Beauty And Strength

Beauty And Strength 

By Anna Kay Thomas

Zinnias are beautiful but mighty plants. The brightly colored summer annual has been used in traditional medicine, valued for being easy to grow, and greatly admired for its dazzling blooms. They are generally six to eight inches tall but can grow over three feet with little care and produce a variety of colorful blossoms. 

In Floriography, a language using flowers to communicate that was created by high-society ladies in the 1800s, zinnias symbolize steadfast friendship. Embodying this interpretation, the hearty zinnias repel bugs that harm plants and attract the good bugs that are beneficial. They even keep deer and rabbits away so they won’t steal a snack from your garden. 

Some butterflies enjoy the presence of zinnias, including Gulf Fritillaries. Gulf Fritillaries aren’t real fritillaries but are actually classified as longwings and are orange with black markings and white spots. Though friendly and social butterflies, Gulf Fritillaries have a secret weapon to defend themselves from predators. When feeling threatened, they release a mixture of chemicals that create an odor as protection.

The tall and colorful zinnias receive lots of guests, such as bees, moths, and even hummingbirds. At the throats of hummingbirds, they have shimmering, scale-like feathers called “gorget” feathers. “Gorget” is a word that refers to the metal collars that knights would wear to battle to protect their necks. The Ruby-throated hummingbird and Anna’s hummingbird are great examples with their iridescent necklaces of gorget feathers that resemble opals or the shiny insides of seashells. Hummingbirds are lovely little warriors who find similar company among the protective zinnias and resourceful Gulf Fritillaries. Wishing you the best on your environmental trek!

Reflective Question: 

What do you believe is your own unique secret weapon?