Sunflower

The name for the sunflower flower comes from the Greek words helios and anthos, which, when placed together, creates a very literal translation for this blossom. Although these flowers are distributed worldwide, they are native to both North and South America. Because of their extensive root systems, sunflowers can withstand the occasional drought; however, they grow their very best in damp, well fertilized soil, under a good deal of sun light. The head of the sunflower contains a large number of small florets clustered within a small space. Sunflowers are hardy plants, and can grow to amazing sizes. In fact, these flowers hold many records in regards to their size. The 2004 Guinness World Records state that the tallest sunflower was grown in the Netherlands to the height of 25 feet, 5.4 inches tall; the largest head was grown in British Columbia at a remarkable 32 inches.

The sunflower flower, due to its bold, human-like appearance, has found its way into art and myth. One such myth is the Greek legend of Clytie, a tree nymph, who fell madly in love with Apollo. Apollo was uninterested in the nymph, and so she spent her days staring into the sun. Because of this, her body began to transform into the slender green stem, her hair into the golden petals, and her head into the broad face of the flower. After being fully transformed into the sunflower, she still turned to the sun whenever it was at its brightest. Some of the most recognizable pieces of art include the Sunflower series painted by Vincent van Gogh. These paintings depict the flowers clipped and in vases, and in slightly muted shades of yellow and orange. Emil Nolde, Diego Rivera and Georgia O’Keefe were also inspired by these bright, beautiful flowers. Artists are not the only ones with a deep appreciation for the sunflower flower. There are many festivals around the United States and several other countries that celebrate these vibrant blossoms. These festivals are often held at farms and in fields that hold a vast amount of these flowers in full bloom. They may also include competitions, flower-themed activities and food, paintings and photography dedicated to the sunflower, and even the occasional parade.

There are many reasons why one might give sunflowers as a gift. The sunflower is the predominant emblem of adoration, and is often given for 3rd anniversaries, as it can represent the message that the recipient is the light of the giver’s life, and they – like the sunflower – will follow them. The openness of their faces can symbolize warmth and fervent attachment as well. They can also be given simply to cheer the recipient’s day, as these flowers are a great symbol for light and happiness

Rose Flower

Although there are more than 100 species of roses, what most often comes to mind when we think of this flower is the red English rose. With its gorgeous flower made of alternately shaped, pinnate leaves and its seductive fragrance, it has become an immortal symbol for beauty and love. Ancient Greeks and Romans connected the flower to their gods of love and beauty. Poets, from William Shakespeare to Robert Burns, have used the rose as a device to describe their beloveds. And, originating in ancient Persia, the crushed petals of the flower have been used to create perfume for its sweet, floral scent.

Still, there is a great deal of nuance and etiquette associated with giving cut roses as a gift. The number of roses in a bouquet and the color of the flower can send very different messages. Certainly, if the bouquet is intended to express love and passionate desire, red roses, as are commonly given on Valentine’s Day, is the first choice. But how many should be given? A single, blooming red rose simply means “I love you” or perhaps “love at first sight.” A bouquet of two roses symbolizes the union of the two lovers, expressing mutual feelings and satisfaction with being together. Six roses often stands for the hardship of being apart; when you miss someone and hope to be reunited with your other half, you give your beloved half a dozen roses. A full dozen, then, is an invitation to love, meaning “be mine” as the common Valentine’s Day refrain goes. A bouquet of 50 roses stands for unconditional love.

Giving roses in other colors, however, is usually an expression of platonic love, friendship, and support. For example, a bouquet of yellow roses is a way to communicate loyalty and friendship. (Although, some believe that the gift of yellow roses actually expresses jealousy.) Dark crimson roses, on the other hand, are often used to signify mourning and therefore are appropriate gifts for the families of departed loved ones.

Orchid Flower

With more than 22,000 known species (and roughly 800 more discovered each year), the orchid is the largest family of flowering plants. It is a cosmopolitan flower, capable of growing nearly anywhere, from deserts to glaciers. However, this elegant flower is most commonly found in tropical regions, such as Central and South America as well as throughout Asia.

