Wildflowers 2

Pink Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. North Central, Pa. 4-14-23

Double Flowering Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta f. plena]. North Central, Pa. 4-14-23.

Double Flowering Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta f. plena]. North Central, Pa. 4-14-23

Double Flowering Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta f. plena]. North Central, Pa. 4-14-23. I was fortunate to discover this rare colony of double flowing plants interspersed with hundreds of normally flowing Hepatica last year. There were 32 of these double flowering plants found last year[1 plant would be considered an extraordinary find] and so far this year there are around half that number, with hopefully more to come. There is a wonderful mystery surrounding these particular plants, how they ever came to be. As they have no stamen or stigma [male and female parts] of the plant to reproduce [last year there were no seeds produced by these plants]. What is at work here that produces plants like these, is there some kind of genetic mutation? Only time will tell and it would be okay with me if we never know the wonderful mystery of these plants. For now just enjoy the extraordinary beauty of these spring ephemerals from the mountains of northern Pennsylvania. Notice the white with a blush of pink with a hint of yellow in these particular flowers.

Trailing arbutus [Epigaea repens], Dauphin County, Pa. 4-6-23

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica american var. acuta]. North Central, Pa. 4-3-22

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta] just starting to open. Tioga County, Pa. 4-3-23

The stamen [male part of the flower] on Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica americana var. acuta]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-3-23. Notice the tiny grains of pollen on the stamens.

Sharp Lobed Hepatica [Hepatica American var. acuta] Tioga County, Pa. 4-3-23. Nothing can stop spring wildflowers and their never ending will to flower and reproduce as they've waited an entire year for this one moment in time.

Native Lupine [Lupinus perennis] Schuylkill County, Pa. 3-29-23

Trailing Arbutus [Epigaea repens] flower buds from 3-24-23 [left] to 3-29-23 [right] it won't be long now! Dauphin County, Pa.

Although not a native plant, I still look forward to seeing Coltsfoot every year as for me it is almost always the first spring flower that I come across. I love everything about this plant, from its unusual "rubbery" stem to the bright pin wheel yellow flowers. Notice too the grains of sand caught in the flower as it broke through the soil. Native or not I will always look for Coltsfoot in spring. Dauphin County, Pa. 3-24-23 [Tussilago farfara]

American Pennyroyal [Hedeoma pulegioides]. A comparison between flowering in August and January's dried Calyxes [that hold the inflorescence [flowers]. Notice in the winter [and summer] picture that calyxes are 5 toothed and 2 lower teeth are covered in tiny spikes or hairs, making the lower teeth look like formidable weapons. What is the function of these hairs are I cannot say, but you can be sure that in nature, there is a reason! This is one of my favorite tiny wildflowers, summer or winter, and is an annual, coming up from seed every year. Dauphin County, Pa. 1-10-23

Silver-rod, White Goldenrod [Solidago bicolor] in seed. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-22. With Beech leaves in the background.

This shows that part of Goldenrod [Solidago] know as the "receptacle". If you look at the very center you can see the tiny dimples that once held the "achene" inside the achene are the seeds. Tioga County, Pa. 12-9-22. The receptacles are found on many plants such as asters, and are noticeable after the seed or achene are gone. I think that they are very beautiful this time of year.

This picture shows the "achene" of Goldenrod [Solidago] which are held inside the receptacle. Inside each "achene" is a single seed, the tiny hairs in a circle around the top are called "pappus",they in turn help the seed to disperse on the wind. Tioga County, Pa. 12-9-22. Natures design and engineering at its finest, through eons of time and evolution providing a way for plants to spread and disperse their seeds and thus continue their species.

The wonderful warm browns of Tall Goldenrod in fruit [seed]. Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-22 [Solidago altissima]

Foamflower [Tiarella cordifolia] Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-22

The beautiful and varied foliage of Sharp Leaved Hepatica [Hepatica nobilis], still looks fantastic in December! Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-22. Notice the unusual four leaved plant

My favorite pattern on Sharp Leaved Hepatica leaves [Hepatica nobilis], of all the many found in December in Tioga County, Pa. 12-8-22. They can be so varied from plant to plant, just another reason to love this tiny spring wildflower in the winter.

