Month: June 2019

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Appearance: Anemone canadensis is a herbaceous perennial known for its solitary white flowers and deeply lobed leaves.

Leaves: The leaves are deeply lobed and typically have three lobes.

Flowers: The plant produces solitary white flowers with five petal-like sepals.

Habitat: It is commonly found in moist meadows and along stream banks.

Distribution: Canada anemone is native to North America.

Occurrence
Specimens found throughout the wooded areas

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Uvularia grandiflora (Perfoliate Bellwort) is an herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Colchicaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Appearance: Perfoliate bellwort features graceful, arching stems that bear bright green, lance-shaped leaves. The plant has an overall delicate and elegant appearance.

Flowers: The bell-shaped flowers of Uvularia grandiflora are a striking feature. They are pendulous, hanging from the stems on slender stalks. The flowers are typically bright yellow and have six petal-like tepals that give them their bell-like appearance. Each flower can measure around 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) in length.

Blooming Period: Large-flowered bellwort produces its blooms in the spring, adding color to woodland settings.

Habitat: This species is native to eastern North America and is often found in rich, moist, and deciduous woodlands, where it thrives in the dappled shade.

Distribution: Perfoliate bellwort can be found in regions ranging from eastern Canada to the eastern United States.

Conservation: While not considered a threatened species, preserving its woodland habitats is crucial for the continued health of large-flowered bellwort populations.

Other Species: Uvularia grandiflora is part of the Uvularia genus, which includes other bellwort species with similar attributes.

Large-flowered bellwort is treasured for its bright and cheerful blossoms, making it a popular choice among wildflower enthusiasts and gardeners alike. Its ability to naturalize in woodland environments and its graceful demeanor contribute to its appeal as a delightful addition to shaded landscapes.

Occurrence
Specimens found throughout the wooded areas

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Trillium grandiflorum (Large-flowered Trillium) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Melanthiaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Appearance: Large-flowered trillium features a single upright stem arising from a rhizomatous root system. The stem bears three large, elliptical leaves that are whorled around the stem apex.

Flowers: The plant produces a single large flower that sits on top of the three leaves. The flower has three large, white petals (technically sepals) that are broad and ovate in shape. The petals are arranged symmetrically, and the flower measures approximately 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 centimeters) in diameter.

Blooming Period: Large-flowered trillium blooms in the spring, typically from April to May, depending on the region and climate.

Habitat: This species is native to eastern North America and is commonly found in rich, moist deciduous woodlands, often carpeting the forest floor in clusters.

Distribution: Large-flowered trillium can be found in regions ranging from eastern Canada to the eastern United States.

Conservation: While not considered a threatened species, preserving its woodland habitats is important to ensure healthy populations of large-flowered trillium.

Other Species: Trillium grandiflorum is part of the Trillium genus, which includes other trillium species with varying flower colors and sizes.

Large-flowered trillium is admired for its distinctive appearance, particularly the large, showy white flower that stands out against the backdrop of green foliage. Its presence in woodlands adds a touch of elegance to natural landscapes and makes it a sought-after wildflower for both botanists and wildflower enthusiasts.

Occurrence
Specimens planted in former pasture and in back 40 woods.

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Primula mistassinica (Mistassini Primrose) is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Primulaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Appearance: Mistassini primrose is a low-growing herb with a basal rosette of leaves and flowering stems that rise above the foliage.

Leaves: The leaves are simple and form a basal rosette at the base of the plant. They are oblong to lance-shaped and have wavy or slightly toothed margins. The leaves are typically hairy or glandular.

Flowers: The plant produces beautiful flowers with a distinctive coloration. The flowers are solitary and funnel-shaped, with five petals fused into a tube-like structure. The petals are pale lavender to pink in color, sometimes with darker veins. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and appear in late spring to early summer.

Inflorescence: The flowering stems are held upright and bear single flowers at the top of each stem.

Habitat: Mistassini primrose is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woods, meadows, and rocky slopes. It prefers moist and well-drained soils.

Distribution: The species is found in regions ranging from eastern Canada to the northeastern United States.

Conservation: Mistassini primrose is not considered a threatened species, but preserving its natural habitats is essential for maintaining healthy populations.

Other Species: Primula mistassinica is part of the Primula genus, which includes other primrose species with diverse characteristics.

Mistassini primrose is valued for its charming flowers and sweet fragrance, making it a delightful addition to wildflower gardens and naturalistic landscapes. Its ability to thrive in various habitats adds to its versatility and appeal in native plantings.

Occurrence
Small grouping on fern rock outcropping

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Uvularia sessilifolia (Sessile-leaved Bellwort) is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Colchicaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Appearance: Sessile-leaved bellwort is a delicate herb with slender, arching stems that can grow up to 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) in height. The plant has a graceful and understated beauty.

Leaves: The leaves of Uvularia sessilifolia are lance-shaped and alternate along the stem. Each leaf is sessile, meaning it lacks a distinct stalk (petiole) and attaches directly to the stem.

Flowers: The plant produces bell-shaped, nodding flowers that hang from the leaf axils (the angle between the upper side of the leaf and the stem). The flowers have six yellow tepals (petals and sepals that are similar in appearance) and are typically about 0.5 to 0.75 inches (1.3 to 1.9 centimeters) long.

Blooming Period: Sessile-leaved bellwort blooms in the spring, typically from April to May, depending on the region and climate.

Habitat: This species is native to eastern North America and can be found in various habitats, including rich woodlands, shaded slopes, and stream banks. It prefers moist and well-drained soils.

Distribution: Sessile-leaved bellwort is found in regions ranging from eastern Canada to the eastern United States.

Conservation: While not considered a threatened species, preserving its woodland habitats is important for maintaining healthy populations of sessile-leaved bellwort.