Because there are so many varieties of orchids, you’ll notice many different features when looking at pictures of orchids. Still, some common traits emerge, including bilateral symmetry and, most obviously, the presence of a single modified petal, called the “labellum.” Apart from that, orchids can take on any number of appearances, including bright purple, red, orange, white with lavender touches, or mottled colorations that resemble flames or brushstrokes. Some orchid flowers feature the evolutionary perk of being shaped like the insects that pollinate them. Since there are thousands of unique varieties, orchids are hungrily collected and cultivated by enthusiasts around the globe. Of course, orchids are also used in many cultures for practical purposes—not just admiring their delicate beauty. For instance, orchids are used to produce vanilla, scents for perfume, and, in Turkey, flavoring for ice cream and a hot traditional beverage called “salep.”

But it is the orchid’s fragile beauty and exotic allure that have made the flower a popular gift, as a potted plant and as fresh, cut flowers. What do orchids mean, when given as a gift? These flowers carry many meanings, but the strongest associations are love, beauty, wealth, and strength. A quick look at the cultural history of the flower explains why. The ancient Greeks saw the orchid as an emblem of virility, while the flower became known as a signifier of social clout and opulence in Victorian England. And from the ancient Aztecs up to modern China, cultures valued the orchid for its medicinal purposes, viewing it as a restorative and healing entity. Taken together, one can see how the orchid has accrued its meanings: It is a rare, elegant, and cherished not only for its beauty, but also as a symbol of strength and prosperity. As such, the gift of an orchid is an appropriate gift for all occasions.

Nigella Flower

The nigella flower – sometimes referred to by its common name, love in a mist, or its full scientific name, nigella damascena – is one of only 14 species within its small genus. It is a member of the ranunculaceae family, and is native to areas of southwest Asia, southern Europe and north Africa. These plants are annually growing, and bear threaded, alternating pinnate leaves that develop like a collar around the flower head. The flower itself can be up to 2 inches around, and consist of either a single or double head which blooms from a plant that can reach between 15 and 30 inches in height. They may contain from 5 to 25 sepals, which are generally light blue in shade, but may also appear in pale hues of pink, purple and white.

The nigella flower has been an exceptionally popular garden bloom since the Elizabethan era. This is namely due to the general loveliness of the flower, and it’s uniquely shaped foliage. However, gardens are not the only medium in which this plant has exhibited its special charms. Over time, these blossoms have become a large part of myth and magic. Although most people think that the name “love in a mist” came about purely for the nigella’s frothy appearance, some legends tell a different story. One such tale tells of Frederick I Barbarossa – the holy Roman Emperor – who, in fact, drowned in the Saleph River while leading a Crusade through Turkey. During this Crusade, it is said that a spirit of the water seduced the Emperor, leading him into the shallow river which ultimately led to his demise. On the shore, a delicate nigella flower blossomed, and is thought to represent his own departed spirit – which is now enmeshed with that of water. In magic, the nigella flower is considered a Venus herb. Unlike most Venus herbs, though, these plants are not only used to attract love, but to represent the strong feminine power of an alluring woman. As well as being used in love charms, these plants are also applied to spells that can bring about glamour and the binding of a person’s spirit.

The magical associations with the nigella flower carry over into its symbolism. These blooms are often said to represent the chains that bind people together – usually in love, but sometimes in bitterness. They are also said to express perplexity and intrigue, and are often given as gifts to tell the recipient that the giver is fascinated, or simply has a crush.

Marigold Flower

The marigold flower is known as two separate genera – tagetes and calendula, which contain between 63 and 71 species collectively. Tagetes are native throughout the southwestern United States, Mexico and South America; calendulas are indigenous to areas of the Mediterranean and Iran. The calendula marigolds – which are called pot marigolds – are well known for their medicinal uses which range from anti-viral to anti-inflammatory. On the other hand, some species of tegates are used to repel insects, and as perfumes and flavoring agents. Marigolds are fairly delicate in appearance, but are actually very hardy annual and herbaceous perennial plants. These flowers most commonly appear in shades of orange and yellow, but you may also see them in white, red or mixed combinations.

