasses have flowers, too, but
their flowers are often small allergic to pollen. They suffer most in
Not all flowers are pollinated and dull. Many are surrounded spring and early summer, when grasses
by green scales, making them
by animals. Instead, some use difficult to spot. Like all wind - release lots of pollen into the air.
the wind. These types of flower pollinated flowers, grasses do
shed their pollen into the air, not need bright petals to Bearded
and the tiny grains are blown attract insects. Their flowers wheat
grow in clusters at the top of
far and wide. Some pollen lands tall stems. Next time you walk

on the ground, some gets in our through a field of long grass, Barley
eyes and noses, and just enough watch out for puffs of pollen
as you brush against them.
lands on other flowers. If you

suffer from hay fever, you may
know all about this.


Stand back!
Stinging nettle flowers shed their Grasses such as this
pollen into the air in a special way. Timothy shed their
When the pollen grains are ripe, pollen into the air, Wild oat
a tiny “explosion” in each flower where it is spread
shoots the pollen into the air.
by the wind.


Afloat in a boat
A few plants use water to move their pollen.
This is Canadian pondweed, a plant that you Like grasses,
might see in fish tanks. lt has two different plantain has tiny
kinds of flower, both on long stalks that reach flowers packed
up to the surface. The male flowers scatter together on top
their pollen over the water. Each pollen grain of a long stem.
drifts until it pollinates a female flower.


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Blooming unnoticed
Grasses have flowers, too, but People who suffer from hay fever are
their flowers are often small allergic to pollen. They suffer most in
and dull. Many are surrounded spring and early summer, when grasses
by green scales, making them release lots of pollen into the air.
difficult to spot. Like all wind -
pollinated flowers, grasses do
not need bright petals to Bearded
attract insects. Their flowers wheat
grow in clusters at the top of
tall stems. Next time you walk Barley
through a field of long grass,
watch out for puffs of pollen
as you brush against them.











Grasses such as this
Timothy shed their
Wild oat
pollen into the air,
where it is spread
by the wind.






Like grasses,
plantain has tiny
flowers packed
together on top
of a long stem.




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Seed story Fire lovers

Banksias grow in the dry bush of
Australia. Their hard, wooden seed Seed head
Seeds come in all shapes and sizes. pods stay tightly shut until a fire
sweeps through the bush. When the
Some are as big as a soccer ball. fire is over, the seed pods open up,
Others are so small that millions No seeds and the seeds drop onto the ground.
can fit inside a matchbox. When Not all plants produce
seeds. The baby pick-a-
the seeds are ready, they leave the back plant grows from
parent plant and begin a new life the parent plant’s leaf. Flowers

on their own. Some seeds drop It grows out from where wither and
to the ground, but more often the stalk joins the leaf. drop off when
When the parent plant seeds form.
they scatter far and wide. bends over and touches
Hard pod
the ground, the baby
plant takes root. containing
a seed
Handle with care
Castor oil seeds contain
a deadly poison. However, Seeds grow
when they are crushed, inside a
the seeds produce spiny case.
a valuable oil, which
is used as a medicine.



Burdock seed head Castor
oil seeds
Flyaway seeds
Dandelion If you blow hard on a dandelion’s Taken for a ride
flower seeds, they fly away. Each seed has If you go for a walk in the country,
a tiny parachute to help it float in seeds often stick to your clothes.
the air. This helps the wind blow the This is how burdock seeds spread—
seeds a very long way, so they can by “hitching a ride” with passing
take root on a new patch of ground. animals and people.
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Fire lovers
Banksias grow in the dry bush of
Australia. Their hard, wooden seed Seed head
pods stay tightly shut until a fire
sweeps through the bush. When the
fire is over, the seed pods open up,
and the seeds drop onto the ground.






Flowers
wither and
drop off when
seeds form.
Hard pod
containing
a seed
Handle with care
Castor oil seeds contain
a deadly poison. However, Seeds grow
when they are crushed, inside a
the seeds produce spiny case.
a valuable oil, which
is used as a medicine.



Burdock seed head Castor
oil seeds

Taken for a ride
If you go for a walk in the country,
seeds often stick to your clothes.
This is how burdock seeds spread—
by “hitching a ride” with passing
animals and people.
33




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Juicy fruits Known by name

Apples have been grown for
so long that there are now many
Have you ever wondered why some plants pack up different varieties to choose from.

their seeds in such a juicy way? The answer is that it Each variety has its own name.
This apple is a Red Delicious.
helps them to spread. When a bird feeds on berries,
it swallows the fruit, complete with the seeds. The
seeds pass straight through its body and out with Seeds Apple blossom
its droppings. They land on the ground and sprout, After an apple flower is pollinated,
the base of the flower swells up
often far from the plant that produced them. around the seeds to make the

fruit, which is the apple.

