Flowering plants including the flowers of trees and woody shrubs. Some species are native and some are nonnative, however, I make no distinction in cultivar for domestic plants.
These identifications will include mostly photos of flowers and sometimes leaves. More information on a specific plant may be found in the Trees section of the Field Guide.
This guide shows flowers by color–purple, blue, pink, red, orange, yellow, white, and green. This setup may change as the number of flowers added grows.
Notice: While I’ve been adding more species to this index, I realized that my setup is a bit impractical to use. I plan on updating the flowers section here to break down the number of pictures in the gallery by making a few galleries with similar flowering plants in each. The organization will likely not be by flower color as the spectrum is not necessarily reliable–what I say is blue might be purple to you. So I will use either petal number or flower cluster growth form as an identifying characteristic for each gallery, but still keep flower color in order in those galleries (though perhaps in ROYGBIV form). I’ll be sure to make an update post when this change happens.
Warning: I do not recommend eating wild plants or fungi as they may contain toxins or bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens that can cause bodily harm. Consult at least two reliable resources when foraging for wild foods. Improper identification often leads to poisoning. Forage at your own risk.
Eastern Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus). The flower is a simple spathe and arises early in Spring before the leaves. This skunk cabbage flower is exothermic–producing its own heat, often melting the snow around it. It also has a foul odor like rotting flesh to attract pollinating flies. The leaves are large and edible if boiled extensively or dried for a month or so, otherwise the taste is oddly spicy and burns the mouth. South Park, Pennsylvania. March, 2010.
Hellebore (Helleborus sp.) A native of Europe and Asia often planted ornamentally for its early blooms and unique coloration. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. February, 2017.
Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea). There are many different genera and species of the flower commonly called morning glory. South Park, Pennsylvania. Sep, 2008.
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae). Late summer and autumn bloom. West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. Sep, 2012.
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae). Late summer and autumn bloom. West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. Sep, 2012.
Spring Crocus (Crocus vernus). The iconic harbinger of Spring among flowers, this cultivated bulb is widely planted and among the first flowers of Spring. Panther Hollow, Oakland, Pennsylvania. February, 2016.
Dame’s Rocket or Dame’s Violet (Hesperis matronalis). South Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2010.
Purple Violet (Viola sororia). A common flower throughout summer. There are a few varieties of violet and some have variation in flower color. South Park, Pennsylvania. Apr, 2010.
Dwarf Larkspur (Delphinium tricorne). This spring wildflower is a shorter version of its cousin Tall Larkspur (D. exaltatum), though it is not quite as short as the name suggests. Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum). A native plant, though usually found in gardens and developed areas as a planting. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. May, 2010.
Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea maculosa). This is an invasive plant in much of the western US. The plant releases toxins into the soil and absorbs lots of water from the soil. Delaware Seashore State Park, Delaware. Aug, 2010.
Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata). Growing in shaded openings, this phlox took over the forest floor in swaths of purples and blues. South Park, Pennsylvania. Apr, 2012.
Bugle (Ajuga reptans). This common lawn weed is a pioneer plant in the mint family. Ross Township, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Bugle (Ajuga reptans). This common lawn weed is a pioneer plant in the mint family. Ross Township, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
? Delaware Seashore State Park, Delaware. Aug, 2010.
Creeping Speedwell (Veronica persica). Small plant with tiny flowers. The leaves are opposite and toothed–similar in appearance to mint. The flower can be light blue to blue or bluish purple. Likes wet soils. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Birdeye Speedwell (Veronica persica). South Park, Pennsylvania. Apr, 2010.
Appalachian Bluet (Houstonia serpyllifolia). Tiny flowers found in patches among shaded grasses. One of my favorite flowers. South Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2010.
Appalachian Bluet (Houstonia serpyllifolia). Tiny flowers found in patches among shaded grasses. One of my favorite flowers. South Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2010.
Eastern Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium atlanticum). This flower is actually in the iris family. Small and blue with grass-like leaves. Ross Township, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
True Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides). A delightful flower of wet soils. This non-native species has a native relative with smaller flowers. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2016.
Periwinkle (Vinca sp.). One of a few periwinkle species. Trailing vines produce small blue flowers. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. February, 2017.
Greek Valerian (Polemonium reptans). Also called false Jacob’s Ladder or bluebells. This plant is often cultivated and closely resembles Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium vanbruntiae) an endangered species in several eastern states. Sewickley Heights Boro Park, PA. April, 2016.
