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Shooting
Star: Striking purple and yellow flower atop a naked stalk. All leaves at the base. What an apt name!!! Blooms April to May.
Location: North terminus of the North Fork Mt. Trail.
Monkshood: Strange purple flowers on rather limp branches. Pardon the humidity on the lens. Summer bloomer. Grows
in weed thickets in sunny, swampy areas. Location: Headwaters of the Right Fork of Tea Creek, MNF, WV.
Winged Monkey Flower (Mimulus alatus): Single flowers on long stalks with enlongated leaves. Purple
with yellow or creamy center. Location: Long Pond Trail, Green Ridge SF, MD. Photo by Ken Clark.
Veiny Pea (Lathyrus venosus): Most peas are found in sea shore areas. This is one of the few that have
inland distributions. Location: AT in SNP, VA.
Common Burdock (Arctium minus): Large plant in the sunflower family w/very large tobacco-like leaves.
Location: Tea Creek Backcountry, MNF, WV.
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) w/Spice Bush Swallowtail
Butterfly: Found in open fields and edges. Cultivated. Location: Long Pond Trail, GRSF, MD. Photo by Ken Clark.
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Dwarf Iris: There are at least 2 dwarf Iris in our region. I believe this is the plainer but still beautiful I. verna. Blooms April-May. Location: all along Laurel Run Trail, North Mt. Trail and Stack Rocks Trail, GWNF,
VA.
Paterson's Curse, Salvation Jane, Riverina Bluebell, Purple Bugloss
(Echium plantagineum or E. lycopsis (syn)): Often mistaken for its cousin,.Viper's Bugloss (E. vugare) - below. It
was also intially introduced from europe. Found along roadsides and waste areas. Although it is an attractive plant
it is listed on several states and the Federal list of invasive and noxious plants. It has totally overtaken many pastures
in Austrailia. Skin irritation can occur from touching the hairs on the leaves. It is considered poisonous to children and
small pets. Now also found in Canada.
Viper's Bugloss or Blueweed (Echium vulgare): Introduced
from Europe in the 1600's. Some consider it a weed, others an important wildflower. Incredibly blue tubular flower with contrasting
red stamens. Flower branches uncurl as flowers bloom. Location: Highland Scenic Highway, MNF, WV.
Lesser Purple-Fringed Orchid, (Habenaria psycodes).: Flowers
smaller than the Greater Purple Fringed Orchid (Habenaria grandiflora) and the plant somewhat shorter.
Otherwise identical. Location: Otter Creek Trail, MNF, WV.
Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea): Grows along
the ground. Most often ecountered in our lawns as a weed. Photo by Ken Clark.
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Showy Orchis: Location: Gunpowder State Park, MD/ Sweet
Water area. Photo by Ken Clark
Gray Beardtongue growing amongst Virginia Rose: In the Snapdragon
family. Found in rich forests. Blooms May-July. Location: Bluff Trail, SNP, VA.
Hyssop Skullcap: The swollen upper petal gives this flower
its name. A mint that blooms from May to July. Location: Thompson Hollow Trail, SNP, VA.
American Water Willow (Justicia americana):
Small white flowers with orchid/purple markings. Grows along banks of streams, rivers and lakes. Roots are always submerged.
Location: Potomac River, Great Falls National Park. Photo by Ken Clark.
Empress or Princess Tree (Paulownia tomentosa):
An escaped ornamental tree. Because of its ability to grow anywhere it is considered an invasive. Location: Harpersferry,
WV. Photo by Ken Clark.
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