PlantWatch

Does a watched plant ever bloom? It sure does. And we need citizen scientists like you to tell us when that happens. The history of plant watching goes back over two hundred years! By watching and recording when selected plants bloom each spring, researchers can track the effects of global climate change in Canada.

All you have to do is select a plant from the list for your area and follow its progress as it rises in the spring until it blooms. You might not be the only one watching – insects like plants too! It’s a blooming wonderful way to enjoy the natural world around you.

How to Monitor Plants?

1. Choose Your Plants
   Select an indicator plant species in your area that can be easily observed every day during the blooming season.
2.  Select a Site
   Go for a walk before the flowers begin to bloom and select an easy to access site that is flat and does not have unusual temperature or light conditions.
3. Observe
   Take your guide with you and observe the first and mid-bloom dates of your selected plant species.
4. Record
   Record the location, species, date of first and mid-blooms, and habitat on the data form.
5. Share
   Once you’ve returned home visit www.naturewatch.ca and share your discoveries.  You will become an official NatureWatcher!

More Tips for PlantWatching

• Start watching your plant species closely in the spring.
• It is important to visit your plants at least every few days to catch the first day they bloom.
• For most plants, first bloom is when the first flowers open, revealing the stamens inside. For tree species report leafing dates as well.
• Spend some time during spring and summer observing the plants in full leaf and bloom so you can easily recognize them and return to observe them early next spring!
• Please do not collect wildflowers for enjoyment indoors. This weakens the plants and robs them of the energy needed to bloom the following year. Wildflowers are best enjoyed in their native habitat!