Woodland Asters [Eurybia divaricata]. Lebanon County, Pa. 10-6-22

Bluestem Goldenrod [Solidago caesis]. Schuylkill County, Pa. 10-16-22

Witch Hazel [Hamamelis virginiana]. Dauphin County, Pa. 10-12-22

White Turtlehead [Chelone glabra]. Schuylkill County, Pa. 9-23-22

The beautiful and tropical looking Spotted Beebalm [Monarda punctata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 8-29-22

The fruit of Two Leaved Miterwort [Mitella diphylla]. Coos County, N.H. 7-5-22. Also known as Bishop's Cap

Indian Tobacco [Lobelia inflata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 8-22-22

Blue Mistflower [Conolinium coelestinum]. Dauphin County, Pa. 8-20-22

Indian Grass [Sorghastrum nutans] in bloom. Showing the stigma [the white fuzzy areas] and the stamens [the flowers]. Dauphin County, Pa. 8-20-22

It wouldn't be late summer without the wonderful aromatic smell and the beautiful tiny flowers of American Pennyroyal [Hegeoma pulegioides]. Dauphin County, Pa. 8-20-22

Skullcap [Scutellaria galericulata]. Coos County, N.H. 7-10-22

Fireweed [Chamaenerion angustifolium]. Coos County, N.H. 7-11-22

Butterfly Weed [Asclepias tuberosa]. Dauphin County, Pa. 6-30-22

Great Spangled Fritillar [Speyeria cybele] on Butterfly Weed [Asclepias tuberosa]. Dauphin County, Pa. 6-30-22

Orange Fringed Orchid [Platanthera ciliaris]. Southeast, Pa. 7-31-22

Orange Fringed Orchid [Platanthera ciliars, yellow form]. Southeast, Pa.7-31-22

The tiny and beautiful flower of Round Leaved Sundew [Drosera rotundifolia]

Partridge Berry flowers [Mitchella repens]. North Central, Pa. 6-25-22

The beautiful tiny and often overlooked, delicate flowers of Cow Wheat [Melampyrum lineare]. Dauphin County, Pa. 6-24-22

Fly Poison [Amianthium muscaetoxicum]. Dauphin County, Pa. 6-17-22

Hairy Beardtongue [Penstemon hirsutus]. Dauphin County, Pa. 6-10-22

Whorled Loosestrife [Lysimachia quadrifolia]. Dauphin County, Pa. 6-13-22

Venus's Looking Glass [Specularia perfoliata]. Dauphin county, Pa. 6-9-22

Beardtongue [Penstemon sp], Dauphin County, Pa. 6-10-22

Blue Flag Iris [Iris versicolor]. Luzerne County, Pa. 6-9-22

Rattlesnake Weed [Hieracium venosum] and flower. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-30-22

Wild Azalea [Rhododendron periclymenoides]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-29-22

Blue Eyed Grass [Sisyrinchium angustifolium]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-31-22

These two pictures really highlight the two distinct differences between the two Sharp-Lobed Hepactica that a friend and I were fortunate to discover growing together in April in North Central, Pa.. The bottom picture taken on May 20, shows a normal flowering Sharp-Lobed Hepactica [Hepactica nobilis var. acuta]. This flower has been pollinated and you can see achene [fruit containing the seed] has developed in the receptacle. The top plant, taken within the same area on the same date shows one of the 32 extremely rare Double Flowering Sharp-Lobed Hepactica [Hepatica noblis var. acuta f. plena] that were found. These plants were found growing with the normal flowering Hepactica. Notice the difference in plant reproduction, in that the receptacle has no developing seed. This is because the double flowering plants [Hepactica noblis var. acuta f. plena] do not have reproductive capabilities. They lack the male part called the stamen [pollen] and the female part called stigma and thus cannot produce seed. Also notice one of the double flowers is still blooming [one of many seen] at this late date in the hopes of still being pollinated, which it cannot. The urge in plants can be so strong to reproduce, even if it is unable to do so. The real mystery here is how these 32 plants came to be in the first place, lacking reproductive capabilities. Is there a parent plant or plants producing this genetic mutation and if so, where are these plants located and how many are there? And also how and what are the factors in producing this mutation from a parent plant. Or could it be some unseen or unknown environmentally condition producing these beautiful double flowering examples. This is a very exciting discovery that I feel honored to be a part of and look forward to many years of not only seeing but of trying to unlock the secrets and mysteries of this rare, amazing, and beautiful plant.

