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The Beauty of Botany

With the environmental tidal wave in full force, carrying droves of people to the wilderness, leaving some to recreate within and bask in the inherent beauty, others to preserve the dwindling segments that remain, and a handful to study its importance in relation to ecology or perhaps human benefit, it’s generally seen and handled in broad terms, which when we think of nature, more often brings to mind a flowing landscape, with the individual parts escaping us. While we are frequently told to “think of the larger picture” in dealing with most things, this cliché colloquialism has become so ingrained as to impede us from recognizing the true depth of what surrounds. We see a forest comprised of trees, picking up that some are large and some small, some evergreen and others deciduous, and that is about the extent that we delve into it. Our vision is black and white. We either fail to notice, or if we do possess a moderately observant eye, fail to truly absorb what was witnessed, quickly acknowledging its beauty and then moving on to the next sight, lumping everything together with a low curiosity, curbed by modern distractions. That so few can correctly pin a species name onto a tree or wildflower proves my point.

While it’s somewhat understandable that those from the congested cities and other major metropolitan areas are rusty when it comes plant identification, I find it perplexing that those who live in wooded areas or devote large chunks of their free time to rambling in the outdoors, be it a hike or camping expedition, fail to be acquainted with what surrounds on more than the most superficial basis. Most can discern the well known and expansive genera when it comes to trees, such as the oaks and maples—but point to a birch, beech, ash, aspen, hornbeam, sassafras, or hemlock, and the identity and all other pertinent information on the species escapes them. Ask what they are individually useful for when it comes to the ecological health of the forest, or what value man has in them in terms of lumber, medicinal, or consumptive purposes, after a short head scratch the generic “they produce oxygen and wood” is all that can be said on the matter. This aloofness is comparable with being ignorant of the names of neighbors that have resided in the same spot for years—knowing their faces and nothing else, no knowledge of occupation, interests, or life history. Essentially, it equates to an impersonal interaction that barely acknowledges their existence and could easily be mistaken for contempt or hatred. Where has the spark of curiosity and interest departed to?

We’re so immersed in artificiality that the splendor of the natural world no longer draws crowds as it once did. Nevertheless, botany is one field which is still as exciting as ever for those willing to drop the digital distractions, roll up their sleeves, and make a true uninhibited return to nature.

Knowing even the smallest or barest of details about a plant can easily increase the awe of an interaction tenfold. Knowing for example that a specimen is exceedingly rare will boost attention and respect, even if it lacks remarkable attributes when it comes to form or figure. Before this small snippet of knowledge was imparted the plant would probably be passed by without even a modicum of recognition, lacking any striking physical traits that capture the attention of the eye, but now it’s elevated to a level with a vibrant and showy rose. Beauty takes on more than one form.

Likewise, understanding the complexities of certain plants’ life cycles can make their presence appear no less than the work of a miracle. Take, for example, the finicky orchids, a primitive class of plants that rely on the presence on fungi for germination, and in many cases, continued lifetime survival. The miniscule dust-like orchid seeds, unlike those of most plants, lack the necessary nourishment to help a plant begin growing and sustain it until it’s capable of producing its own food. Orchids rely on special fungi, or in certain instances, a very specific species of fungus, to initiate and provide sustenance to the young plant. If the correct fungi is absent in the soil the plants will simply not sprout. Similarly, removing the orchid from their habitat in hopes of transplanting elsewhere will break the mutual bond between the two and the orchid will almost certainly wither and die, immediately or in the long run. Moreover, the soil conditions have to be just right. Any small variation in conditions will prevent the plants from gaining traction in the environment.

                                                            Indian Moccasin Orchid

A majority of plants, except the hardiest of them, usually species regarded as weeds, have similar, though often less strict guidelines that must be adhered to if the plant is to survive and make it to maturation. The habitats that they reside in must have the proper climate, sunlight, soil moisture content, nutrient levels and pH. Many have narrow tolerance ranges that restrict them to a specific part of a habitat that they are fine tuned to exploit and thrive in. In ecology this is known as a niche. One plant may be suited to hydric environments, perpetually damp and nutrient rich areas along lakes, streams, or other wetlands, while another may do best atop craggy mountain summits with thin soil that quickly desiccates and is subjected to extremes in temperature and other harsh weather conditions, such as forceful winds.

