Nature Trail

Two University of Arizona Plant Science interns, Claire Heinitz and Janon Al Failakawi, helping to create our nature trail.

Wild Gladiolus

An erect stem bearing 5 to 15 dainty pink flowers make this wild gladiolus one of the most striking of spring flowering bulbs. Although not abundant locally, one to several plants may be found growing in open, sunny locations or in shady oak woodlands.

Scientific name: Gladiolus italicus

Italian common name: Gladiolo del Campi

English common name: Italian Gladiolus

Italian Viper's Bugloss

The dense, pyramidal "Christmas tree" shape and the unique fuzzy texture of this native herb set it apart from other spring vegetation. Small white flowers appear as Viperina matures at a height of 0.5 to 1 m.

Scientific name: Echium italicum

Italian common name: Viperina bianca

English common name: Italian Viper's Bugloss

Red Valerian

At Gangivecchio, conditions have been ideal this spring for a generous and extended flowering of Red Valerian. It's commonly seen along roadsides and sunny open areas, usually on poor dry soils. Because of its attractive, long-lasting blooms, some gardeners grow this plant as a cut flower.

Scientific name: Centranthus ruber

Italian common name: Valeriana rossa

English common name: Red Valerian

Gladwin Iris

The tan and pale bluish flowers are unusual for an iris but the shape of the leaves suggest the genus identity. Each bloom develops a large pod which opens in fall to reveal colorful, long-lasting orange red seeds.

Scientific name: Iris foetidissima

Italian common name: Giaggiolo Puzzolente

English common name: Gladwin Iris

Bear's Breech

An erect spike of densely packed rose-pink and white flowers make this one of the most characteristic and elegant spring flowering plants of Gangivecchio. The luxurious clump of dark green foliage at the base is thought to be the architectural leaf motif used in Corinthian columns.

Scientific name: Acanthus mollis

Italian common name: Acanto

English common name: Bear's Breech

Tree Mallow

Big radiant pink flowers with purple streaked petals open generously and continuously to create an eye-catching spring show of color. Because of the intense pink floral display, this species is sometimes used in landscape beds and borders.

Scientific name: Lavatera thuringiaca

Italian common name: Malvone di Turingia

English common name: Tree Mallow