Baby Aster (Chaetopappa ericoides) Photo credit Russell Kleinman "Exploring the Flora of Silver City (2022-Present): Adventure, Discovery and Fun"
Nearly three years ago, a group of like-minded botanists and plant-lovers got together to begin a project that had never been done before: to inventory all the naturally occurring plants within the limits of Silver City. They named it the Flora of Silver City, NM, Project. The Gila Native Plant Society has asked the Silver City Flora team to present their findings in an evening program on Friday, October 18, at 7:00 pm, "Exploring the Flora of Silver City (2022-Present): Adventure, Discovery and Fun."
Bryophyte (Pt. ovatum) Photo credit Russell KleinmanThe program will be hybrid – in person and via Zoom. It will be live on the WNMU campus in Harlan Hall, Room 111. Harlan Hall is at the corner of 12th and Alabama Streets in Silver City. Those who prefer to attend online may request a Zoom link from
The Silver City Flora team, introduced by William Norris, Professor of Biology at WNMU, will discuss the goals of the project, their methods and results to date and some interesting discoveries. Their collection ranges from the large common plants we can all recognize to the small and sometimes overlooked, like the Baby Aster (Chaetopappa ericoides). It includes some nearly invisible Bryophytes, a couple new to the county, including the octopus-like Pt. ovatum. And they have encountered some delightful surprises, like a milkweed considered rare and endangered in New Mexico. Take in the program to find out more.
Whether you come in person or tune in to Zoom, all are welcome.
Rare milkweed – Photo credit Angela FlandersThe Gila Native Plant Society is committed to promoting education, research and appreciation of the native flora of the Southwest; encouraging the preservation of rare and endangered plant species; and supporting the use of suitable native plants in landscaping. For information on programs, publications and membership, please visit www.gilanps.org.