It’s incredibly empowering to take a walk through the woods and understand the facts and functions of each part of nature, being able to give a detailed account, as a mechanic would to someone trying to understand the workings of a car. Such knowledge raises your spirits and confidence. And when something is encountered that does evade you, it piques the mind, setting the gears in motion to unravel the mystery. Once a puzzle has been started, any missing piece forces the individual into a mad dash to locate it to ensure a tidy and pleasing picture, free of irksome gaps—so it is with botany.

Additionally, rambling the woods and stumbling upon unexpected wonders that you’ve only heard or read about, or perhaps purposely seeking out a particular plant, is not only exciting, but soothingly relaxing as well. Prior to the 20^th century recreational botany was a wide reaching hobby that all ages partook in, unlike today where it’s an arena mostly reserved for professional botanists and horticulturalists—those making a living off the study or propagation of plants. Up until the end of the Victorian era it was a well respected pastime that could be equated today, at least in terms of popularity, with the level of interest that’s shown when it comes to trendy sports. The thrill of discovery kept people enamored and constantly journeying back into the wild in search of more.

Though it’s substantially less likely to discover a new species of plant nowadays, especially in this well trodden country, there are still rare finds to be found that make botanical excursions worthwhile. There are multitudes of species which have “disappeared” from an area over the years for whatever reason—urbanization, habitat destruction, invasive species introduction, and have become seemingly extirpated (regionally eradicated). Many of these do in fact still persist despite a lack of documentation, having remained well hidden as a result of precipitously dwindling populations. It’s comparable to losing a needle in a haystack. It can be found, but it’s going to take considerable effort. Rediscovering a lost species that has escaped notice for decades, or even centuries, is extremely satisfying and demonstrates adroitness in ID skills and perseverance, and as always, a bit of good luck. The same goes for coming across a rare plant which has never been recorded before in a particular locale.

Even if you’re not on the hunt for rare varieties, the search for a plant no matter the type is an exhilarating experience that often leads to much more than ever could be expected or hoped for. Countless times when I’ve been threading the woods looking for something, without even the slightest bit of luck or encouragement, and my spirits began to plummet, I fortuitously came across some intriguing plant, animal, or other remarkable natural feature that caused me to forget everything—even if I had been searching in vain for hours— and led me to divert my entire attention to this object which now superseded all else. I was again propelled forward, fueled by the beneficence and novelty of nature.

Coming across a grove of spring ephemeral wildflowers consisting of the hundreds or thousands—perhaps of the quirky Dutchman’s breeches, or maybe the riparian trout lilies, thriving contentedly in some dark, dank recess of a forest still mostly bleached from the harshness of winter, putting forth a lively display of vibrant and showy colors exhibited seemingly for your sole enjoyment, demonstrates better than any musty fairy tale or parable how all things can be overcome. The flowers’ unbridled exuberance quietly expresses the fact that not even the coldest weather or deepest of snows can kill its determination to renew itself. It’s inspiring, elegant, beautiful.

                                                                 Trout Lilies

                                                             Dutchman's Breeches

 In a similar vein, the discovery of wild fruit, be it plump grapes, blueberries, raspberries, or the autumnal ruby cranberries after tramping through the woods for hours on end appears to be Nature handing you a plate with permission to imbibe whatever catches your fancy. With the level of hunger usually possessed after a long day of physical exertion the choices appear to be grander than any of the platters a partied banquet can offer. Where else can generosity of such an unreciprocal nature be found?

                                                                  Cranberries

While many impressive experiences are to be had even if one jumps into the outdoors for nothing more than an idle hike, it helps to be acquainted with botany to fully enjoy what’s seen and to ensure painful mistakes don’t crop up along the way. For example, what good would wild berries be to us if we didn’t know which were edible and which poisonous? Certainly we would leave every one we encountered alone and would never know the unique taste of nature’s varied candy. What about poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac—can you identify them to avoid an itchy and painful rash which otherwise might crop up after a day in the woods? But most importantly, after stumbling upon a stunning and eye catching beauty of a flower, will you have knowledge enough to leave it alone, or will you pick or dig up that plant—never knowing its rarity and expunging it from existence.

