phenological-change-observations
Phenological change observations involve tracking and recording shifts in the timing of recurring biological events in plants — such as flowering, leafing, fruiting, and dormancy — over time or across environmental gradients. As climate patterns shift, documenting these changes helps researchers understand how plants respond to temperature, precipitation, and seasonality cues. This data is critical for predicting ecosystem disruptions, species range shifts, and mismatches between plants and their pollinators or seed dispersers.
Trending: Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) — 359 observations this week
Spring bloom of brittlebush is a reliable signal that desert ecosystems are waking up, and tracki...
Eastern redcedar sightings surge as the tree spreads across America...
Eastern redcedar is rapidly expanding its range into grasslands and open fields near many communi...
Trending: Redstem Stork's-bill (Erodium cicutarium) — 315 observati...
Redstem Stork's-bill is one of the most common weeds invading lawns, gardens, and parks across No...
Trending: Osoberry (Oemleria cerasiformis) — 57 observations this week
Osoberry is one of the first native shrubs to flower each spring, meaning its observation surge i...
Blue Dicks is blooming across the West and citizen scientists are watching
Tracking when and where native wildflowers like Blue Dicks bloom each year helps gardeners, land ...
Trending: eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) — 54 observations this week
Tracking where eastern white pine is thriving — or struggling — helps gardeners, foresters, and p...
Rare Southern California shrub spotted thriving in Sierra Madre foothills
Nevin's Brickellbush is a rare Southern California native that supports local pollinators, and kn...
Beavertail Pricklypear (Opuntia basilaris) observed in Palm Desert
Beavertail Pricklypear is a low-water, high-impact native plant that thrives in hot, dry conditio...
Bigelow's Spikemoss (Selaginella bigelovii) observed in Los Gatos
Documented sightings of native plants like Bigelow's Spikemoss help conservationists and local la...
Bigelow's Spikemoss (Selaginella bigelovii) observed in 886X+MM, Sa...
Tracking where native plants like Bigelow's Spikemoss still survive helps conservationists and la...
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) observed in Danwood Dr, Austin, TX, US
Yaupon Holly is a drought-tolerant, native alternative to imported teas and coffees that you coul...
Rubber Rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa) observed in Lehi, UT 84045, USA
Rubber Rabbitbrush is a tough, drought-tolerant native shrub that pollinators depend on in late s...
walkingstick cactus (Cylindropuntia imbricata spinosior) observed i...
Tracking where native cacti like walkingstick cactus are growing helps conservationists and local...
Mediterranean Holm oak spotted and recorded in Davis, California
Holm oaks are drought-tolerant Mediterranean trees increasingly planted in California cities, and...
maidenhair spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) observed in Marine Dr...
Tracking where native ferns like maidenhair spleenwort naturally grow helps gardeners and conserv...
Branched Pencil Cholla cactus spotted and confirmed in Riverside Co...
Community-documented sightings of native desert cacti like Branched Pencil Cholla help scientists...
Scale Bud (Anisocoma acaulis) observed in Sunever Rd, Joshua Tree, CA, US
Every verified sighting of a native desert wildflower like Scale Bud helps scientists track wheth...