The marigold flower has a varied history; however, it is most noted for its curative properties. During the Civil War and First World War extracts from marigolds were used to both heal wounds and prevent them from becoming infected. Today, though, these flowers are used to treat any number of skin conditions, as well as common cuts and abrasions. Marigolds are also frequently used in the culinary arts – mostly to season dishes with a spicy flavor, or to color dishes of rice. The marigold flower also has an interesting cultural history. These flowers have long been used to decorate sacred or special places like fire pits or pavilions. As well as decorating significant spaces, these plants are frequently used in Thailand and India at weddings, religious events and festivals – mostly by way of flowing decorations or garlands. Marigold garlands are also made in households all over Nepal to commemorate the Tihar festival. In Mexico, marigold flowers are often used to decorate ofrendas, and papier mache and ceramic statues, as their scent is thought to draw back the souls of the dead.

The marigold flower is rife with a variety of symbolism. To start, these flowers are called “the flower of the sun” and are representative of passion, warmth and creativity. To others, this flower is a symbol of comfort and contentment with simplicity. As a gift, marigolds may be a great expression of either warm or fiercely passionate love, or a simple way of saying that you feel happy and comfortable with the recipient. These flowers are sometimes given in themed gift baskets, but they are most commonly used in vibrant bouquets.

Lotus Flower Pictures

The spiritual qualities of the lotus flower has found its way into Egyptian legends, Indian culture, and even Western faith. This is not surprising as the lotus flower is a potent symbol that grows strong and beautiful from the murkiest depths. Not to be mistaken with the water lily, lotus flowers bear fruit, but produce less nectar and come in fewer colors. The roots of the lotus are deeply imbedded into the bottom of river beds or ponds, while the flowers and leaves float atop the surface of the water. This plant is also thought to be one of only a few heat producing plants, and generally maintains a temperature around 86 to 95 degrees so as to lure cold blooded pollinators.

The lotus is the national flower of both Vietnam and India. In India the lotus flower has made its way deep into religious beliefs and in national folklore. The lotus is one of the eight auspicious symbols and is considered to be a symbol for the progress of the soul through muddy materialism, all the way to bright and sunny enlightenment. In esoteric Buddhist teachings, the unopened flower is thought to be like the heart of man – blossoming only when touched by the virtues of Buddha. In Egypt the lotus can be seen in a variety of art, hieroglyphics and as general decoration. One of the legends that can be found in this area is of a giant lotus rising from watery chaos and causing the sun to rise on the first day of creation. In Christianity, the white lotus is thought to be a representation of the purity of the Virgin Mary. Aside from having a great religious and mythological significance, the lotus can also be consumed. The rhizomes can be roasted, curried, pickled or dried and used as a thickening powder. The seeds can be candied, roasted or eaten raw; the flower and stalks, on the other hand, can be prepared in any way that a regular leafy vegetable might be eaten.

Lotus flowers are full of deep meaning, beautiful and long lasting, and thus, make great gifts. Many people like to give them as wedding presents as they are one of the few flowers that bloom and produce fruit simultaneously. This is thought to be a good omen for a newly married couple, as it not only represents a continuation of the growth of their relationship, but also a growth in their family. These flowers can be given alone, or as part of bouquet. If you are giving them as a gift to someone who lives in a warm climate, has access to a garden pond and simply loves to grow things, you might also want to consider giving them either a pre-grown plant, or even a few fresh seeds.

Jasmine Flower

The jasmine flower is grown from a line of shrubbery and vines that are closely related to the olive family. Although there are about 200 different species of this flower, three of the most common consist of the white, yellow and Japanese varieties. These plants can grow up to 15 feet in their life span, and most of the vine varieties are considered healthy ‘climbers.’ These vines can grow onto other plants or be trained to grow through picket fences, shrubs, or around artfully arranged pieces of chicken wire. Many people grow these plants for their brilliant green leaves as well as for their soft, delicately colored flowers. The leaves themselves – which can either be deciduous or evergreen – are often round, intensely colored and shiny in appearance.

The jasmine flower has been used for ages in a variety of ways. Not only is this flower considered a beautiful plant to keep in the garden, it is also frequently used to adorn woman’s hair and clothing. They have been used to scent green tea leaves; to create delightfully floral pastries, and the scent can be extracted to create essential oils with both healing and aphrodisiac-like properties. The essential oil created from the jasmine flower is said to be an anti-depressant, anti-septic, and a calming sedative. It is also used either by itself or with other notes to create soft, sensuous perfumes that have been favored by women around the world for centuries. The jasmine flower is also widely loved for its strong cultural ties. These blossoms are the national symbol for the Philippines – known there as “Sampaguita” — and Indonesia, where it is known as “Melati.” These flowers are often used as vital elements to both wedding and religious ceremonies.

