Arbor Day is a special day to emphasize the importance of trees to our environment. Trees help clean the air and filter groundwater, provide habitat for wildlife, and improve our environment by providing beauty and shade.
Members of Yuma Orchid & African Violet Society participated in Yuma’s Arbor Day celebration by purchasing an Ironwood tree planted at Carver Park. A total of twenty trees were planted during the event.
The club chose an Ironwood tree because it is a native tree that requires less water during summer months when trees are stressed by hot desert temperatures. It grows twenty-five feet tall and has leaves and twigs covered with small hairs that help protect it from the hot sun. During dry months, it sheds its leaves to conserve water. In spring, purple flowers attract native bees and other pollinators.
Members of Yuma Orchid & African Violet Society were excited to be part of their community’s Arbor Day tree planting.
By Karen Bowen
Karen is a member of Yuma Orchid & African Violet Society and the Pacific Region butterfly chairman.
Photo 1 Karen Bowen
Members of Yuma Orchid and African Violet Society celebrated Arbor Day by purchasing an Ironwood tree planted at Carver Park.
Photo 2 Public Library ASU
The Ironwood tree is a drought-resistant native that provides excellent habitat for desert wildlife. It is a hardwood tree with wood so dense it sinks when placed in water. It is disease resistant and is a hardy tree.
Photo 3 Public Library ASU
Colorful purple blooms cover the Ironwood tree in spring. Its blooms are an important source of nectar for native bees and other pollinators.