At 18 inches tall [to the leaves] this Pogonia is truly a giant, and the tallest that I have ever seen. Large Whorled Pogonia orchid [Isotria verticillata]. Central, Pa. 5-17-22

Painted Trillium [Trillidium undulatum], just opening up. North Central, Pa. 5-20-22

The urge to bloom can be strong and every spring many plants become trapped in the leaf litter and struggle to bloom. In this case a Painted Trillium [Trillidium undulatum]. But bloom they do, maybe not as showy as the others, but they show an unrelenting determination. North Central, Pa. 5-20-22

Foamflower [Tiarella cordifolia]. North Central, Pa. 5-20-22

Painted Trillium [Trillidium undulatum]. North Central, Pa. 5-20-22.

Fringed Polygala [Polygala paucifolia]. North Central, Pa. 5-20-22

Painted Trillium [Trillidium undulatum]. North Central, Pa. 5-20-22. This trillium had four leaves instead of the normal three, and notice the unusual brown streak in the right petal.

Jack In The Pulpit [Arisaema triphyllum]. Central, Pa. 5-14-22

Large Flowering Bellwort [Uvularia grandiflora]. North Central, Pa. 5-4-22

Miterwort, Bishop's Cap [ Mitella diphylla] & Red Trillium [Trillium erectum]. North Central, Pa. 5-4-22

Miterwort, Bishop's Cap [ Mitella diphylla] North Central, Pa. 5-4-22

Red Trillium [Trillium erectum]. North Central, Pa. 5-4-22

One of my favorite pictures of Double Flowering Sharp lobed Hepatica [Hepatica nobilis var. acuta f. plena], and their amazing foliage. There are three plants in this picture. North Central, Pa. 5-4-22

Double Flowering Sharp lobed Hepatica [Hepatica nobilis var. acuta f. plena]. North Central, Pa. 5-4-22

I just had to take one last look at the amazing and fortunate find a friend, and I had made several weeks ago in North Central, Pa. Double Flowering Sharp lobed Hepatica [Hepatica nobilis var. acuta f. plena]. Another friend did a wonderful job of surveying the area and together we found an extraordinary 36 plants mixed in with the normal flowering Hepatica! There was quite a diversity in plant form and color, with some really amazing and striking colors. The only reason these Hepatica were still blooming [vs normal flowering Hepatica] was because, lacking pollinating capabilities of normal Hepatica, they were still in hopes of being pollinated. 5-4-22

Rue Anemone [Thalictrum thalictroides] Dauphin County, Pa. 4-29-22

Wonderful Miterwort, Bishop's Cap [Mitella diphylla]. North Central, Pa. 4-22-25

Long Spurred Violet [Viola rostrata]. North Central, Pa. 4-25-22

Sharp Leaved Hepatica [Hepatica acutiloba]. North Central, Pa. 4-25-22

Spring Beauty [Claytonia virginica]. North Central, Pa. 4-25-22

Dutchman's Breeches [Dicentra cucullaria] in bud, buds opening, and full bloom. North Central, Pa. 4-25-22.

Dutchman's Breeches [Dicentra cucullaria] in full blooom. North Central, Pa. 4-25-22.

Dutchman's Breeches [Dicentra cucullaria] buds opening. North Central, Pa. 4-25-22.

Dutchman's Breeches [Dicentra cucullaria] in bud. North Central, Pa. 4-25-22.

Double Flowering Sharp lobed Hepatica [Hepatica nobilis var. acuta f. plena]. North Central, Pa. 4-25-22

Double Flowering Sharp lobed Hepatica's [Hepatica nobilis var. acuta f. plena]. North Central, Pa. 4-25-22

Red Trillium [Trillium erectum]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-25-22

Sharp Leaved Hepatica [Hepatica acutiloba]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-25-22

This has now been confirmed as double flowering Sharp Leaved Hepatica [Hepatica nobilis var. acuta f. plena], a very rare wildflower mutation. What makes this flower so special and rare is not just its beauty but the fact that at least 12 different individual plants and as many as 15 were found in this particular site, along with many hundreds of regular flowering beautiful Sharp Leaved Hepatica. North Central, Pa. 4-25-22

Round Leaved Yellow Violet [Viola rotundifolia]. Tioga County, Pa. 4-25-22

Trailing Arbutus [Epigaea repens]. Dauphin county, Pa. 4-14-22

Trailing Arbutus starting to open. Dauphin County, Pa. 4-11-22 [Epigaea repens]

It won't be long now! Buds of Trailing Arbutus [Epigaea repens]. Dauphin County, Pa. 4-6-22. One my favorite wildflowers, and one I always look forward too!

