Trilliums, anemones, lady's slippers, and more: May 18

Cypripedium acaule

Mountain Lake Biological Station's pilot What's in Bloom program is officially underway!  In just two weeks' time, we've already observed some 20-25 flowering plant species in bud or in flower, some of which have appeared earlier than expected.  For instance, last week (May 18) we saw our first pink lady slipper (Cypripedium acaule) of the season.  With very little pigmentation in the flower, it appeared almost white.  Other showy species included the painted trillium (Trillium undulatum), wood anemone (Anemone quinquefolia), and mountain bellwort (Uvularia pudica), and more.  A partial species list is below.  

Trillium undulatum

If you didn't make it out for the walk last weekend, don't worry--you'll have another chance this weekend (and the next weekend, and the next...)!  We're excited to welcome this week's leader, David Darnell, president of the New River Valley chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society.  With David's expertise, a beautiful weather forecast, and a lot of botanical diversity, it's sure to be a perfect day!  For logistical details, visit mlbs.org/whatsinbloom.

Houstonia caerulia

Species observed in flower (among others): 
Houstonia caerulia- bluets 

Vaccinium angustifolium- low-bush blueberry

Anemone quinquefolia- wood anemone

Carex pensylvanicum- Pennsylvania sedge

Conopholis americana- bear corn 

Barbarea vulgaris- yellow rocket (non-native)

Trillium undulatum- painted trillium

Uvularia pudica- mountain bellwort

Anemone quinquefolia

Maianthemum canadense- Canada mayflower

Amelanchier arborea- serviceberry

Acer pensylvanicum- striped maple

Zizia aurea- golden alexanders

Geranium maculatum- spotted geranium

Cypripedium acaule- pink lady slipper

Species observed in bud only (among others): 

Convallaria majuscula- lily of the valley

Medeola virginiana- indian cucumber root

Viola cucullata

Aralia nudicaulis- wild sarsaparilla

Galax aphylla- galax

Kalmia latifolia- mountain laurel

Menziesia pilosa- minnie bush

Clintonia sp.

Photinia pyrifolia- red chokeberry

All photographs copyright Jaime Jones