The Ides of May Flower: A Tale of Love and Botany

This article recounts a historical tale from 1866 about stage driver Harry Burke and botanist Alphonso Wood. During a ride through northern California, Wood discovered a new flower and named it after Burke's daughter, Ida May.

The story highlights the intersection of human connection and botanical discovery. - The journey took place in mid-May 1866 between Shasta City and Yreka.

- Professor Wood was a retired botanist and theologian exploring California's plants. - The flower, Brodiaea ida-maia, was named after Burke's daughter, inspired by the 'Ides of May'.

- Ida May Burke died young and is buried in Shasta City, alongside her father. The tale serves as a reminder of how nature can immortalize personal stories.