Resilience - Be Present.

Plants are fixed to the earth where they are planted.

They must adapt and develop abilities to endure tough times.

Plant Science Concept:

Since plants are directed connected to the ground (“sessile”) they cannot relocate to escape from challenges. As a result, over time they have evolved, accumulating adaptive features that gave them greater odds in the face of adverse conditions. Some of these adaptations affect how and when a plant develops and grows (think of the ephemeral flowering annual plants that cover the barren earth making Sonoran desert winters famous) others adaptations alter morphological features (creating deeper root systems or producing light-reflective leaf coloration). They may also include physiological alterations that change gene expression or metabolism.

Horticultural Applications:

Since evolutionary adaptation takes thousands of years, a cultivated landscape is more likely to thrive when plants are selected to fit existing site conditions. Native plants may be best, given their evolutionary alignment with changes in the native environment and with other living members of the community. However, the best plants for a built environment may also be introduced (exotic) or cultivated plants developed for their superior ability to perform in the built environment, often atypical of a local-regional “native” environment.  Many cultivated plants have been introduced which offer improved adaptation to environmental challenges, disease resistance, as well as size, color, or other features relevant to the logistics or design of a space.

Related Student Views, Cultural Associations and Folklore: 

"In Native American cultures, butterflies symbolize transformation and rebirth. When we are faced with difficult situations or tough environments, we transform and adapt to our surroundings. Buddleja marrubiifolia, also known as the woolly butterfly bush, is a flowering shrub that attracts pollinators, including their namesake: butterflies. This shrub has also adapted to endure intense sunlight and drought." ~Iza Barrandey, B.S. Sustainable Plant Systems, Class of 2024.