Flowers make a perfect gift for Mother’s Day. Here’s the buzz on how flowers came to be.
Early plants had no flowers. They developed as insects used plants and plants used insects.
Like all living things, plants reproduce to ensure future generations. Since they can’t move from place to place, they need a way to transfer pollen from one plant to another. Wind is a major pollinator but acts randomly. Insects pollinate flowers with precision.
The bright colors and strong fragrances of flowers attract insects. Once lured to the flowers, insects discover pollen and nectar. Bees, butterflies and other insects gather pollen and nectar to feed themselves and their young. As insects move from plant to plant, they transfer pollen from one flower to the next and a new generation begins.
Over time, flowers have developed colors, smells and shapes that successfully entice insects. At the same time, insects have developed features and behaviors that make them more effective pollinators. The changes benefit plants by encouraging pollination. They benefit insects by making it easier for them to get food.
Watch Missouri native wildflowers grow before your eyes in the time-lapse video below.
Why Grow Native
- Native wildflowers are adapted to our climate and soils.
- They create beauty and interest with a progression of flowers and fruits.
- They furnish food and cover for butterflies, birds and other wildlife.
- The require little to no irrigation and seldom need fertilizer or pesticides.
- Many wildlife species prefer native plants for habitat and depend on them for survival.
Discover more about landscaping for plants in this colorful brochure.
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