In literature and religion, colors have an implicit meaning. This allows the theme to be communicated subliminally to the well-read and visually to those who see the iconography.
There are, of course, differences between cultures. White in the western world indicates purity, but it represents death in the far east.
Green has been associated with envy and jealousy, but also life and vigor. The interpretation is frequently situational and sometimes open to debate.
Luckily the debate about the white and green wildflowers currently blooming in panhandle Florida is usually how to get them into a desired landscape location. Many of these late season bloomers will travel with only the slightest encouragement.
False nettles are producing blooms in wet areas of Florida (and beyond). This wind-pollinated plant is one of the few natives with truly green flowers, but they are often overlooked because there are no petals on them.
Brazil Pusley, Richardia brasiliensis, is an excellent example of a homegrown (despite its name) vegetative conquistador with a propensity to wander to where the wind and water may take it.
This plant is low growing with leaves which are symmetrically located on the opposite side of the stem. The many stems are hairy and can be up to 30 inches long in extreme examples.
The dense intertwining stems allow the leaves to cover the soil completely. The leaf nodes or joints can take root and establish many more plants.
Its tiny blooms are typically white, but can occasionally be pink to lavender. The flowers emerge at the end of a head-like cluster which potentially can produce 20 or more blooms.
The blooms commonly produce three nutlets covered with wart-like bumps and are the genesis of the next generation. These perennials are currently blooming, but they will be killed back by heavy frost and sub-freezing weather.
Its roots penetrate the subsoil which makes it difficult for the homeowner to remove completely. These deep roots also provide protection from winterkill.
Dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium) is another native species blooming in the autumn sun. The tiny white blooms give the plant the appearance of frost or a light dusting of snow.
In early autumn dogfennel is generally between two to seven feet in height with several stems which fork from a sturdy and securely rooted base. The stems and base are covered in fine leaves which resemble branching green threads projecting outward in a delicate drooping mass.
Dog fennel is not in the plant family with the herb fennel, nor is it of particular interest to dogs. This herbaceous perennial, having green stems and no bark, is distantly related to sunflowers and needs the full sun found in fallow fields, road shoulders, and other disturbed sites.
Often overlooked, a truly green bloom comes on False Nettle. Boehmeria cylindrica, as this weed is botanically known, lacks the stinging hairs of the true nettles.
This native weed’s flowers completely lack petals, but its branches are covered with small male and female blooms. The branches are spaced to give an open structure which offers maximum sun exposure.
Bogs, marshes and low wet forested spots (common in north Florida) are likely to have a thriving population of this perennial with the copious green blooms. With the potential to reach more than a yard tall, this plant supports several butterfly species including the Red Admiral.
So, whether green with envy at the flourishing blooms or experiencing pure joy at the native wildflower varieties, know that seasonal death will soon arrive. Be consoled, the greenery will live again next spring.
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