Warm sunlight streaming through the parting clouds of winter, crowds of students excitedly making their way to and from classes, rising temperatures and blooming plants all around. All of these things and more can be expected during spring on campus in Corvallis, but perhaps the highlight of the season is the plants. 

There are many flowering plants in the area, including flowering bushes, fruit trees and many others. 

“Rhododendrons, azaleas, daphnes, daffodils, grape hyacinths are in bloom,” Shana Seligman of the Horticulture Club said. 

All of these plants can be found all around campus, with rhododendrons being one of the most common, in their large bushes characterized by clumps of numerous, brightly colored flowers. 

Hydrangeas are another common flower, one which often lines the sidewalks and streets of campus. Along with Oregon grapes and magnolias, these flowers are well-known to Oregon and its residents. 

“Hydrangeas will be in bloom soon if they aren’t already,” Seligman continued. 

Additionally, Seligman spoke on the student farm, quoting faculty advisor James Cassidy: “If you aren’t planting seeds every day in April, what are you even doing?”

The aforementioned fruit trees can be found around McNary Dining Center in the Food Forest. The flowers can be found all around campus, lining the streets and decorating the exteriors of many buildings. 

In addition to all of these plants, Seligman mentioned Ribes sanguineum, a kind of currant that is native to the area and begins blooming around this time of year.

Faith Young, another member of the horticulture club, provides some further information on what can be seen around campus. 

“A native favorite that you will see all over campus covering large patches of ground is the Kinnikinnick … with bell shaped pink flowers that the butterflies and other pollinators love,” Young said. 

With all these new flowers blooming, go out onto campus and see how many different kinds you can find and identify – enjoy the sunshine, and discover the beauty of Oregon in spring.