The story of a strawberry Strawberry An apple’s seeds
Wild strawberries are small, flower are surrounded Flowers and seeds are
and it takes a lot to make a by the thick, hidden inside the fig.
mouthful. Garden strawberries Unripe juicy flesh.
have been made bigger by strawberry
“crossing” different kinds The fig’s hidden secret
of wild strawberry and by No matter how much you
growing only the plants that search, you will never see
give the biggest, sweetest fruit. blossom on a fig tree. This

is because each fig is filled
with hundreds of tiny flowers.
The red color A strawberry’s
shows that the seeds are on
fruit is ripe. the outside. Figs are pollinated by
a tiny female wasp. It What do a tomato, a cucumber,
squeezes through a and a pod full of peas have in common?
hole in the end of the Y ou may think they are vegetables, but,
fig and spreads pollen strictly speaking, they are fruits, because
The seed has over the flowers inside. they all contain seeds.
a hard coat.
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Known by name
Apples have been grown for
so long that there are now many
different varieties to choose from.
Each variety has its own name.
This apple is a Red Delicious.




Seeds Apple blossom

After an apple flower is pollinated,
the base of the flower swells up
around the seeds to make the
fruit, which is the apple.


An apple’s seeds
are surrounded Flowers and seeds are
by the thick, hidden inside the fig.
juicy flesh.

The fig’s hidden secret
No matter how much you
search, you will never see
blossom on a fig tree. This
is because each fig is filled
with hundreds of tiny flowers.



Figs are pollinated by
a tiny female wasp. It What do a tomato, a cucumber,
squeezes through a and a pod full of peas have in common?
hole in the end of the Y ou may think they are vegetables, but,
fig and spreads pollen strictly speaking, they are fruits, because
over the flowers inside.
they all contain seeds.


35




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Flowers from bulbs WATCHING A BULB GROW



Sit a hyacinth bulb on a glass jar or vase. Fill the jar
with water and make sure that the bottom of the
Next time you see someone slicing open an onion, ask if bulb just touches the water. Roots and leaves will
you can have a closer look. (This might make your eyes soon appear, followed by the flower. When the flower

water!) You will see that the onion is made up of many withers, plant the bulb in soil. This lets it make more
food reserves so it can flower again next year.
tightly packed layers. Onions are bulbs, just like tulips
and daffodils. Each layer of a bulb is a pantry for food. The hyacinth bulb is
packed full of food reserves.
This food is used up as the plant grows.


South American giant
When you go for a This parrot tulip’s Hippeastrums (hippy-as-trums) Huge flowers shaped
grow wild in the mountain
like trumpets
frilly, curled
walk in spring, see petals look like a forests of South America.
if you can guess parrot’s feathers. However, you don’t
which flowers have to clamber through
grow from bulbs. a tropical forest to see
Fit for a prince these giants—they will
Wild tulips grow in hot
Daffodil countries such as Turkey. flower quite happily
on your windowsill.
Hundreds of years ago, Turkish
princes grew them around their
palaces. Today, many kinds of
tulips are grown all over the world.

Sliced open,
the bulb shows
Narcissus Hyacinth many closely
The strong, hollow stem is
packed layers.
about 30 in (75 cm) tall.
Fritillary It holds the flower up
Crocus
above the leaves. Each
stem bears between
three and six flowers.
Roots
36 37




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WATCHING A BULB GROW

Sit a hyacinth bulb on a glass jar or vase. Fill the jar
with water and make sure that the bottom of the
bulb just touches the water. Roots and leaves will
soon appear, followed by the flower. When the flower
withers, plant the bulb in soil. This lets it make more
food reserves so it can flower again next year.
The hyacinth bulb is
packed full of food reserves.



South American giant
Hippeastrums (hippy-as-trums) Huge flowers shaped
grow wild in the mountain like trumpets
forests of South America.
However, you don’t
have to clamber through
a tropical forest to see
these giants—they will
flower quite happily
on your windowsill.