As a gift, jasmine flowers can be given in a variety of ways, and hold a variety of meanings. In China the jasmine flower is considered the ideal emblem for feminine kindness. In other areas these flowers are thought to indicate grace and delicacy, as well as sensuality and cheerfulness. They are thought to attract wealth and romantic attachments. They make great gifts for those you have a special fondness for; someone who enjoys rich floral fragrances, or even someone who is something of a night owl, as some varieties of this flower tend to open up and show their full beauty late at night. These flowers can easily be given as indoor plants, ready to be planted into the recipient’s own garden, or simply clipped and placed into a fresh bouquet.

Holly Flower 

The holly flower is a blossom that sprouts from a large genus – between 400 and 600 species – of flowering trees in the aquifoliaceae family. Unlike most other blooms, the holly flower has a more modest appearance. Overall, these flowers are generally small and white or pale pink, and contain four tiny petals; however, these plants are dioecious, and there are small differences that may be easily noted between male and female holly plants. The female holly sports a small green bump at its center which, when mature, will become a large, red berry. They also contain small, nonfunctional stamens that are barely noticeable at a casual glance. Male plants, on the other hand, grow in larger quantities and bear clear, large stamens.

The holly flower and its tree are best known for their association with Christmas. However, these plants have a far larger spectrum when it comes to ceremony, myth and uses. Wiccans, for instance, have long considered this tree to have protective qualities. This belief – at least partially – stems from the use of holly by the druids, who would often advise people to keep pieces of the plant in their homes. Dr. Edward Bach – a well known homeopath – believed that the essence of the holly flower was very useful to healing and calming the spirit; this belief was also steeped in the wisdom of the druids. The tradition of using holly for Christmas decorations actually began with the ancient Romans. During this period, the Romans presented their friends and family with holly during Saturnalia. At a later date, this plant became associated with Jesus Christ, and it was said that the trees began to sprout from his footprints. With this connection to Jesus, the blossoms and berries then became a customary part of Christmas celebrations. Although the fruits of the this blossom are considered highly toxic when ingested, many still feel that parts of this plant have a strong medicinal value. An infusion of the leaves is said to be great in curbing night sweats, and may also be used as a tranquilizer. In small quantities, the berries are sometimes use as an emetic to purge toxins, while the bark can be cleaned and used as a fomentation for broken bones.

As a gift, the holly flower is still very popular at Christmastime; however, these plants symbolize more then just the holiday season. Hollies are sometimes given to represent a protective feeling that the giver has for the recipient, as these flower can mean defense. They are also representative of domestic bliss, and may be given on important romantic anniversaries.

Gardenia Flower

The gardenia flower is best known for its sweet and intoxicating scent. However, these refined, waxy blossoms are also loved for their exotic, bright white blossoms and heavy green foliage. The gardenia flower is a genus of roughly 250 species in the rubiaceae family (the same family as the coffee plant). These flowers are a native of southern Asia, Australasia and Africa, and are difficult to grow outside of these regions, as they require high humidity and bright, but indirect sunlight. The gardenia shrubs are evergreen, can grow up to 8 feet tall and 6 feet long, with either opposite or whorling leaves.

The gardenia flower – because of its elegant appearance and strong aroma – has long been used in fashion, weddings and cosmetics. In France, it has become a tradition for men to wear gardenias in their boutonnieres; real or silk gardenias can be seen in the hair of both brides and pin-up models alike; while the essential oils of this flower have become a staple in perfume-making because they can be used to create subtle, yet enchanting fragrances. The gardenia also has a short history as a pure romance flower. As with roses today, gardenias were regularly sent to beloved parties (usually in the form of a corsage) for special occasions like anniversaries, Valentine’s day, or just to tell someone that they are loved. Gardenia flowers have also become a favorite of artists. Billie Holiday, for instance, was known for sporting a signature gardenia flower in her hair until the late 1940s. Modern artists such as Linda Hammar, Billie Colson and Lelia DeMello have also taken some inspiration from these beautiful flowers, while writers like Rebecca Wiles use the blossom as a theme for romantic poetry.

