Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Walk in the Woods/ Nature Notes

Spring Wildflowers,  East Gwillimbury, Ontario

Spring is busting out all over East Gwillimbury. This is a great time to walk in the local woods...before those pesky mosquitoes and black flies appear!

In the largest square, a trout lily (Erythronium americanum) nods shyly at its many companions blooming on the forest floor.  Moving clockwise: flowers on a Manitoba maple (Acer negundo) - also known as a box elder in the U.S. - is NOT my favourite tree.  It's a troublesome weed in my gardens but I have to admit the flowers are interesting.

Next, the flower of wild ginger (Asarum canadense) hides under its leaf, which I uncovered to take this photo. Red trillium (Trillium erectum) are blooming in small clusters, attracting flies and bugs. Red trillium are also known as stinking Benjamin because they supposedly smell like rotten meat. I have never sniffed one so I don't know that from personal experience.

Dutchman's breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) are nearing the end of their blooming season and I was hard pressed to find a few blossoms in pristine condition. In contrast, the may apple (Podophyllum peltatum) has just sprouted and is forming a bud. I'll have to return to take a photo of its flower.

Please visit Michelle at Rambling Woods for more NATURE NOTES.

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22 comments:

  1. ~✽Mumsy✽~May 11, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    These are beautiful wild flowers. It must be fun to look for them and take pictures.

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  2. Elisa N ViajesMay 11, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    It´s spring that comes here, just in your blog!

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  3. LúciaMay 11, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    Thanks for sharing the photos and all the information about these flowers. I'm so jealous, spring is my favourite season... ;-)

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  4. SparkleFarkelMay 11, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    So very lovely, all these springtime posies!

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  5. Cezar and LéiaMay 11, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    You know so much about flowers, thanks for all information.I'm really curious now about the red trillium, I will pay attention during my walks here, I'm not sure if I can find this flower around here. I will try!
    :)
    Hugs
    Léia

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  6. janeMay 11, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Beautiful shots - I love the colour of the Trout Lily quite magical - the lamp posts in your Q blog were very elegant and thankyou for visiting my blog

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  7. JackMay 11, 2011 at 8:27 AM

    Beautiful, EG. I don't know much about wildflowers, but I am good at appreciating them!

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  8. RoseMay 11, 2011 at 8:37 AM

    I need to go and get more woods plants...I have lots of the red trillium...but lost my mayapples when we expanded our porch and covered them up. I just think woods plants are so beautiful.

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  9. TexWisGirlMay 11, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    love the dutchman's britches. :) remember them from my youth in wisconsin. nice finds!

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  10. KathyMay 11, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    I must say that stinking Benjamin is a beauty. I have just enough curiosity that I'd probably take a sniff!

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  11. Judy May 11, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    Beautiful! I need to get back out in our woods to see what I can find.

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  12. donMay 11, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    A beautiful collection of flowers. I'm impressed with your knowledge of them. I just enjoy looking! :-)

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  13. kayerjMay 11, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    such dainty flowers--I love spring.

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  14. JudyMay 11, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    Beautiful post!

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  15. FjällripanMay 11, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    So many beautiful, but for me foreign flowers you have in your forest. Have a nice day!

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  16. Ruth HiebertMay 11, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    The delicate beauty of wildflowers is so attractive.

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  17. UnknownMay 11, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    You have pictured why I love spring! Beautiful!

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  18. Jenn JilksMay 11, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    I have found trillium at the new place! I am so happy!!!!!

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  19. GeorgeMay 11, 2011 at 11:05 PM

    You had a beautiful walk to capture these blossoms. Thanks for sharing these with us.

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  20. AnonymousMay 12, 2011 at 1:37 AM

    Beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing these. Thanks for the background info too. It adds a lot to the post for people like me.

    Have a nice day, Boonie

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  21. JennyMay 13, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    Oh heavens. This is lovely but I cannot find your delightful designs post! I suspect it was lost in the blogger mess of the passed few days!

    Just wanted you to know I tried to find it, though!

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  22. Rambling WoodsMay 19, 2011 at 12:18 PM

    Finally spring..but it is a wet cold one here....Michelle

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