Sliced open,
the bulb shows
many closely
The strong, hollow stem is
packed layers.
about 30 in (75 cm) tall.
It holds the flower up
above the leaves. Each
stem bears between
three and six flowers.
Roots
37




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Springing into life A treat for the birds

Most sunflowers are annual plants,
which means that they germinate,
Seeds may look dry and dead, but inside flower, and die in the same year.

each one are living cells waiting for the Although they live for just
a few months, they can
chance to divide and grow. The wait may be get very large. If you grow
a long one, from weeks to months to years. Seed case falls a sunflower, don’t cut it
As soon as it is damp enough and warm off to reveal down after it has finished
two rounded
flowering. Instead, leave it
enough, however, the seed’s cells start to seed leaves. and watch the birds arrive
divide, and a new plant comes to life. to feast on its seeds.
This is called germination.
The stem A sunflower’s
First steps becomes face always points

Like most seeds, the Seed longer. toward the sun.
sunflower germinates
root first so that it can
take in water from the soil.
The stem then appears at the
other end, and as it grows
longer it lifts the seed’s hard A green stem
case off the ground. Eventually, appears.
the case splits and falls off.
The root grows “Giant” sunflower
downward.
Striking oil plants may grow
About one-third of a sunflower seed’s weight is to more than
made up of oil. You may have seen sunflower 10 ft (3 m) high.
oil in your kitchen—it is often used in
cooking and for making margarine.
If you plant seeds of a “giant”
variety of sunflower, your plant
may grow taller than you!



39




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A treat for the birds
Most sunflowers are annual plants,
which means that they germinate,
flower, and die in the same year.
Although they live for just
a few months, they can
get very large. If you grow
a sunflower, don’t cut it
down after it has finished
flowering. Instead, leave it
and watch the birds arrive
to feast on its seeds.

A sunflower’s
face always points
toward the sun.















“Giant” sunflower
plants may grow
to more than
10 ft (3 m) high.




If you plant seeds of a “giant”
variety of sunflower, your plant
may grow taller than you!



39




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A flying start AMAZING BEAN!





A single plant can make hundreds or even thousands it grows toward the light.
When a plant germinates,
of seeds. Each seed contains a food supply. When Y ou can see this for yourself
a seed germinates, the young plant uses this food by growing a bean in a shoebox
supply to help it through its first few days of life. “maze.” Y ou will need a bean,

a plant pot, soil, tape, and a
pair of scissors.
Be careful while
Racing ahead using scissors. Always
Pole bean seeds are fun to grow ask an adult to help.
because they get off to a flying start. A second pair of The 1. Cut a window in
This is because each fat seed has a leaves opens out. stem
large food supply packed into two special The leaves grows one end of the box, 2. Now plant a bean in a pot, put the
seed leaves. In some plants, such as get bigger. longer. and then make two pot inside, and put the lid tightly on
the sunflower, the seed leaves open cardboard shelves that the box. When the bean germinates,
out above the ground. However, in the stick out from the sides. it will find its way through
pole bean, they stay below the surface. Stand the box on end. the maze and out of the
window! Remember
Window to water the bean
as it grows.
Shoot straightens out
Hooked shoot
above the ground. Seed leaves
Seed leaves
grows upward
First shrink as
shrink as
through the Shelf
leaves food supply The plant
food supply
ground. open. is used up. grows around
is used up.
the shelf in its
search for light.

Position the bean
Root grows in the middle of
the soil.
out of a split in
the seed case.

40




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AMAZING BEAN!
When a plant germinates,
it grows toward the light.
Y ou can see this for yourself
by growing a bean in a shoebox
“maze.” Y ou will need a bean,
a plant pot, soil, tape, and a
pair of scissors.
Be careful while
using scissors. Always
ask an adult to help.
1. Cut a window in
one end of the box, 2. Now plant a bean in a pot, put the
and then make two pot inside, and put the lid tightly on
cardboard shelves that the box. When the bean germinates,
stick out from the sides. it will find its way through
the maze and out of the
Stand the box on end.
window! Remember
Window to water the bean
as it grows.

Seed leaves
shrink as
Shelf
food supply The plant
is used up. grows around

the shelf in its
search for light.


Position the bean
in the middle of
the soil.









US_040-041_A_flying_start.indd 41 28/09/18 3:35 PM

Garden flowers The queen




Garden pansy of flowers
Have you ever noticed that some garden flowers Roses have been grown
look very much like wild ones, but are bigger for thousands of years.
Most garden roses are
and brighter? The reason for this is that all garden Wild much bigger than their
plants originally came from the wild. They look pansy wild relatives. They can Garden roses
different now because gardeners, not nature, keep flowering for often have
decide which plants to breed. months, rather than many petals.
just a few weeks.


Putting on a show Flowers with a face Wild roses have
Like many garden plants, these polyanthuses Wild and garden pansies just five petals.
are hybrids. This means that their wild both have flat flowers that
ancestors were not polyanthuses look like faces. If you look
at all, but different plants. The closely, you’ll see that
wild primrose is just one the face is made up of five
of the polyanthus’s petals. The garden pansy
distant ancestors. has bigger petals that overlap.


