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Wild Geranium – Geranium maculatum

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Appearance: Geranium maculatum is a herbaceous perennial known for its deeply lobed leaves and pink to lavender flowers.

Leaves: The leaves are palmately lobed and often have a distinctive pattern.

Flowers: The plant produces pink to lavender, five-petaled flowers with darker veins.

Habitat: It is commonly found in woodlands and shaded areas.

Distribution: Wild geranium is native to eastern North America.

Occurrence
Found throughout the wooded areas

Pennsylvania Bittercress – Cardamine pensylvanica

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Appearance: Cardamine pensylvanica is a herbaceous annual or biennial plant known for its pinnately divided leaves and small, white flowers.

Leaves: The leaves are pinnately divided into several leaflets.

Flowers: The plant produces small, white, four-petaled flowers in clusters.

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

Distribution: Pennsylvania bittercress is native to eastern North America.

Occurrence
Several specimens in back 40 spring area and near crick

Swamp Saxifrage – Micranthes pensylvanica

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Appearance: Micranthes pensylvanica is a herbaceous perennial known for its basal rosette of toothed leaves and clusters of white flowers.

Leaves: The basal leaves are toothed and often have a spatula-shaped appearance.

Flowers: The plant produces clusters of small, white, five-petaled flowers.

Habitat: It is commonly found in rock crevices, cliffs, and alpine habitats.

Distribution: Early saxifrage is native to eastern North America.

Occurrence
Several specimens in back 40 spring area and near crick

Mountain Maple – Acer spicatum

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: NO

Description

Appearance: Acer spicatum is a deciduous shrub or small tree known for its opposite, palmately lobed leaves and small, greenish-yellow flowers.

Leaves: The leaves are opposite, palmately lobed, and typically have three to five lobes.

Flowers: The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in upright clusters.

Habitat: It is commonly found in woodlands and along stream banks in mountainous regions.

Distribution: Mountain maple is native to North America.

Occurrence
Few specimens planted in back 40 in 2019

False Lilly of the Valley – Maianthemum canadense

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Appearance: Maianthemum canadense is a herbaceous perennial known for its delicate, white, star-shaped flowers and paired leaves.

Leaves: The leaves are paired, elliptical to lance-shaped, and typically have parallel veins.

Flowers: The plant produces small, white, star-shaped flowers in terminal clusters.

Habitat: It is commonly found in woodlands and shaded areas.

Distribution: Canada mayflower is native to North America.

Occurrence
Specimens found throughout the wooded areas

Canada Anemone – Anemone canadensis

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

Perfoliate Bellwort – Uvularia grandiflora

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

Giant Trillium – Trillium grandiflorum

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.

Red Elderberry – Sambucus racemosa

Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES

Description

Sambucus racemosa (Red Elderberry) is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Adoxaceae family. Here are some key identification characteristics:

Size and Growth: Red elderberry is a medium to large shrub, typically growing to heights of 6 to 12 feet (1.8 to 3.7 meters). It has multiple stems arising from the base and forms a bushy and spreading habit.

Leaves: The leaves of Sambucus racemosa are compound and opposite, meaning they are divided into leaflets arranged in pairs along the stem. Each leaflet is elliptical or lance-shaped with serrated edges and a pinnate venation.

Flowers: The shrub produces showy, flat-topped clusters of flowers called racemes. The individual flowers are small and have five white to cream-colored petals. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Fruits: After flowering, red elderberry produces small, round, and bright red berries that are clustered in dense bunches. The berries are a food source for various birds and wildlife, although they are considered toxic to humans if ingested raw.

Habitat: Red elderberry is native to various regions across North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including moist woodlands, stream banks, and open clearings.

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

Conservation: Red elderberry is not considered a threatened species, and it plays a significant ecological role in providing food and habitat for wildlife.

Other Species: Sambucus racemosa is part of the Sambucus genus, which includes other elderberry species with diverse characteristics.

Red elderberry is valued for its attractive clusters of flowers and vibrant red berries, making it a valuable addition to native gardens and naturalized landscapes. Its ecological importance in supporting wildlife and pollinators further enhances its value as a shrub for conservation efforts.

Occurrence
One plant near prairie section, another in back 40 woods

Dwarf Canadian Primrose – Primula mistassinica

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