Roses - United States of America

Rosaceae - The family of Rosaceae contains over 100 species of roses, a family of erect shrubs or climbing vines, with most varieties having thorns. The majority of rose species are native to Asia, but there are species native to each region of the world. Roses are primarily grown for ornamental purposes, but they do have other uses. The essential oils are extracted for use in manufacturing perfumes and rose hip, the fruit of the plant, can be made into jams, marmalades, soups, and teas.

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The first people in the United States arrived from Siberia via a land bridge across the Bering Sea more than 15,000 years ago. When the Europeans arrived, they found well established societies. The native people were displaced as each colonial power claimed their share of the newly discovered lands. The English took the Atlantic seaboard, the Spanish the Pacific coast and western region, the French claimed the Mississippi Valley, and the Dutch limited themselves to an area of present day New York.

Plants of Germany

Germany has three primary climate zones: the maritime area of the northwestern coast and lowlands, the continental area of Central Germany, and the mountain area of Southern Germany. Each zone offers sufficient moisture and a decent growing season for producing a wide variety of plant life. Being a medium-sized country with a Central European location, Germany does not have any significant plants endemic to the country, but strict environmental policies provide protection for plant species considered threatened in other parts of Europe. About 30% of Germany is covered with forests or woodland and 15% consists of permanent meadows. These settings offer ideal conditions for a wide variety for flowers to thrive. The plants displayed are, from left to right, the spring snowflake - Leucojum vernum, sweet briar - Rosa rubiginosa, and the yellow crocus - Crocus flavus.

Sweet Briar - Liechtenstein

Rosa rubiginosa - Sweet briar, also known as eglantine, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe and Western Asia. It grows to heights of 2 to 3 meters. The pink flowers give off a strong scent similar to apples. The red fruit is 1 to 2 centimeters in size and is popular for making rose hip tea. A light fuzz, located below each seed pod, can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach if accidentally ingested. Sweet briar is a fast growing plant and considered an invasive weed when introduced to non-native areas.

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Liechtenstein became a principality or “Fürstentum” and a sovereign state within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719 through Charles VI’s  unification of the “lordship” of Schellenberg and the county of Vaduz. When Napoleon reorganized his European holdings, Liechtenstein became part of the German Confederation of the Rhine. Following Napoleon’s defeat, Liechtenstein became independent, but entered into an association with the Austrian Empire, a loose union lasting until the end of World War I.