Wild poppy
Garden poppy


Sowing themselves
Wild poppies live all over
the world, from the Arctic
to the tropics. Garden
poppies are easy to grow,
and new plants often
Look for wild spring up year after year.
primroses growing in
shady hedgerows and at
the edge of woodlands.
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The queen

Garden pansy of flowers
Roses have been grown
for thousands of years.
Most garden roses are
Wild much bigger than their
pansy wild relatives. They can
keep flowering for Garden roses
often have
months, rather than many petals.
just a few weeks.

Flowers with a face Wild roses have

Wild and garden pansies just five petals.
both have flat flowers that
look like faces. If you look
closely, you’ll see that
the face is made up of five
petals. The garden pansy
has bigger petals that overlap.



Wild poppy
Garden poppy


Sowing themselves
Wild poppies live all over
the world, from the Arctic
to the tropics. Garden
poppies are easy to grow,
and new plants often
spring up year after year.






43




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Making flowers last


Pressed
Potpourri (po-pour-ee) is a colorful mixture of small,
poppy MAKING POTPOURRI
Most flowers last for a few days, but some scented flowers and petals. To make potpourri, you will
last just a single morning. By pressing or need a baking sheet and some flowers.

drying flowers, you can make them last far
longer. Pressing a flower keeps the outline of
its shape, while drying it helps to keep its scent.



1. Pick the flowers when 2. Lay the flowers and petals
the weather is warm and on the sheet, spreading them
PRESSING FLOWERS dry. Leave the small flowers out to make a thin layer.
whole, but pull the petals off
Place a sheet of thick blotting paper the large flowers one by one.
in a book. Spread the flowers out on
the paper, then cover them with Pressing works best 4. Put the finished mixture in
another sheet and close the book. with small or papery 3. Every day, move a bowl, so that the potpourri
Now stack some heavy books on top. flowers, such as the petals around so fills a room with its scent.
Wait at least a week before carefully pansies and poppies. that the air dries them
peeling away the paper to see evenly. The mixture
is ready when it
the pressed flowers. rustles when you

stir it. This
People often use flowers usually takes
to mark special occasions. at least a week.
In Hawaii, a flower
garland, or lei, is a way
of saying “welcome. ”










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MAKING POTPOURRI
Potpourri (po-pour-ee) is a colorful mixture of small,
scented flowers and petals. To make potpourri, you will

need a baking sheet and some flowers.










1. Pick the flowers when 2. Lay the flowers and petals
the weather is warm and on the sheet, spreading them
dry. Leave the small flowers out to make a thin layer.
whole, but pull the petals off
the large flowers one by one.

4. Put the finished mixture in
3. Every day, move a bowl, so that the potpourri
the petals around so fills a room with its scent.
that the air dries them
evenly. The mixture
is ready when it
rustles when you
stir it. This
usually takes
at least a week.















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Woodland flowers Wild garlic

Wild garlic carpets woodland
floors in spring. It is also commonly
With so many trees, woods known as ramson. The plant has
a strong smell of garlic and
are mostly dark. When all its parts can be eaten.
the trees shed their leaves,
however, plants get enough The flowers are
light to flower. The plants star-shaped and
flower in spring and try The buds at the have six petals.
top of the stem
to make the most of the open last. Leafless
light before the trees flower stalk.
bear leaves again. Each flower has

a bright pattern Closing time
to attract Wood sorrel grows in woods and
bumblebees. on shady banks. Its leaves have
Going up three parts, called leaflets. The
leaflets close up at night. They
The foxglove grows in woodland look a bit like folded umbrellas.
clearings. It has dozens of flowers that
sprout from its tall stem. If you look
closely, you can often see bumblebees Leaflet
clambering around inside the flowers.



Spring flowers
Scented lily Bluebells flower in
Lily of the valley the middle of spring,
has tiny, bell-shaped just as the trees
flowers that give off around them begin
a rich scent. In the to sprout their leaves.
wild, it grows in
dry woodlands.



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Wild garlic
Wild garlic carpets woodland
floors in spring. It is also commonly
known as ramson. The plant has
a strong smell of garlic and
all its parts can be eaten.




The flowers are
star-shaped and
have six petals.

Leafless
flower stalk.


Closing time
Wood sorrel grows in woods and
on shady banks. Its leaves have
three parts, called leaflets. The
leaflets close up at night. They
look a bit like folded umbrellas.


Leaflet





Spring flowers
Bluebells flower in
the middle of spring,
just as the trees
around them begin
to sprout their leaves.