Hepatica (Hepatica nobilis). An early bloom, hepatica are coveted as a forest wildflower. The leaves emerge after flowers wither. Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. March 2016.
Dwarf Iris (Iris reticulata). This Russian native is one of the earliest blooming Iris species, several dwarf Iris species bear the common name and can be identified by flower color and markings on the falls (lower petals). Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. February, 2017.
Harlequin Blueflag Iris (Iris versicolor). This is a domestic variety, however, it is not too uncommon to see in open marshes. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. May, 2012.
Spotted Geranium (Geranium maculatum). Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica). Coveted wildflowers often growing in large colonies. The flower color can range from pale whitish-blue to blue to pink. Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
White Trillium (Trillium grandiflora). Flower can be pure white or splotched with red or pink flecks. Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania. Apr, 2012.
Pink Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium acaule). 6 inch ruler for scale. An orchid native to the US. If picked the plant will die and not regrow, also a favorite for deer when browsing. Always a pleasant flower to find. Farmington, Pennsylvania. May, 2010.
Pink Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium acaule). An orchid native to the US. If picked the plant will die and not regrow, also a favorite for deer when browsing. Always a pleasant flower to find. Farmington, Pennsylvania. May, 2010.
Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum). Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania. Apr, 2012.
Violet Woodsorrel (Oxalis violacea). Small flowers purple to light purple. Leaves are sometimes impressive with purplish bands. Also called shamrock plant and cultivated for gardens. Protected in some New England states. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Violet Woodsorrel (Oxalis violacea). Small flowers purple to light purple. Leaves are sometimes impressive with purplish bands. Also called shamrock plant and cultivated for gardens. Protected in some New England states. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Pale Corydalis (Corydalis sempervirens). Farmington, Pennsylvania. May, 2010.
Pink Azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides). A favorite of tiger swallowtails. Azaleas are woody shrubs. Farmington, Pennsylvania. May, 2010.
Mountain Azalea (Rhododendron prinophyllum). Like pink azalea, but white with a lavender color on stamen. A favorite of tiger swallowtails. Azaleas are woody shrubs. Farmington, Pennsylvania. May, 2010.
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis). A showy small tree that erupts in pink blossoms all along the stems in spring. Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis). The closely related European columbine (A. vulgaris) is often introduced into woodlands. Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). An invasive bush or vine. The plant’s flowers do provide nectar and pollen, however, the plant is aggressive in moist areas and often overcrowds many other species. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia). A cultivar of the wild plant–Olympic Fire, I believe. The mountain Laurel is the state flower of Pennsylvania. Point State Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2012.
Rose Campion (Lychnis coronaria). This is a favorite in my backyard. The basal leaves are fuzzy and look like rabbit’s ears. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sep, 2012.
Rose Campion (Lychnis coronaria). This is a favorite in my backyard. The basal leaves are fuzzy and look like rabbit’s ears. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sep, 2012.
Red Trillium (Trillium erectum). A simple, but pretty flower. This species can be white or red. Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania. Apr, 2012.
Toadshade Trillium (Trillium sessile). The smaller petals on this trillium stay upright, also has a green color form. Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense). A small irregular flower with three deep red petals. Normally beneath two heart-shaped leaves. Sewickley Heights Boro Park, PA. April, 2016.
Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus). The red flowers on the succulent are rare spots of vibrant color in arid Utah. Hovenweep National Monument, Utah. May, 2011.
Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans). Delaware Seashore State Park, Delaware. Aug, 2010.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa). As the name suggests, butterflies are attracted to the flowers, commonly planted in flower gardens for that purpose. Farmington, Pennsylvania. July, 2009.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa). As the name suggests, butterflies are attracted to the flowers, commonly planted in flower gardens for that purpose. Farmington, Pennsylvania. July, 2009.
Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis). A very interesting and useful plant. The crushed leaves can be rubbed on a poison ivy rash to relieve itching. Two different flowers may form, the first is the orange one pictured here and the second is a self-fertilizing enclosed flower. When rain drops rest on the leaves they appear like jewels, hence the name. Farmington, Pennsylvania. May, 2010.
Yellow Corydalis (Corydalis flavula). Also called fumewort. The small yellow flowers help distinguish between species. Lowries Run area, Allegheny County, PA. April, 2016.
Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon). The leaves have whitish-grey splotches on them. South Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2010.
Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus). An introduced plant. Mullein flower spikes are tall and the leaves are fuzzy. The plant has many uses. Delaware Seashore State Park, Delaware. Aug, 2010.
Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus). An introduced plant. Mullein flower spikes are tall and the leaves are fuzzy. The plant has many uses. Delaware Seashore State Park, Delaware. Aug, 2010.
Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum). Also called Dogtooth Violet. Six yellow petals curl backward as the flower often nods downward. Leaves are distinctly mottled purplish green lances. Sewickley Heights Boro Park, PA. April, 2016.
Golden Crocus (Crocus chrysanthus). This crocus species has a tendency to produce more than one flower per corm. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. February, 2017.
Partridge Pea (Chamaecrist fasciculata). Delaware Seashore State Park, Delaware. Aug, 2010.
Downy Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens). A yellow violet, the plant is often taller and less compact than its relatives. The flower stalk originates from between two leaf stalks. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus). Few yellow flowers per plant. Larger foliage. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus). Few yellow flowers per plant. Larger foliage. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna). Also called fig buttercup, this introduced plant can often dominate woodlands and marshes. A buttercup relative from Europe and Asia. Crouse Run, Allegheny County, PA. April, 2016.
Bulbous Buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus). South Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2010.
Bristly Buttercup (Ranunculus hispidus). One of the many confusing buttercups. Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens). Prefers swampy, wet locations. Petals have an oily appearance and plant is low to ground. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens). Prefers swampy, wet locations. Petals have an oily appearance and plant is low to ground. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Yellow Water-crowfoot (Ranunculus flabellaris). This aquatic buttercup is threatened in Pennsylvania. Submerged leaves and roots, often found in colonies. Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
Littleleaf Buttercup (Ranunculus arbortivus) This buttercup has a very tiny atypical flower for its genus. Can be weedy. Lowries Run area, Allegheny County, PA. April, 2016.
Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis). A buttercup relative native to the Balkans, but may become naturalised where it escapes from plantings. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. February, 2017.
Dwarf Cinquefoil (Potentilla canadensis). A buttercup look-alike, the cinquefoils are easily identified by their palmate leaves with 5 leaflets–as opposed to the wild strawberry’s 3. Creeping vine. Raccoon Creek State Park, PA. April, 2016.
Slender Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis dillenii). The Leaves are often mistaken for clover. Unlike clover these leaves have three, sometimes four, heart-shaped leaflets. Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus). A native sunflower with a large tuber–as the name suggests–that can be cooked and eaten.
Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea). A showy flat bunch of yellow flowers. Three sets of leaflets are compund again with 3-7 leaves. Moist woods and openings. Crouse Run, Allegheny County, PA. April, 2016.
Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides). Produces dark blue berries in clusters in the late summer. Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
Roundleaf Ragwort (Packera obovata). A small array of flowers blooming in Spring. South Park, Pennsylvania. Apr, 2010.
North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Golden Ragwort (Senecio aureus). This plant produces many small yellow flowers spread out on a tall stalk. Round or heart shaped leaves with rounded teeth at base of plant and more deeply lobed leaves on stalk. Prefers marshy land or wet slopes. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Golden Ragwort (Senecio aureus). This plant produces many small yellow flowers spread out on a tall stalk. Round or heart shaped leaves with rounded teeth at base of plant and more deeply lobed leaves on stalk. Prefers marshy land or wet slopes. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Common Winter Cress or Yellow Rocket (Barbarea vulgaris). Very common plant, often considered a weed in gardens. Tolerates wet to moderate soil. The yellow flower clusters are many per plant and the foliage is robust with each leaf deeply lobed on each side once or twice. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Common Winter Cress or Yellow Rocket (Barbarea vulgaris). Very common plant, often considered a weed in gardens. Tolerates wet to moderate soil. The yellow flower clusters are many per plant and the foliage is robust with each leaf deeply lobed on each side once or twice. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara). This dandelion look-alike is a common early Spring flower on wooded roadsides and trails. The leaves appear after the flowers wither and persist through summer. North Park, Pennsylvania. February, 2016.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). South Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2010.
Tall Hawkweed (Hieracium piloselloides). Farmington, Pennsylvania. May, 2010.
Goldenrod (Solidago sp.). There are many different species of goldenrod, identifying the exact species is difficult. Delaware Seashore State Park, Delaware. Aug, 2010.
Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis). One of many goldenrod species. West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. Sep, 2012.
Rough-Stemmed Goldenrod (Solidago altissima). One of many species of goldenrod, blooming in the fall and late summer. Farmington, Pennsylvania. Sep, 2010.
Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus). An elegant flower of stream banks and marshes that has become naturalized in the US. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2016.
Turkish Iris (Iris orientalis). Another cultivated iris–growing near a pond in my backyard. Sometimes iris can run astray and grow wild. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. May, 2012.
