Tag: wildflowers

Northern Dewberry

Martha spotted this plant in a wooded area, near the railroad tracks, near the Fletcher Industrial Park and it was previously identified as a Wood Anemone. It appears to be a Northern Dewberry [Rubus flagellaris], a member of the Rose (Rosaceae) family. The latter photo shows the flower attached to a vine, which makes it …

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Trailing Phlox

These Trailing Phlox [Pholx nivalis] were found by the roadside on Cane Creek in Fletcher on 21 April 2013. Naturally, it’s a member of the Phlox (Polemoniaceae) family. Wildflowers of the Carolinas, pages 78-79, says that Phlox is the Greek word for “flame” and can be identified by the heart-shaped petals. USDA Plants Link: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=PHNI …

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Woodland Strawberry

This Woodland or Wood Strawberry [Fragaria vesca] was found near Fletcher Park on 21 April 2013. Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide, pages 184-185, lists it as a Wild Strawberry and a member of the Rose (Roseaceae) family that spreads with runners. USDA Plants Listing: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=FRVEA2  

Common Blue Violet

Common Blue Violet [Viola papilionacea] found in the Vining backyard on 21 April 2013. It a member of the Violet (Violaceae) family, according to Wildflowers of the Carolinas, pages 26-27 and which says many previously divided violet species are lumped together under the Viola sororia name . USDA Plants Link: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=VISO  

Garlic Mustard

This interesting wildflower was found at Fletcher Park on 20 & 21 April 2013. Garlic Mustard [Alliaria petiolata or Alliaria officinalis] has coarsely-toothed leaves with small 4-petal, white flowers. It is a member of the Mustard (Brassicaceae) family. Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide, pages 138-139, says the “leaves smell of garlic when crushed.” USDA Plant Listing:https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=ALPE4

Bugle-weed

Bugle-weed or Common Bugle [Ajuga reptans] found at 106 Troy Hill on 21 April 2013. Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide, pages 84-85, lists it as another escapee from cultivation to lawns and roadsides. It’s a member of the Mint (Lamiaceae) family. USDA Plants Link: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=AJRE  

Azure Bluet

These Azure Bluets [Houstonia caerulea] were found at Fletcher Park on 21 April 2013. They are a member of the Madder (Rubiaceae) family, so says Wildflowers of the Carolinas on pages 20-21. It also known as Quaker Ladies. USDA Plants Link: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=HOCA4

Common or Philadelphia Fleabane

These wildflowers were found at Fletcher Park on 20 April 2013. It appears to beCommon or Philadelphia Fleabane [Erigeron philadelphicus], a member of the Aster (Asteraceae) family and is an early Spring bloomer. Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide, pages 382-383, states the upper leaves clasp the stem. USDA Plants Link: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=ERPH

Golden Ragwort

Found in the Vining backyard near a sink-hole. What symmetry! It appears to be Golden Ragwort [Packera aurea], from the Aster (Asteraceae) family. According to the USDA, it blooms in March-April. USDA Plants Listing:Packera aurea  

St. Anthony’s Turnip or Bulbous Buttercup

This flower was found around the back on the Fletcher Plant. It appears to be St. Anthony’s Turnip or Bulbous Buttercup [Ranunculus bulbosus], from the Buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family. Found on pages 366-367 of Wildflowers of the Carolinas. USDA Plants Listing: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=RABU