I observed pre-spring Magnolia petals bursting from their fuzzy cases in Eugene, Oregon. They spread fragrance for blocks and colored the sky with pink and purple.
Imagine dinosaurs sniffing magnolia blossoms. These flowers have existed since the Cretaceous Period over 100 million years ago. They arrived before bees and beame pollinated by beetles. After surviving years of geologic and climatic upheaval, today many will become extinct. Threatened by banana plantations in China and Colombia coffee plantations, they also are exploited for timber and medicinal purposes. Cultivation in nurseries and private parks will save some species from extinction. Botanic gardens propagate vulnerable species and get them back to the wild.
Don't take spring for granted. When the colors begin to shine, identify and learn about a variety of flowering trees and plants.
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