A Valentine’s Day Affair: The Secret Social Life of Native Plants

Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day, and not just for people! Join the Southern Piedmont Chapter on Feb. 14 for an afternoon exploring the hidden relationships that shape the native plant world. Far from being solitary, plants are constantly interacting with one another and with the creatures around them. We’ll look at the ways certain plants cooperate with others of their own species, how different plant species make neighbors of one another, and how plants form surprising partnerships with organisms that couldn’t be more different from themselves, from insects to fungi.

Like any good love story, these relationships come with plenty of drama. Some partnerships are truly mutually beneficial, with both sides gaining something valuable. Others are decidedly less friendly, with plants competing, crowding out rivals, or taking more than they give. And a few are downright deceitful, relying on trickery and false promises to get what they want. Whether you’re a longtime native plant enthusiast or simply curious about the lives of the plants in your own backyard, you’ll never look at the Piedmont’s wildflowers, shrubs, and trees quite the same way. Come for the juicy gossip and stay for the company!