Large-flowered Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum). An impressive white flower with three petals–as the name suggests. This trillium has the largest and most conspicuous flower. Sewickley Heights Boro Park, PA, April, 2016.
Trillium Hybrid (Trillium erectum x flexipes). Trillium hybridization is quite common especially where there are abundant populations. This appears to be T. flexipes, however, closer inspection revealed a red ovary which could only be from T. erectum. It is located within a deer exclosure. Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
Drooping Trillium (Trillium flexipes). Not to be confused with Nodding Trillium (T. cernuum) which has darker colored anthers. Also, Red Trillium (T. erectum) has a reddish ovary. There is hybridization among trilliums, so this could be a hybrid specimen. Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
Red Trillium (Trillium erectum). This is the white form, identifiable as a Red Trillium by the red ovary. Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis). Early blooming flowers often planted from bulbs and naturalised in areas of North America. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. February, 2017.
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica). Coveted wildflowers often growing in large colonies. The flower color can range from pale whitish-blue to blue to pink. Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
Dame’s Rocket or Dame’s Violet (Hesperis matronalis). Farmington, Pennsylvania. May, 2012.
Dame’s Rocket or Dame’s Violet (Hesperis matronalis). Flowers showing unique variation in color, not uncommon. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Violet species (Viola sp.). Likely a hybrid given the remarkable color. Violets can be a challenge to identify one species from the other. Raccoon Creek State Park, PA. April, 2016.
Woodland-white violet (Viola blanda). South Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2010.
Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare). A common daisy throughout the summer. Also a favorite to pick for a wildflower bouquet, however, it is better for the forest to take a picture. Farmington, Pennsylvania. May, 2010.
Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana). This wild version of the commonly cultivated berry tends to grow more viney and produces smaller edible berries. South Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2012.
Bluntleaf Sandwort (Moehringia laterifolia). Plant contains few flowers individually on flower stalks. Small, white flowers on short plants. In wet woodlands. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Bluntleaf Sandwort (Moehringia laterifolia). Plant contains few flowers individually on flower stalks. Small, white flowers on short plants. In wet woodlands. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
May Apple (Podophyllum petaltum). A short plant with two large umbrella-like leaves and one single flower. Found in forests, usually in groups. South Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2010.
White Campion (Lychnis alba). The petals fuse at the base to form a kind of vase-like structure. North Park, Pennsylvania. October, 2016.
Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata). This non-native plant is common throughout open woodlands to roadsides to backyards. Crouse Run, Allegheny County, PA. April, 2016.
Northern Bittercress (Cardamine douglassii). The flower is plain white with four petals. Related to many other species of bittercress, tricky identification. Prefers wetlands. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Northern Bittercress (Cardamine douglassii). The flower is plain white with four petals. Related to many other species of bittercress, tricky identification. Prefers wetlands. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Limestone Bittercress (Cardamine douglassii). A familiar flower as many of the bittercress; identification is in the leaves. Small round leaves with slightly wavy edges. Moist soils. Crouse Run, Allegheny County, PA. April, 2016.
Mouseear Cress (Arabidopsis thaliana). A wiry plant with thin leaves. Raccoon Creek State Park, PA. April, 2016.
Cutleaf Toothwort (Cardamine concatenata). South Park, Pennsylvania. Apr, 2010.
Cutleaf Toothwort (Cardamine concatenata). South Park, Pennsylvania. Apr, 2010.
Crinkleroot (Cardamine diphylla). A common plant on moist forest floor especially open woodlands. Crouse Run, Allegheny County, PA. April, 2016.
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida). A small tree often planted ornamentally. The four white sepals surround several flowers. Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
Crabapple (Malus sp.). There are many species of apple and crabapple. It is quite difficult to tell from the blossoms which species this may be. South Park, Pennsylvania. Apr, 2010.
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). Very similar to Black Cherry (P. serotina) flowers, other cherries have flowers in small umbels along the stem. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2016.
Deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum). Closely related to blueberries and huckleberries, the deerberry is also edible and is common in open forests. Farmington, Pennsylvania. May, 2012.
Common Blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis). One of several Rubus species common on woodland edges. The black fruit is a favorite food for a variety of wildlife. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2016.
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia). This wild mountain laurel is the state flower of Pennsylvania. It is a woody evergreen shrub with wide, oblanceolate shaped leaves. Farmington, Pennsylvania. May, 2010.
Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). An invasive bush or vine. The plant’s flowers do provide nectar and pollen, however, the plant is aggressive in moist areas and often overcrowds many other species. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Twoleaf Miterwort (Mitella diphylla). A single spike of tiny white flowers with intricate fringing, could be easily overlooked. Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera pubescens). A very plain white flower spike, but interesting leaves with net-like white lines and a white stripe through the basal leaves. Farmington, Pennsylvania. May, 2010.
Rattlesnake Plantain, basal leaves (Goodyera pubescens). A very plain white flower spike, but interesting leaves with net-like white lines and a white stripe through the basal leaves. Farmington, Pennsylvania. May, 2010.
Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense). A cluster of small white flowers on the same stalk as two or three broad, heart-shape leaves. Crouse Run, Allegheny County, PA. April, 2016.
Early Saxifrage (Saxifraga virginiensis). A showy bunch of five petal flowers on a long hairy stalk. A rosette of leaves on the ground. Raccoon Creek State Park, PA. April, 2016.
Northern Cornsalad (Valerianella umbilicata). A few very similar relatives. This plant is edible–apparently quite good with corn in a salad. The flowers are very tiny and clusterred tightly on a stalk that splits in two. Prefers wet soil. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Northern Cornsalad (Valerianella umbilicata). A few very similar relatives. This plant is edible–apparently quite good with corn in a salad. The flowers are very tiny and clusterred tightly on a stalk that splits in two. Prefers wet soil. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis). Spring-blooming, the bloodroot is named for a red juice that comes from the underground stem. The flower emerges from the curled leaf and does not last long. Lowries Run area, Allegheny County, PA. April, 2016.
White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata). Blooms in late summer and fall. Farmington, Pennsylvania. Sep, 2010.
Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum). One of many conspicuous autumn asters. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sep, 2012.
Virginia Springbeauty (Claytonia virginica). Few white or pinkish flowers on a single stalk each petal with deep pink lines. Leaves grass-like. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015
Rue Anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides). Few white flowers with four to seven or eight petals, though typically six. Leaves are three-lobed. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Wood Anemone (Anemone quinquefolia). Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). An uncommon plant that bears an unusual flower. The plant’s use as a medicine and for yellow dye may have contributed to its decline. Raccoon Creek State Park, PA. April, 2016.
Wild Stonecrop (Sedum ternatum). Plant prefers moist woodlands often in streams or on rocks near streams. Fleshy and nearly round leaves and a flower stalk split three or four times. Very low to ground. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Wild Stonecrop (Sedum ternatum). Plant prefers moist woodlands often in streams or on rocks near streams. Fleshy and nearly round leaves and a flower stalk split three or four times. Very low to ground. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Common Chickweed (Stellaria media). A common garden weed and forest floor covering. Note the
Early Saxifrage (Saxifraga virginiensis). Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
Squirrel Corn (Dicentra canadensis). Related to the more common Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), yet the flower is more heart-shaped and lacks yellow color. Often found growing together. The name comes from the root tuber’s similar appearance to corn. Raccoon Creek State Park, PA. April, 2016.
Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria). A short-lived and unique flower. Crouse Run, Allegheny County, PA. April, 2016.
Squawroot (Conopholis americana). Six inch ruler for scale. This plant is one of a few nonchlorophytic plants in the US, it gets its nutrients from the roots of trees and fungi in the soil. It looks like a pinecone. Farmington, Pennsylvania. May, 2010.
?Some species of clubmoss? Seneca Rocks, West Virginia. Sep, 2010.
Jack in the Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum). The plant bears a single flower–a green cup with a hood. The flower can develop stripes of deep color as it ages. North Park, Pennsylvania. May, 2015.
Toadshade Trillium (Trillium sessile). The green color form of toadshade is less impressive than the deep red of the familiar form. The smaller petals on this trillium stay upright. Raccoon Creek State Park, Pennsylvania. April, 2016.
Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii). A widespread ornamental shrub grown for its colorful foliage and bright red berries in autumn and throughout winter. This plant is often spread throughout woodlands by birds that have consumed seeds and is invasive in woodland habitats throughout Eastern and midwestern US. The thorny plant grows dense cover–which is coincidentally beneficial for some nesting bird species–and has uniquely yellow wood. Crouse Run, Allegheny County, PA. April, 2016.
Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica). A cultivated variety, planted as an ornamental and often a garden escapee. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. March, 2017.
Firewheel (Gaillardia pulchella). Also called Indian Blanket, this flower is common in dry climates and sandy soils. Typical color is yellow edges of petals and red toward the center. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida. March, 2017.
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