Two Flowers....

Two flowers on my cottonwood caught my eye late yesterday afternoon, the setting sun illuminating them beautifully. They are a native member of the hibiscus family; they really are an attractive tree as the foliage as well as the flowers are quite striking. They grow extremely fast and are very tolerant to the summer months. 

Traditional uses for the plants include using the slimy sap as an antiseptic, and string was made from the bark. The bark and roots can be boiled to make a tea, useful in cooling a fever. 

My son also has one of these trees in his garden and the grandpups enjoy eating the fallen flowers. 

I also love the way both the flowers and leaves give a variety of hues, the flowers begin as a bright yellow, yet turn orange when ending their bloom. The heart shaped leaves vary from a deep green to a warm burgundy...