The Flower that Tells Time

Is it 4 o'clock yet?

Check the four o'clock flower, and if the blooms are open, then it's at least late in the afternoon.

The four o'clock not only knows what time to open, it's fragrance is rich! My grandmother had one of these plants, and every summer afternoon, we'd run to the four o'clocks to see if they were open so we could smell the flowers.

However, it seems time has little to do with its blossoming. The late evening drop in temperature actually causes these little gems to open. Oh well! Another thing I didn't know, the little black seeds that we used to decorate mud pies with are extremely poisonous! But if you want to attract humminghbirds and butterflies, then here's a great addition to your garden.

Thanks to Christine Weerts for contributing this photo.