In the Victorian “language of flowers” a white gardenia flower worn on Mother’s Day represented the memory of a mother who had passed away; on the other hand, a red gardenia worn on that day was thought to be a symbol of respect towards a living mother. These flowers are also thought to symbolize healing, purity and beauty. As a gift they can represent love from afar and may be given to a crush or unknowing friend, as they were often thought to say, “I am secretly in love with you.” Gardenias may also be given solely for their simple, graceful beauty. With a lot of love and attention, gardenias can make for great house plants, and may be given as a potted present – along with all of the necessary gardening equipment, of course.

Foxglove flower

The foxglove flower is, of course, best known for its uses in medicine. This plant is considered to be very poisonous, and strict guidelines have been put into place to ensure the best use of its medicinal properties. Its best known use is its ability to aid in healthy heart function. The flower extracts are commonly prepared and given in small doses to help in improving the muscle tissue of the heart and arterioles, regulating the pulse rate and increasing blood flow throughout the body. Its other, lesser known, functions include its use as a diuretic, an antidote to Aconite poisoning and epilepsy – amongst others.

The foxglove flower also has its place in myth. According to Greek mythology, Hera was taught midwifery by the goddess Flora. One of the methods she was taught was how to impregnate herself using only what the earth provided her. Flora took the head of a foxglove and slipped it over her finger, then tapped Hera on the chest and stomach – she thus became pregnant with the fatherless god, Mars. Other myths include that of the flower being rung as a bell by foxes who wanted to warn one another of hunters; the leaves of the flower are thought to break spells that have been cast by fairies, while other tales state that they attract fairies.

As a symbol, the foxglove flower has both positive and negative connotations, which is understandable as they can both cure and kill. Some believe that this flower represents insincerity. On the other hand, many people feel that these interesting looking plants are symbols of youth and stateliness. Less commonly, these flowers are associated with both mysticism – because of their many myths connected with fairies and witches – and religion, as they were planted in medieval gardens that were dedicated to the Mother Mary. As a gift, these flowers are usually given to represent the wish for the recipient to heal from any ailment or trauma, and to regain their happy, youthful vitality.

DAHLIA FLOWERS...

If ever there was a flower that knew the meaning of variety, it is the Dahlia. While it's colors are limited to the warm ranges of red, orange, yellow, pink and white, it's flowers come in a dizzying array of shapes and sizes. Dahlias are grouped into 6 size categories:

• Giant - more than 10 inches in diameter
• Large - 8-10 inches in diameter
• Medium - 6-8 inches in diameter
• Small - 4-6 inches in diameter
• Miniature - 2-4 inches in diameter
• Mignon - Less than 2 inches in diameter


On top of that, they are grouped into 11 bloom categories. These include:

• Decorative
• Cactus
• Fimbriated
• Ball
• Waterlily
• Anemone
• Collarette
• Orchid
• Peony
• Single
• Novelty

Each variation of the dahlia petal is a beauty. Their petals can be spiky, wispy, round thin or a half dozen other variations. Even the color ranges from one solid color to a painted mixture of two or three colors.

Dahlias like well, drain, humus rich soil. They also like full light. While dahlias are not cold hardy, they do benefit from being grown in a cooler climate with plenty of rain fall.

Dahlias bloom from mid summer all the way up to frost. Many times their displayed will become more spectacular as the weather cools. Dahlias produce a better display if they are properly deadheaded and pinched.

Dahlias are commonly grown as an annual but they can be grown as a perennial if their tubers are dug up shortly after the first frost. To dig up a dahlia properly, simply dig the frost blackened plant out of the ground. Brush (not wash) as much soil off as possible and then cut the stems back to about 6 inches. Set them out in a cool dry place to dry for a day or two. Basements or garages are ideal for this. After they have dried out a bit, dust them with a bit of fungicide and pack them away. Packing them in vermiculite or sand will help to ensure that the tuber will not be affected by fungal infestations.

Dahlias are easily propagated by division. Simply replant the tubers and wait until the growth reaches between a half inch to a full inch. Dig the plant back up and divide the clump into a few pieces. Each new clump needs to have a shoot on it.

If you haven't grown dahlias before, then this summer I would highly recommend that you give them a try. The variety and vividness of the dahlia flower is difficult to find in any other flower.

