Orange wandering willows
Without these periods of dormancy we would not be able to enjoy the aesthetic joys of Spring, Summer and Fall. I find this period in nature just as beautiful to look at as Spring blooms and Fall flowers. It is an amazing to walk among these sleeping plants, which so many assume as dead. In plant biology this is an occurrence called predictive dormancy.
So in a way, many native species can predict the onset of adverse conditions such as seasonal periods of decreased temperatures, i.e. This adaptive ability is usually cued by gradual decreases in temperature as winter approaches. Remarkably, plants have an innate ability to enter dormancy before adverse environmental conditions even present themselves. During dormancy, physical and metabolic activities are temporarily stopped. This cycle of an organism’s life is a powerful adaptive quality to withstand and survive the many seasonal environmental stressors organisms may be faced with during their lifetime.
By reducing metabolic responses to conserve the energy normally needed for growth and development plants enter a period called dormancy. It’s early-February and being in the southwest, there has been nearly no snow this year, and there are certainly no flowers either… At least not with vibrant inflorescence or colorful flower petals.ĭuring the winter months as well as other periods of environmental conditions, plants exhibit an awesome ability. On a recent hike through the Dragonfly trails, upon climbing about a gradual bend, I was met with a sight of fanciful beauty: “ Oh, look at the flowers! How beautiful!” I spoke aloud.