Washington Wildflowers 13.06

The University of Washington Herbarium at the Burke Museum and the authors of “Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest” have collaborated on the creation of the WASHINGTON WILDFLOWERS plant identification app for mobile devices. This app offers high-quality images, detailed species descriptions, distribution maps, blooming periods, and technical information for 1028 common wildflowers, shrubs, and vines found in Washington and neighboring regions of British Columbia, Idaho, and Oregon. While the focus is primarily on native species, introduced plants widespread in the area are also covered in this comprehensive resource.

By leveraging curated data developed by botanists, users are provided with precise and reliable information to facilitate plant identification across the state. The app boasts offline functionality, eliminating the need for an internet connection regardless of your location.

Although tailored for amateur enthusiasts, the richness of content in WASHINGTON WILDFLOWERS makes it equally appealing to seasoned botanists. With browsing options by common or scientific name, as well as family categorization, users can easily locate plants and access relevant details. A user-friendly search function ensures accurate identification for those seeking specific plant information.

The app's search interface is divided into nine straightforward categories, including growth habit, flower color, blooming month, geographic region, habitat, leaf arrangement, leaf type, lifespan (annual, biennial, perennial), and origin (native or introduced). Users can select preferences across these categories to refine search results. Upon selection completion, a list of potential matches with thumbnail images is displayed. Further details such as additional photos, descriptions, and distribution maps can be accessed through a simple tap on a specific species.

With supplementary materials covering extensive information on Washington's ecoregions, habitat descriptions throughout the state, prime wildflower viewing spots with optimal visit times, insights into climate impacts on local plant communities, and practical instructions on app navigation – WASHINGTON WILDFLOWERS provides a wealth of botanical knowledge. Included are an elaborate glossary of botanical terminology and labeled visual references of leaves, flowers, and inflorescences. Moreover, detailed family descriptions are available within the app; tapping on a specific family unveils images and names of all related species.

Washington and its surroundings boast varied landscapes teeming with a diverse array of wildflowers, shrubs, and vines. WASHINGTON WILDFLOWERS caters to individuals of all ages exploring these regions and keen on identifying and understanding the plant life they encounter. It serves as an educational tool for delving deeper into plant communities, botanical vocabulary, and general plant identification techniques.

A portion of the proceeds generated from this app contributes to enhancing and maintaining the floristic knowledge base essential for developing quality tools that inform the public about Washington's botanical diversity.