Part of the Compositeae family
Some types of Dahila: Dahlianova types, Gallery series, Impression selection
Common misspellings: dalia, dohila, dolia, daila, dahla

Balloon Flower (Chinese Bellflower)

This heavy bloomer gets its name from the way each flower bud swells before its starry petals unfold. Balloon flowers are one of the easiest perennials you'll ever grow, and they bloom in profusion in mid to late summer, when many other perennials are beginning to fade.

The upward-facing flowers bloom throughout the summer and into early fall in shades of blue, pink and white. The plants form a low, neat mound and bear 2- to 3-inch cuplike blossoms accented with delicate purple veins and yellow stamens. Balloon flowers are a cottage garden standard, and they are excellent for cutting. To make the flowers last in the vase, sear the stems with a match or candle flame immediately after cutting.

Balloon flowers grow in Zones 3-8. They thrive in full sun or light shade in well-drained garden soil. They appreciate a little afternoon shade in zones 7-8. You won't find a more carefree perennial! Just work a little slow-release fertilizer into the soil in spring, and pick off the flowers as they fade to encourage more blooms. Moderate drought conditions aren't a problem, but it helps to water the plants deeply when the soil dries out too much or if drought conditions persist. Balloon flowers are seldom bothered by insects, and they are very cold-hardy.

Be careful when weeding the garden in spring. Balloon flowers don't sprout until other plants have begun to grow, and it is easy to dig them up inadvertently or pull them thinking they are weeds. Mark the area where they are planted to prevent this type of mistake.

Start new plants from seeds in spring, just after the last winter frost, or summer, up to 2 months before the first fall frost. When starting indoors, sow in individual pots 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Seeds require light to germinate, so press them lightly onto the soil, and don't cover. You can expect flowers the second year.

Plants are difficult to divide, but cuttings can be taken in late spring. When the new stems are about 2 to 4 inches long, push back the soil to find the point where the stem joins the root, and with a sharp knife, cut off a stem with about 1/2 inch of root attached. Pot up your cutting in a good potting medium.

Clumps of balloon flowers are very well behaved in the perennial garden - they don't spread and never crowd their neighbors. The blue shades of balloon flowers are striking when planted in combination with gold or deep orange cosmos or yarrows.

ASPEN

Randy D. Moench
Nursery Manager
Colorado State University
Colorado State Forest Service
Foothills Campus, Bldg. 1060
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523

Introduction

Aspen is a signature tree of Colorado. It is the
most widely distributed tree in North America.i
Its beautiful fall foliage is a calling card for
tourism. It is also an important tree for timber.
Sought-after as ornamentals through out the
state, many are harvested as transplants for
sale in urban areas. Nursery production of
aspen by seed can be successful but is not the
common method. The goal of this guide is to
aid the nurseryman in successful collection of
viable aspen seed.
Extensive stands of flowering aspen are the
exception. Typically flowering trees are few
and far between but not uncommon. Flowering
may not occur in the same stand year after
year. Identifying several stands throughout a
given region will lead to more reliable stores of
aspen seed. But years of no flowering over a
wide area have been observed.


Flower and Sex Identification
Aspen is typically dioecious. Flowers are not
perfect but contain the structures of a single
sex born on one tree. In other words the tree is
either a male tree or a female - usually. In the
world of nature there are no absolutes.
Key to successful aspen seed collection is the ability
to identify the flowers and determine the sex. One
should be familiar with basic flower parts. Stamens
and anthers, the male flower parts, are more
conspicuous in aspen. Pistil and style, the female
flower parts of interest are inconspicuous early on
in flower development. As the female flower
matures the pistil or capsule becomes more
noticeable.

Figure 1: Greatly enlarged aspen pistil or capsule from female flower.

Color can be deceptive and helpful both. Red or
maroon color with anthers and stigma can be
distinctive at some point during flower
development. Most often it is the red color of the
male anthers that catch one's eye. Male flowers
Seem to emerge earlier in the season than females.
By the time developing female flowers are
noticeable the male flowers have dried or

Figure 2: Newly emerged female aspen flower. Stigma

is obvious as the bright red structure in this photo.

disappeared entirely. In Colorado male flowers
can be seen in late April. Developing female
flowers are more noticeable in May. Stigma of
the female can be quite striking but only for a
limited time.
Elevation impacts flower emergence greatly. A
difference of 2000 feet can mean two weeks in
emergence.
Aspen is a member of the poplar family. A
distinction it shares with common cottonwood.
Flower structure is very similar between the
two. Many individual flowers are born or
grouped in a long slender structure called the
catkin. If one can identify cottonwood flowers,
particularly the capsule bearing catkins that
produce the abundance of cotton, you can
identify the same in aspen. The female catkins,
or flowers, in aspen are smaller but similar in
appearance. As the flowers mature, the catkins
elongate and the capsules expand.