Other Species: Uvularia sessilifolia is part of the Uvularia genus, which includes other bellwort species with diverse characteristics.

Sessile-leaved bellwort is admired for its dainty and unassuming flowers, making it a lovely addition to shaded gardens and woodland landscapes. Its delicate appearance and charming bell-shaped flowers contribute to its appeal as a native wildflower and an attractive choice for naturalistic plantings.

Occurrence
Found in former pasture and back 40 woods

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Enemion biternatum (False Rue Anemone) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Appearance: False rue anemone is a delicate herb with slender, erect stems that can reach heights of 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters). The plant has a soft and airy appearance.

Leaves: The leaves of Enemion biternatum are compound and typically divided into three deeply lobed leaflets. The leaflets have a palmate shape, resembling the leaves of some rue (Ruta) species, giving rise to the common name “false rue anemone.”

Flowers: The plant produces small, star-like flowers with white to pinkish petals that have a rounded or slightly pointed shape. The flowers have numerous stamens and pistils at their centers.

Blooming Period: False rue anemone blooms in the spring, typically from March to May, depending on the region and climate.

Habitat: This species is native to eastern North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including rich woodlands, shaded slopes, and forested floodplains. It prefers moist and well-drained soils.

Distribution: False rue anemone is found in regions ranging from eastern Canada to the central and eastern parts of the United States.

Conservation: While not considered a threatened species, preserving its woodland habitats is important for maintaining healthy populations of false rue anemone.

Other Species: Enemion biternatum is the sole species within the Enemion genus.

False rue anemone is admired for its delicate and graceful appearance, making it an enchanting addition to shaded gardens and naturalistic landscapes. Its dainty flowers, attractive foliage, and early spring bloom time contribute to its appeal as a native wildflower and a charming sight in woodland settings.

Occurrence
Growing along main trail in fern area.

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Symplocarpus foetidus (Skunk Cabbage) is a unique and fascinating perennial plant belonging to the Araceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Appearance: Skunk cabbage is a robust herbaceous plant with large and deeply lobed leaves. It emerges early in the spring, often even before the snow has fully melted, giving it an extraordinary quality.

Leaves: The leaves of Symplocarpus foetidus are large, heart-shaped, and glossy. They can grow up to 2 feet (60 centimeters) in length and are often mottled with purple or maroon markings.

Flowers: The plant produces unique and unusual flowers known as inflorescences. The inflorescences are enclosed in a large, hood-like spathe that is either yellow or maroon in color. The spathe surrounds the spadix, which is a central column covered with tiny individual flowers.

Odor: One of the most distinctive features of skunk cabbage is its strong and pungent odor, similar to that of a skunk. The smell helps attract early spring pollinators, such as flies and beetles, which are attracted to the foul odor.

Habitat: Skunk cabbage is native to eastern North America and can be found in wetlands, swamps, and other damp, marshy areas.

Distribution: The species is found in regions ranging from eastern Canada to the eastern and central parts of the United States.

Conservation: Skunk cabbage is not considered a threatened species, and it plays an essential role in wetland ecosystems.

Other Species: Symplocarpus foetidus is the only species within the Symplocarpus genus.

Skunk cabbage is an intriguing plant that has adapted to bloom early in the spring when few other flowers are present. Its ability to generate heat and produce a strong odor helps attract pollinators in colder conditions, aiding in its reproductive success. It is also considered an important early-season food source for certain animals, including bears and deer.

The ability of skunk cabbage to produce heat is a fascinating and unique adaptation in the plant world. This phenomenon, known as thermogenesis, is relatively rare among flowers and is primarily seen in a few plant species, including some members of the Araceae family to which skunk cabbage belongs.

Thermogenesis in skunk cabbage serves several essential functions, especially in early spring when temperatures are still cold. By generating heat, skunk cabbage can raise the temperature inside the spathe, creating a warm environment that is more appealing to cold-blooded insects, such as flies and beetles. These insects are attracted to the plant not only by the heat but also by the strong, foul odor emitted by the spathe. The combination of heat and odor helps to draw pollinators to the flowers, increasing the chances of successful pollination and seed production.

The ability to produce heat is an energy-intensive process for the skunk cabbage, and it relies on specialized plant tissues and metabolic pathways to generate this warmth. This unique adaptation has evolved as an effective strategy to increase the reproductive success of the plant in the early spring when insect pollinators are scarce.

Occurrence
One specimen near crick and several in back 40 spring area.

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold, Cow Slips) is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Appearance: Marsh marigold is a lovely and showy herb with bright yellow flowers that add a burst of color to wetland areas.

Leaves: The leaves of Caltha palustris are rounded and heart-shaped with toothed margins. They are glossy and often have a waxy appearance.

Flowers: The plant produces large, solitary flowers with five to nine shiny, buttercup-like petals. The flowers have a central cluster of yellow stamens surrounding a prominent green pistil.

Blooming Period: Marsh marigold blooms in early to mid-spring, typically from April to May, depending on the region and climate.

Habitat: This species is native to various regions of North America and can be found in wetlands, swamps, marshes, and along the edges of streams and ponds. It prefers moist and waterlogged soils.

Distribution: Marsh marigold is found in regions ranging from northern Canada to the northeastern and central parts of the United States.

Conservation: Marsh marigold is not considered a threatened species, and its presence is an indicator of healthy wetland ecosystems.

Other Species: Caltha palustris is the sole species within the Caltha genus.

Marsh marigold is celebrated for its striking yellow flowers and its ability to thrive in wet environments. Its bright blooms make it a popular choice for ornamental plantings in water gardens and landscape designs that feature damp or boggy areas. Additionally, it serves as an essential early-season nectar source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the overall biodiversity of wetland habitats.

Occurrence
Wet areas along crick and some in back 40 spring area.