Idaho Wildflowers 13.06

The collaboration between the University of Idaho's Stillinger Herbarium, the University of Washington Herbarium at the Burke Museum, and Idaho State University's Ray J. Davis Herbarium resulted in the creation of Idaho Wildflowers, a plant identification application available for smart phones and tablets. This app offers a thorough database encompassing over 800 common wildflowers, shrubs, and vines found in Idaho, as well as neighboring regions in Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Utah. The information provided includes images, species descriptions, range maps, bloom periods, and technical details. The curated content compiled by botanists ensures users receive accurate information for plant identification across the state. Notably, the app functions offline, making it convenient for use even in remote locations.

Although tailored towards amateur enthusiasts, Idaho Wildflowers' extensive content caters to experienced botanists as well. Users can smoothly navigate through the species list by common or scientific name and even by family to access relevant botanical information. The application's user-friendly search function simplifies plant identification for users seeking precise results.

The search key is divided into ten straightforward categories: growth habit (e.g., wildflower, shrub, vine), flower color, month of blooming, geographic area, habitat type, flower characteristics, leaf arrangement and type, plant lifespan (annual, biennial, perennial), and origin (native or introduced). Users can refine their search criteria as needed and observe the number of species filtered at the top of the page. Upon selection completion, a click triggers a list of thumbnail images and names for potential matches; further details like additional photos, descriptions, and range maps can be accessed by tapping on each thumbnail image.

Aside from plant identification features, Idaho Wildflowers includes supplementary resources such as detailed information on Idaho's ecoregions, habitat descriptions across the state, recommended wildflower viewing spots with optimal visit times, insights into how climate influences local plant communities, as well as comprehensive guidelines on app usage. Users will benefit from an extensive botanical glossary and labeled diagrams illustrating leaves, flowers, and inflorescences within the app. Each plant family incorporated in Idaho Wildflowers boasts detailed descriptions: users can explore images and names of all species belonging to a specific family by selecting its name.

Given the diverse flora in Idaho and surrounding areas, Idaho Wildflowers appeals to nature enthusiasts of all ages exploring these regions with an interest in identifying encountered plants. Furthermore, it serves as a valuable educational tool for enhancing knowledge about plant ecosystems, botanical terminology, and plant identification techniques. A portion of the app's proceeds contributes to conservation efforts and botanical research within the region.