Figure 3: A maturing female aspen catkin with its numerous green capsules.

At this point the catkin is quite green. A tree
bestowed with a large flower crop can be quite
striking in silhouette. With experience, crops
like this can be identified on high-speed highway
surveys.

Figure 4: Developing female aspen catkins with newly emergent leaves.

Figure 5: A silhouette of a "loaded" female aspen tree.

Many female catkins are hanging from this tree.

Seed Maturity
Once female flowers have been identified, proper
collection time must be determined. Close
examination of the seed is a must. Seed maturity
is best determined by seed color. Early on in its
development aspen seed is translucent and glossy.

Figure 6: Greatly enlarged immature aspen seed.

Typically the seed is quite translucent at this early stage.

As the seed matures, color is more noticeable.
Pink or brown shades indicate collection time.
A hand lens and some type of sharp probe for
seed extraction is necessary to check seed
maturity. It is somewhat difficult to 'tease' out
seed from a developing capsule. It is a very
necessary step in collecting viable seed. We
rely on weekly stand exams beginning in mid-
May to determine a collection date. Going
longer than that can lead to a missed crop. In
Colorado, typical collection dates range from
late May to mid June depending on altitude.

Figure 7: A close up of mature aspen seed.

Figure 8: "Teasing" out the contents of the capsule is

essential to judge seed maturity. Several immature

seeds can be seen in this photograph.

Collection

Figure 9: Pruned branches from a collection trip are

tubbed in water for after ripening of the seed and capsules.

Our method of collection involves pruning of catkin
loaded branches from the tree. Harvested
branches are then returned to the nursery for
processing. The branches are placed in large
tubs of water and allowed to after ripen. This
may take three days to a week. A calm still
room with little air movement is necessary. In
this controlled space the capsules open and
discharge the seed laden cotton as a 'halo' on
the branch.

Figure 10: A harvested wad of cotton prior to seed extraction.

The cotton-laden seed is then collected with a
vacuum. We use a Shop-Vac® that can be used
as a blower in addition to providing suction.



Extraction

Figure 11: Three layers of soil sampling sieves and a

blower are used to remove the seed from the cotton.

Seed is removed from the cotton by air blown
through a screen trap of different sizes. Soil
testing sieves are used in three layers. The wad of
seed and cotton is placed in the middle screen. A
coarse top screen secures the cotton. Air is blown
through the screens to remove the seed from the
cotton. This is a gentle process. Too much blown
air can force the cotton through the middle screen.
The middle screen is sized to allow the seed to
pass through to the bottom collection screen.

Figure 12: A screen of processed aspen seed.

Storage

Extracted seed is air-dried and stored at 20º F.
Viablility of aspen seed seems to decline after more
than one year in storage.
Our standard practice is to sow freshly collected
seed early in the following spring. This fits our
production cycle best.


What about buds?

Figure 13: Rounded male flower buds adjacent to

pointed terminal leaf bud.

It is possible to determine flowering based on
buds alone. By fall, tissue differentiation is
adequate enough to tell flower sex. Shape and
position of buds is distinctive. Leaf, male and
female flower buds can be told apart by
outward appearance. Viewing bud crosssections
under the dissecting scope
substantiates your conclusions.

Figure 14: Female flower buds share the rounded

shape but are smaller than male buds.

Aspen leaf buds have a pointed appearance in
relation to flower buds. This is particularly true
with male flower buds, which are quite large in
comparison. Flower buds look more rounded
than leaf buds. Male and female flower buds
share this rounded nature but the female is
much smaller than the male.

Figure 15: Flower bud cross-sections with male bud

above and female bud below.

Under the dissecting scope it is possible to confirm
sex. The distinctive feature are the anthers of the
male. The anthers are quite numerous within each
primordial flower and can be teased out for
identifcation.

Figure 16: The pointed appearance of the leaf bud is striking in this photograph.