Wildflower Wednesday #4

Buds are bursting around the Nature Center this week, and so are wildflowers.  Despite the droughtiness, a new crop of wildflowers has emerged over the last seven days, including some of these gems:

Blue Cohosh (photo on right) is an uncommon plant in shady areas of the property and this spring ephemeral can now be found in flower at NBNC.  While the plant bears leaves for just a short period each spring, they can live to be over 20 years old.

If you aren’t looking carefully, you may overlook the Sessile-leaved Bellwort (also called Wild Oats) growing just over the bridge from NBNC.  It grows low to the ground, and its flowers can blend into the leaves (photo on left).

Don't forget...
Mother's Day Wildflower Walk
Sunday, May 12, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $10 adults, free for kids and moms
(more info at programs page)

Coming Attractions:

A very common forest plant around Montpelier, the Canada Mayflower is getting ready to bloom.  It grows along the ground with one or two leaves, and soon will be crowned in small, white flowers.  Watch for this wildflower in the coming weeks.

Note:  Today’s “Wildflower Wednesday” photos were actually taken yesterday.