Years ago my friend and I went on several wildflower walks with a naturalist and learned the names of wildflowers. I still recognize many of the flowers, and remember some of names, but have forgotten many too. None-the-less, I love walking through the woods, looking at the spring wildflowers.
I qualify these walks as walks, not hikes, because it’s a slow, meandering pace. On this day, I took a lot of photos of the flowers in hopes of identifying the ones I didn’t remember, from my books at home. I think I identified most of these correctly. It was definitely a fun exercise.
One of the flowers I’m always thrilled to see is the dwarf trout lily. I know a spot where one, yes – one, blooms and I look for it every year. Sometimes I miss seeing it in bloom, but I didn’t miss out this year. Dwarf trout lilies only bloom in three counties of Minnesota, and no where else on earth. That’s fascinating to me.
However, the white trout lily is prolific…and carpets the ground many places throughout the park.
My all time favorite wildflower is Spring Beauty. I love the delicate pink flowers.
Some wildflower names seem sensible, others are odd and not very “flowery’…There is one called bloodroot, but I didn’t see it…I believe it’s done blooming.
According to lists from the park office there are many wildflowers in the park that, of course, bloom in different seasons. I have always focused on spring flowers.
“There is poetry among the wildflowers.” (Rachel Irene Stevenson) I enjoyed the poetry of the wildflowers this day.
Another quote: “Wildflowers aren’t meant to be cut & tamed. They’re meant to be loved & admired.” (Anthony T. Hincks) I do love and admire the wildflowers.
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is a wonderful place to look for wildflowers. I believe it’s one of the best parks, near Northfield, to see so many spring wildflowers in bloom. It sure showed off it’s finery the day I went for a wildflower walk there.
The next time I photograph wildflowers, I will consult you or your blog for identification. Thank you for sharing your wildflower knowledge and images. I have yet to see a dwarf trout lily.
Gary was on a hike in Riverbend and one of the guys from the bike club knew where a dwarf trout lily was in the park. They saw it blooming.
We spent two days in Great Smokey Mountain National Park and saw many wild flowers. They’re so lovely!
Yay for wildflowers!
When our sons were younger we took camping vacations to National Parks. Soon after we entered a park I purchased a book on wildflowers specific to that park. It became my souvenir of the trips. I have one from Great Smokey Mountain Nat’l Park.
Thank you for reminding me of the name of my Bellwort. I also have both kinds of Jack-in-the-pulpit. I think yours is the Woodland one, right ? God has staggered there times of blooming, so there is something blooming over about a month’s time every spring. God is so amazingly creative in ALL of creation, Right ? Thank you for these photos ! You were smart to go before the wood ticks woke up !
No woodticks!
I am grateful for God’s creativity.
What great photos, Valerie!! I love them! Nature has so much to offer us! You know how to celebrate what nature has to offer!
Thank you Sheri.