If you are a Utahn with a few years under your belt, then you will know what popcorn and an apricot tree have in common. Despite the popularity of the blooming leaves that appear similar to popcorn and the famous children’s song revolving around the tree, apricots actually originated from China. There are a lot of plants native to Utah, such as our state flower the Sego Lily. With summer descending upon us, these unique plants will be on full display. Over the course of the summer months, we challenge you to find and familiarize yourself with some of these treasures. A native plant scavenger hunt, to better recognize what makes Utah unique. Here are five native flowers and trees to find over the next few months:

Quaking Aspen: Utah’s state tree, chosen to replace the Colorado blue spruce in 2014. These trees have tall trunks with a smooth pale body with black scars. Their leaves start green then become a beautiful golden yellow as the year progresses. This tree accounts for around 60% of Utah’s forest coverage. A great place to find these is in Richfield, Utah, Pando, and the Trembling Giant. It is one of the world’s oldest and most massive living organisms.

Utah Agave: It is a rosette-shaped agave having blue-green sharp-spiked leaves. It is one of the most cold-tolerant agaves. The plant was used for various foods and crafts by local Native American peoples.

Woods’ Rose: Also known as the common wild rose, or prairie rose, it is known by its bright pink flower. They have sharp tooth leaflets and stems studded with sharp prickles. A small red fruit known as rose hips grow among its leaves that can be eaten, used in teas or as medicine.

Firecracker Penstemon: This plant grows in many types of desert, woodland, forest and open plateau habitats. It is easily recognizable from long stems and the elegant, tubular, bright red flowers. This perennial can resist a wide range of temperatures and is a popular treat among hummingbirds.

White Sagebrush: Can also be referred to as silver wormwood and western mugwort. The plant was placed in shoes or on the skin as a form of deodorant and when burned, will repel mosquitoes. Both the leaves and stems are covered in white to gray hairs, which its name was derived from. They can be found in dry slopes, canyons and dry prairies.

Good luck on your search and feel free to submit pictures of your completed scavenge to [email protected]. Happy Hunting.