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Tropical flowers Passionflower


Passionflowers climb up
other plants and hang on
In many parts of the world, plants stop growing by their curly tendrils. Their
during winter. In the tropics, however, particularly flowers are visited by bees

and hummingbirds, and each
where it is wet, they can grow and flower all year one lasts for just a single day.
round. You don’t have to go to the tropics to see
flowers like these, because in cooler places they are
often grown as indoor plants. Plant piggyback

In a tropical forest, the place to look for
Threatened orchids orchids is often not on the ground, but

Orchids grow all over the world, but the high up in the trees. Many orchids live
biggest and most spectacular live in the tropics. by “perching” on branches or tree
Some kinds have become very rare because too trunks. They don’t do any harm to
many have been collected and sold. the trees. However, by being higher
up, they do get a better share
of the daylight.

Insects land on
the flower’s tail
Paphiopedilum
and pollinate it.
(paf-ee-o-ped-i-lum)
Brilliant scarlet orchids come from
hood attracts Southeast Asia.
insects.
The tail flower
Wild tail flowers grow in
the forests of South America,
but they are popular indoor
plants. See how many different-
colored tail flowers you can spot. Orchids can
also be grown

Shiny leaves stay as houseplants.
green all year round.
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Passionflower
Passionflowers climb up
other plants and hang on
by their curly tendrils. Their
flowers are visited by bees
and hummingbirds, and each
one lasts for just a single day.




Plant piggyback
In a tropical forest, the place to look for
orchids is often not on the ground, but
high up in the trees. Many orchids live
by “perching” on branches or tree
trunks. They don’t do any harm to
the trees. However, by being higher
up, they do get a better share
of the daylight.





















Orchids can
also be grown
as houseplants.



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Grassland flowers Seeds that stick

If you walk through a field
where agrimony has just finished
In days gone by, fields and open grassy spaces flowering, you may help it to spread.
Agrimony’s hooked seeds will cling
were often full of wild flowers. However, after to your clothes if you brush past them.
tractors and weedkillers were invented,
many wild flowers were plowed up, or
killed by poisonous sprays. Grassland The prairies of North America used
flowers still survive, but in special to be filled with wild flowers. When the
prairies were turned into farmland,
places. Look for them in old many wild flowers disappeared.
pastures, on roadsides, around
the edges of fields, and on Agrimony flowers
steep banks and slopes. grow on a long stem.



From prairie to garden
Coneflowers get their name
Nodding bells because their petals point slightly
The harebell’ s light blue Holding its ground downward, giving the flowers a
flowers look like tiny bells Yarrow is a very tough pointed shape. Coneflowers are
as they nod in the wind. grassland plant. It can survive often grown in gardens—look
Harebells thrive in rough being cut by a lawnmower, and for their flowers in late summer.
pastures where the it even thrives by the sides of roads.
soil is shallow.


Yarrow and poppies in a field






Harebell flowers
grow on long,
thin stalks.
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Seeds that stick
If you walk through a field
where agrimony has just finished
flowering, you may help it to spread.
Agrimony’s hooked seeds will cling
to your clothes if you brush past them.





The prairies of North America used
to be filled with wild flowers. When the
prairies were turned into farmland,
many wild flowers disappeared.


Agrimony flowers
grow on a long stem.


From prairie to garden
Coneflowers get their name
because their petals point slightly
downward, giving the flowers a
pointed shape. Coneflowers are
often grown in gardens—look
for their flowers in late summer.





Yarrow and poppies in a field












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Waterside flowers Water babies

Some plants grow and flower
in shallow water, far away from
The banks of many lakes and streams are like dry land. In streams, look for

watery jungles—packed with plants and flowers. water crowfoot. It has long stems
that trail in the water’s current.
You’ll find that water and marsh plants are On lakes and ponds, look for the
choosy about where they grow. Some large flowers of water lilies and
need ground that is damp, but not their big floating leaves.
too wet. Other plants grow in the

water, but are rooted to the bottom. Underwater
A few just float on the surface, with Some flowers float, leaves are fine
while others are above
and feathery.
their roots trailing in the water. the water on a stalk.


At the water’s edge Water lilies have
big flowers with
If you look at the water’s edge, you can see fleshy petals.
how different plants grow in different places. Monkey flower
However, make sure that an adult is watching Look for the monkey
when you are exploring near water. flower on the banks of
streams. You can see its
bright yellow flowers in
Reed mace (or cattail) grows in late summer.
the water. Its flower head looks
just like a sausage.

Meadowsweet’s creamy colored
flowers have a rich scent. Look for
meadowsweet by the banks of streams.


Hemp agrimony
grows in damp
ground. It has small,
tube-shaped flowers
in big clusters.
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