Spotted [Striped] Wintergreen [Chimaphila maculata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 3-14-22

This is that part of the Goldenrod [Solidado] plant called the receptacle. It holds the individual flowers and later the seeds of the plant, these picture show the receptacle empty after the seeds have all dispersed. If you look close at the receptacle head you can see the perfect indentations where each individual seed or achene was held. For years I was mistaken and thought I was looking at a dried flower from possibly Fleabane. I think these receptacles are beautiful in the stark winter landscape, and a reminder of warmer summer days. Dauphin County, Pa. 1-14-22.

Tall Goldenrod [Solidago altissima] in seed. Dauphin County, Pa. 1-15-22

Tall Goldenrod [Solidago altissima] in seed. Dauphin County, Pa. 12-3-21

Indian Tobacco [Lobelia inflata], dried seed pods. Dauphin County, Pa. 12-3-21

The beautiful Rattlesnake Weed plant in December [Hieracium venosum]. Dauphin County, Pa.12-3-21

This is an example of a tiny young Rattlesnake Weed plant just starting to get veining on its new leaves. Notice the leaf at the top shows barely any veining at all, also notice the really long filaments ["Hairs"] and the new leaf unfurling in the center [complete with many filaments]. [Hieracium venosum], Dauphin County, Pa. 12-3-21. It would seem fall and winter are the growing times for this beautiful and unusual plant.

The beautiful foliage of Rattlesnake Weed in December [Hieracium vevosum]. This picture really shows off the deep reds and purples of the veining on the leaf. Dauphin County, Pa. 12-3-21. I have often wondered what purpose the "hairs" serve on this beautiful and interesting plant, which are longer and much more visible this time of year.

Indian Tobacco seed pods in December [Lobelia inflata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 12-1-21. The growing season has long since past, the heat, the bugs, the drought, and all the other struggles that this tiny plant has faced. All that is left now are these pods, a reminder of earlier days. The pods are now empty of their seeds, but they have a beauty all there own on a stark cold winters day. I thank God that I can still see it.

December flowers, Common Witch Hazel [Hamamelis Virginiana]. Dauphin County, Pa. 12-3-21

The beautiful foliage of Rattlesnake Weed, still vibrant in November, especially in the younger plants. [Hieracium venosum]. Dauphin County, Pa.

The beautiful Common Witch Hazel [Hamamelis virginiana] in bloom. Dauphin County, Pa. 10-25-21

Common Witch Hazel [Hamamelis virginiana]. Fall colors and flowers, it wouldn't be fall without it! . Dauphin County, Pa. 10-16-21

My first time seeing a pink Indian Pipe [Monotropa uniflora], a perennial wildflower . What a beautiful and fascinating plant. It has no chlorophyll for photosynthesis and making its own energy, instead "Indian Pipe is a parasitic plant that survives by borrowing nutrients from certain fungi, trees and decaying plant matter. This complicated, mutually beneficial process allows the plant to survive." Dauphin County, Pa. 9-24-21

New England Aster [Symphyotrichum Novae-angliae]. Schuylkill County, Pa. 9-24-21

Blue Mistflower [Conoclinium coelestinum]. Dauphin County, Pa. 9-7-21.

Spotted Bee Balm [Monarda punctata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 9-7-21

Indian Grass in Bloom [Sorghastrum nutans]. Dauphin County, Pa. 8-31-21.

Indian Grass in Bloom [Sorghastrum nutans]. Dauphin County, Pa. 8-31-21. The feathery parts are stamens [male] and stigmas [female] parts of the plant, the stamens make pollen.

Canada Mayflower in fruit [Maianthemum canadense]. Coos County, N.H. 7-14-21

Bunchberry in fruit [Cornus canadensis]. Coos County, N.H. 7-14-21

Blue Bead lily [Clintonia borealis] in fruit. Coos County, N.H. 7-14-21

Little Bluet [Houstonia caerlea]. Coos County, N.H. 7-9-21

American Twinflower [Linnaea borealis]. Coos County, N.H. 7-12-21

Tall Meadow Rue [Thalictrum pubescens]. Coos County, N.H. 7-7-21

Pinesap [Monotropa hypopitys]. Coos County, N.H. 7-15-21

Hooded skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata). Coos County, N.H. 7-13-21.

