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Carolina Aster: This specimen, growing
in a field of Golden Rod, was near Otter Creek, MNF, WV.
Wild Geranium: Another
shade-loving plant. Varieties differentiated by the breadth of the leaf lobes. Location: the parking area marking the northern
terminus of the North Fork Mt. Trail, MNF, WV.
Blue Phlox: Grows everywhere.
Prefers shade. These were at the foot of Seneca Rocks, MNF, WV, near the bridge.
Close-up by Ken Clark at Great Falls NP, MD.
Round Leaf Hepatica:
Also found in white, pink and purple. Not uncommon to find mixed colors in one patch. Grows trail-side along streams and creeks.
These were along Piney Run in SNP, VA but we saw similar ones on Jeremy's Run. Bloom in April.
New York Iron Weed: At first appearance
it looks like a thistle but it is not. Grows in sunny areas. This one was found on the Tuscarora Trail just south of US 55.
Rambling Bell Flower:
Forms mats on the forest floor. Thrives in shade. Blooms in the summer months. Location: Eastern slope of Shaver's Mt. on
Mylius Trail, Otter Creek Wilderness, MNF, WV.
Common Violet: There are many varieties of violets. This is the most common. Blooms April through the summer. Location:
Laurel Run Trail, Great North Mt., GWNF, VA.
Leather Flower or Vase Vine (Clematis viorna): Gets one name because of the toughness of the petals
and the other because of its shape. The total length of this vine can reach 12 feet as it grows up and down the branches of
neighboring plants. Location: AT - Tar Jacket Ridge, GWNF, VA.
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Bull Thistle: While
they are unsightly in our lawns and gardens thistles can be quite attractive in the wild. Attracts bees. Gold Finches use
the soft seed feathers as nesting material. Location: Unknown.
Virginia Day Flower: Grows along streams.
There are 2 other similar species but this is the only one with all three petals symmetrical. Location: Goshen Pass, VA.
Asiatic Dayflower (Commelina communis): Introdiced from
Asia. The flower lasts only a day hence the name. Note the smaller white petal. Location: Under the New River Bridge,
WV.
Virginia Blue Bells: Blooms
late April, early May. Location: C&O Canal between Fifteen Mile Creek and Lock 58.
Bluets: Tiny, soft blue flowers with yellow center. Often found in colonies in open grassy woods. Photo by Ken Clark.
Wild Geranium : Found in rich woods. Blooms May-July. Location: Jeremy's Run, SNP, VA.
Small Flower phacelia, Phacelia dubia: Grows in open woods. Can be found in thick clusters or large plantings.
Flower is purple/blue w/green centers when they first bloom. Fade to pale blue or white with age. Location: Jeremy's
Run Tr, SNP, VA.
Bird's Foot Violet: This little
pansy-looking gem gets its name from the irregular leaves. Prefer open, sunny areas. This specimen was found along Old Town
Rd in Green Ridge State Forest, MD.
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Spiderwort: Common in woods, roadsides, disturbed areas.
Location: Dug Hill Rd., Green Ridge SF, MD.
Periwinkle: simple flower with 4 petals, Lacelete, veined
leaves, evergreen. An "escaped" cultivar. Grows along roads, trails and woods borders. Location: Thompson Hollow Trail, SNP,
VA.
Purple Blooming Raspberries: Found along trails and roads. Large
maple-shaped leaves distinguish this plant from other berries. Location: SNP, Corbin Hollow Trail.
Forget-me-nots: Little blue flowers with yellow centers. Flower has 5 petals. Bluets only have 4. These were
found in Pine Grove SP, PA in the summer. May have originally been planted but apparently growing wild now.
Common Blue-eyed Grass, Sisyrinchium montanum: Actually in the Iris Family. Blooms in late spring in open
areas. Photo by Ken Clark.
Violet Wood Sorrel, Oxalis violacea: Grows in open areas along roadsodes and in open woods. Location: Massanutten
Tr, VA.
Violet/ Pastel Blue variant: There are so many different kinds of violets. Shenk's Ferry Wild Flower Preserve in the
Holtwood Recreation Area, PA boasts of at least 5. Prefer shady and moist areas.
Long-spurred Violet (Viola rostrata): Pale blue with darker lines in the bottom three petals. Long Spur.
Blooms April to June. Photo by Patrick Roberts. Location: Allegheny Trail (North section), WV.
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