Botany Basics: Intro to Wildflower Plant Families
Curious about the plants growing around you? Botany Basics: Intro to Wildflower Plant Families will give you the foundational skills you need to start identifying wildflowers and understanding their vital role in our ecosystems. In this course, you'll explore how flowering plants (angiosperms) evolved alongside pollinators, dive into basic plant structures, and learn how pollinators interact with flowers. You’ll get hands-on practice using a dichotomous key—a powerful tool for plant identification—and discover key characteristics of major North American plant families like Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and more. Whether you're a beginner or just want a refresher, this course will build your confidence in recognizing the beauty and diversity of native plants.

Date: June 4, 2025

Time: 2:00-3:30pm CT

Language: English

Instructors: Brittany Smith and Erin Arnsteen 

Price: $20

Users will be prompted to create an account in order to register for and access the course.

If cost is a barrier to your participation and you would like to request financial support, please email learn@monarchjointventure.org.

Enroll in Course

Botany Basics: Intro to Wildflower Plant Families
Curious about the plants growing around you? Botany Basics: Intro to Wildflower Plant Families will give you the foundational skills you need to start identifying wildflowers and understanding their vital role in our ecosystems. In this course, you'll explore how flowering plants (angiosperms) evolved alongside pollinators, dive into basic plant structures, and learn how pollinators interact with flowers. You’ll get hands-on practice using a dichotomous key—a powerful tool for plant identification—and discover key characteristics of major North American plant families like Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and more. Whether you're a beginner or just want a refresher, this course will build your confidence in recognizing the beauty and diversity of native plants.

Testimonials from other Hub Courses

...the Mini Monarch Essentials Course is a must for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of Monarch butterflies and actively contribute to their conservation. I left the course feeling not only more informed but also inspired to take meaningful steps in preserving these incredible insects. Don't hesitate – join this course and be part of the Monarch butterfly conservation movement. You won't be disappointed!

Sara, Illinois

This is an excellent program for anyone who is interested in learning more about monarchs and monarch conservation but doesn't know where to start. The course is based in scientific research but avoids being bogged down by jargon and complicated language, and is a really comprehensive overview of the species, their biology, what threats face them, and how you can get involved and make a difference.

Catherine, Illinois

This course was great to get an understanding of the full situation with the Monarch butterfly. It helped to clarify parts of the lifecycle that I was not aware of despite having taught about butterflies for over a decade. I feel like I can better teach my students how to help Monarchs and other pollinators as well. The information was clear and well expressed to help me easily understand. In addition, the resources provided to look at in further detail are excellent and well put together.

Misty, Alabama

 

Enroll in Course