Bladder campion (Silene vulgaris). Coos County, N.H. 7-6-21

Miterwort, Bishop's Cap [Mitella diphylla] in seed. Coos County, N.H. 7-11-21

Common Strawberry, Wild Strawberry [Fragaria virginiana]. Coos County, N.H. 7-10-21

Little Yellow Rattle [Rhinanthus minor]. Coos County, N.H. 7-6-21.

Fireweed [Chamerion angustifolium]. Coos County, N.H. 7-13-21

The Tiny and beautiful, Cow-Wheat [Melampyrum lineare].Dauphin County,Pa.6-25-21

Fly Poison [Amianthium muscitoxicum].Dauphin County,Pa.6-21-21

Rattlesnake Weed and its flower [ Hieracium venosum].Dauphin County, Pa.6-14-21

The beautiful and delicate Whorled Loosestrife [Lysimachia quadrifolia].Dauphin County, Pa.6-16-21

Sheep Laurel [Kalmia angustifolia]. Luzerne County,Pa.6-10-21

Fly Poison [Amianthium muscaetoxicum] just starting to bloom. Dauphin County,Pa.6-5-21

Mountain Laurel [Kalmia latifolia]. Dauphin County,Pa.6-5-21

The beautiful foliage of Rattlesnake Weed in the rain. Dauphin County,Pa.5-28-21. Like a finger print every leaf has it's own individual pattern. [Hieracium venosum]

Wild Flax [Linum perenne]. Dauphin, County,Pa.5-25-21

The beautiful foliage of Rattlesnake Weed [Hieracium venosum]. Dauphin County,Pa.5-25-21

Lowbush Huckleberry in bloom [Vaccinium angustifolium].Dauphin County, Pa.4-27-21

The beautiful Trout Lily [Erythronium americanum].Potter County,Pa.4-26-21

Spring Beauty [Claytonia virginica].Potter County,Pa.4-26-21

Trailing Arbutus, May Flower [Epigaea repens].Dauphin County,Pa.4-19-21

Coltsfoot [Tussilago farfara].Dauphin County,Pa.4-8-21

Red Maple [Acer rubrum] in bloom.Dauphin County,Pa.4-9-21

Flaxleaf Aster [Lonactis linariifolius] in winter.Dauphin County,Pa.1-29-21.

One of my favorite wildflowers anytime of the year,but especially in winter,where it always stands out from all other plants.It has a wonderful mint smell,even in winter.The tiny American Pennyroyal [Hedeoma pulegioides].Dauphin County,Pa.1-29-21.

Seed pods in winter,Indian Tobacco [Lobelia inflata].Dauphin County,Pa.1-29-21

Tall Goldenrod [Solidago altissima].Tioga County,Pa.12-13-20

These are that part of the seeds of a Goldenrod [Solidago] called the pappus [the filaments extending out from the center to form a circle].They,the pappi,act in the same way Milkweed or Dandelion seeds do in helping the seeds disperse on the wind.Underneath the pappus you can see an individual seed [in what is known as the achene] attached to each pappus.A marvel of nature's evolution to help seeds disperse and thus ensure the plants continued survival.

Dried White Wood Aster in winter [Eurybia divaricata].Tioga County,Pa.12-12-20

The seeds of a Goldenrod [Solidago].Tioga County,Pa.12-12-20.

Goldenrod in seed [Solidago].Tioga County,Pa.12-11-20

Silver- rod,White Goldenrod [Solidago bicolor] in seed.Tioga County,Pa.12-11-20

Penstemon calyx sPenstemon calyx seed pods.Tioga County,Pa.12-11-20.eed pods.Tioga County,Pa.12-11-20.Thank you to Matthew Ross for the IDPenstemon calyx seed pods.Tioga County,Pa.12-11-20.Thank you to Matthew Ross for the ID

Penstemon calyx seed pods.Tioga County,Pa.12-11-20.ss for the ID

Tall Thimbleweed [Anemone virginiana] in seed.Tioga County,Pa.12-11-20

Tall Goldenrod [Solidago altissima] in seed.Tioga County,Pa.12-13-20

Beautiful Witch Hazel in bloom [Hamamelis virginiana].Dauphin County,Pa.10-15-20