Coral-orange-yellow blend Dahlia - Seattle, Washington

The Tree Orchid

Magenta Phalaenopsis or Moth orchid blooms on its host tree as the sun filters through the canopy of tropical trees. - Big Island, Hawaii

'Ahinahina Flowers

Rosette flowers on the Haleakala Silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum), also called 'Ahinahina in Hawaiian. Its flowers are reddish purple dense rosettes, similar to a sunflower (same genus/family). The plant will only flower once in its average life span of 50 years, produce seeds, then die. - Haleakala National Park

Bromeliad Guzmania - Maui, Hawaii

Hot pink fuchsia flowers - Maui, Hawaii

Banksia Serrata Follicles

A native of Australia, this species of Banksia is fire-resistant and a lignotuber. They are a species in the family Proteaceae. The "fruits," also called follicles, hold the seed pods. - Maui, Hawaii

Sunset and Sunflowers

Sunflowers at sunset - Alabama

White Wonder

White water lily (Nymphaea odorata) - Birmingham, Alabama

Barnum & Bailey

This velvety, brightly colored Heliconia (Heliconia Regalis 'Barnum & Bailey' ) is native of Colombia and Ecuador. The large red, orange, and yellow bracts of the hanging Barnum & Bailey heliconia pendent hold the small true flowers inside containing sweet nectar accessible through its long flower tubes. When it is ready, each bract will open and unravel a coil of flowers, and in some species, fruits. Heliconia's bright colors, energy-rich nectar and structure attracts hummingbirds, relying on them for pollination. A few heliconias, however, such as the green ones rely on bats for pollination. The profile of this particular heliconia reminds me of a bird, as the bracts start to open and expose its flowers. - Big Island, Hawaii

Protea Pin Cushion - Hawaii

Autumn Leaves

Acadia National Park, Maine

Protea Pin Cushion Plant - Hawaii

Sunflowers

Close up of Sunflower bloom - Seattle, Washington

Protea Pin Cushion - Maui, Hawaii

'Ahinahina

The exceptionally rare and well-known Haleakalā Silversword (macrocephalum), or ‘Ahinahina (literally ‘gray-gray’) in Hawaiian. They are only found on the island of Maui, has adapted to the harsh environmental conditions of the 10,023 feet (3055 meters) dormant volcano Haleakalā, and is considered threatened. These plants are highly sensitive to disturbance, their shallow root systems easily crushed in the boggy soil or loose volcanic cinders they grow in. - Haleakala National Park, Hawaii

Dogwood flower

Showy blooms of the ornamental Dogwood tree typically signal the onset of Spring. There are lories and legends about the Dogwood and its flower. This particular poem is a favorite one. The Legend of the Dogwood In Jesus' time, the dogwood grew To a stately size and a lovely hue. 'Twas strong and firm, its branches interwoven. For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen. Seeing the distress at this use of their wood Christ made a promise which still holds good: "Never again shall the dogwood grow Large enough to be used so. Slender and twisted, it shall be With blossoms like the cross for all to see. As blood stains the petals marked in brown, The blossom’s center wears a thorny crown. All who see it will remember Me Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree. Cherished and protected, this tree shall be A reminder to all of My agony."

Banksia Serrata Flower - Hawaii

Globe Artichoke Flower - Hawaii

Black Rose

An evergreen succulent with large rosettes, the Aeonium Zwartkop's dramatic nearly black color is truly captivating. This aeonium's rosette flowers once, then dies after. It may take several years before it happens again, although the rosettes don't bloom all at the same time. Also known as Black Rose, Blacktop, Black Tree and Black Beauty.

Snow-covered Douglas fir and cones on a wintry Spring morning. - Evergreen, Colorado

Firewood Banksia

Banksia Menziesii , otherwise known as Firewood Banksia, is a plant native to Australia. Flowering occurs in autumn and winter, with peak times from May to July. The flower spikes take roughly eight months to develop, and are composed of numerous individual flowers. The Firewood Banksia has a varied range of colors, more than any other Banksia species. (taken in Hawaii)

Glowing fuchsia hydrangea - Hawaii

Field of Sunflowers at dusk - Alabama

Delicate, young Haleakala Silversword plant, also known as 'Ahinahina in Hawaiian. -Haleakala National Park, Hawaii