Fringed Gentian (Gentianopsis crinita)

While the spring holds the distinction of hosting the largest bloom of wildflowers of any season, it’s in the early fall that one of the showiest and loveliest flowers of the year makes a vibrant and elegant appearance that puts other many well known species to shame. Fringed gentian, an ethereal blue to light amethyst flower, standing 2-3 feet tall, capable of producing up to 100 2-inch long flowers, typically blossoms from mid-September to early October. Its level of admiration and praise by poets and naturalists alike is uncanny.

William Cullen Bryant penned a stirring poem solely dedicated to this species which he described as “Blue—blue—as if the sky let fall/A flower from its cerulean wall.” “It is too remarkable a flower,” Thoreau once mused, “not to be sought out and admired each year, however rare.” The Catskills naturalist, John Burroughs, shared similar thoughts, believing it to be “the most beautiful of our fall flowers,” adding further, “it lures and holds every passing human eye.”

Growing from Canada to northern Georgia and west to North Dakota, this species has a wide range over eastern North America, with population densities the highest in the northeast, and lowest in the south. Despite this encompassing distribution, fringed gentian can be notoriously difficult to find, possessing a strict and narrow set of acceptable growing conditions. Preferring moderately damp environments, plants are often found rooted around fens, swamps, and other moist locales that are relatively open and offer abundant light. Moreover, these locations must be neutral to slightly alkaline in nature, usually being underpinned with limestone, serpentine, or rock rich in magnesium. Alkaline habitats are sparse within the plant’s natural range. Over the years wetland destruction has substantially dwindled the number of these previously uncommon refuges. Many states now have gentians listed as protected species due to their increasing rarity.

Plants are biennial, vegetating their first year as low basal rosettes, and the next finally sprouting vertically to produce the enticing azure blossoms that emulate the sky. A successful pollination will result in each flower producing hundreds of seeds. Once seeds have matured the plant will die off. Since individual gentians are short-lived, populations therefore may widely fluctuate on a yearly basis and are fully dependant on a strong seed base. With tempting blossoms readily picked and seeds frequently flushed out of their choice habitat by seasonal freshets, a result of their low lying dwelling, populations can be vigorously abundant one year and completely absent the next. Fringed gentian’s fussiness and fleeting nature can make locating a specimen a tricky challenge.

It’s definitely worth the time and effort to find these dazzling autumnal plants. Poking their graceful blossoms above the rapidly withering grasses and falling leaves, they’re the lively gems of the autumnal season that seem to ignore the impending cold and darkness,  heroically running into battle with winter, while their compatriots have beat a hasty retreat until more favorable times appear.

If you’re lucky enough to find a flower, hold onto some of the patience that’s gotten you this far. Unlike most other plants which are apt to display their flowers gaudily, fringed gentian is slow to reveal its secrets. It’s in no rush to vulgarly or conceitedly show its beauty, and does so in only the most refined manner. Flowers close each night and not until the day warms and brightens sufficiently will they slowly unfurl again. During damp and cloudy weather the flowers will remain tightly twisted shut, sometimes for the whole day, undoubtedly a mechanism to protect the precious nectar and pollen within.

I’ve often visited these sites on cool fall mornings and found the plants seamlessly sealed like oysters or clams, yet draped in a sparkling pearly dew, and was not disappointed with I saw. Nothing about this plant is mundane. The unopened buds and shut flowers still dazzle and impress like no other. And if you have time enough to wait for the day to advance, it’s well worthwhile to stay and witness these fragile plants open to reveal their four delicately fringed petals, each endowed with the texture and softness of silk. The elegant sophistication and superiority of these flowers, along with its regal hues, makes fringed gentian the undisputed ruler of the fall wildflowers—and perhaps of the entire year’s.