4 min
Updated: Apr 25
AI generated image of periwinkle growing through sidewalk
Flowers aren’t just pretty to look at -- they are the superstars of nature! When Spring hits, they burst onto the scene, showing up in gardens, trees, and even sneaking through cracks in the sidewalk. Boston can thank these blooming wonders for attracting bees, cleaning the air, and helping our city smell amazing. Below are some of the most memorable flowers (including our personal faves) in the city...
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Cherry blossom trees are the most stunning sights in early Spring. The bloom typically lasts no longer than two weeks. As the flowers fall, they blanket the street with soft pink petals.
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Wood sorrel is an edible herb that can be foraged in your own backyard. We're obsessed with the heart-shaped leaves and the tart citrus flavor. If you're going to consume the herb, just make sure it's on your personal property -- a safe distance from lawn chemicals and urinating animals.
P.S. Wood sorrel does have a flower. It's yellow -- but we prefer munching on the leaves!
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Buttercups are dainty yellow flowers that resemble a cup or bowl. They have five overlapping petals that are the size of a fingernail (or smaller). As children, we were taught to hold the flowers underneath our chin. If a soft glow appeared, that meant the person loved butter.
Despite their delicate appearance, buttercups are considered weeds (in Boston). You'll often see them on city fields before they're mowed. And the alleged threat goes deeper. Some believe the middle of buttercups are also poisonous if chewed or crushed. But other flower experts say the plant is medicinal.
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Tulips are a gardening favorite (in Boston). Their bulbs are planted in the Fall by city workers and residents alike, in hopes of beautifying the city when Spring arrives. Tulips come in all sorts of colors -- including yellow, purple, pink, and orange (to name a few). Tulips naturally embody strength. They're a top-heavy plant, meaning the flower head is bigger and wider than the slim stem it sits on. We're obsessed with how tulips are able to stand tall in the midst of Boston's strong winds.
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Lilacs are absolutely gorgeous! They’re soft tightly clustered flowers in the shape of a cylinder. Truth is, you can often smell them before you see them. Lilacs purify the air in a way that only Mother Nature can. Their fragrance is clean, floral, and refreshing. Fingers crossed you'll get a whiff this season!
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We're amazed with how much detail this tiny plant has. Chickweed is a daisy look-a-like (but much smaller). It has white petals arranged in four couplets around the flower's core.
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Coneflowers look super exotic -- But low and beyond, these eye catching flowers can be seen in the city. We're fascinated with how open the flower is. It looks like there are two distinct parts, that do not necessarily belong together. The center ball looks prickly, and the petals fall downward from the center. Coneflowers are known for being hardy. Meaning, they can survive a range of weather conditions and first-time plant parents.
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Dandelions have three main recognizable parts -- the yellow flower head, the white seed head, and the green leaves.
If you visit the Wake Up the Earth Festival in Jamaica Plain, you'll see tons of children wearing dandelion flower crowns. They're chosen because of their abundance and because the stems are long, flexible, and easy to tie. After children pick the flowers they can be used as a decorative headdress for the rest of the day.
The seed heads are loved by both young and old. Simply make a wish, blow the seeds, and watch them fly!
Finally, dandelions are considered a weed in Boston. But they're also labeled as a super food that is sold at local grocery stores and used for salad greens and tea.
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Periwinkles provide a vibrant splash of color. They typically grow in partially shaded areas and are a pleasant surprise when walking past a green and brown ground.
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The hyacinth has a unique gradient design. Their flowers are bell shaped and cluster at the top of a tall stem. They're beautiful to look at and their petals are surprisingly sturdy.
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Azaleas are flowering shrubs with the most beautiful bloom. They are big, full, and loved by bees.
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Daffodils have an unforgettable trumpet-like shape. In Boston, they are used to line the streets in preparation for the Daffodil Dash. It's a kid-friendly version of the Boston Marathon.
Want to get to know the plants around you? You can snap a photo and use Google Lens to help identify it. Or you can use iNaturalist. It's a free app for Citizen scientists that want to get closer to nature.
Until next time...
Love The Journey,