Wildflower of the Month/October

Asters,asters everywhere; blooming in the cool October air. It is hard to look anywhere outside and not see a representitive of the Aster family. There are 27 recognized species growing wild in the Mountain State. They also have a tendancy to hybirdize freely; therefore, identification of individual plants is best left to those experts; with a lot of free time. The most showy of the bunch is the New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae), it is truly a stunning wildflower and it is in full bloom right now. It is the time of year to enjoy these wild beauties; they will not be there much longer.

The White Heath Aster above has numerous seeds, which are enjoyed by the Juncos all winter long.

Wildflower of the Month/September

Jewelweed is a common wildflower in our region. It grows in cool, moist woodlands and may be found throughout the highlands. there are two distinct species; the Spotted Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens capensis) is the orange flowered Jewelweed.  The yellow flowered Pale Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens pallida) seems to me to be a little less common; but both species can be found growing side by side in the same location. A creamy-white flowered form may be also found in Tucker County. A white and yellow type can be found in the Spruce Knob region.

Posted by High Virginia Outdoors

Wildflower of the Month/August

The Flowering Raspberry (Rubus odoratus) grows in shaded locations; throughout our region. It often grows in very thick stands. To some, it is known as the Mountain Raspberry. The large fruit is tasty, when perfectly ripe. To me; it is unappealing if it is not quite ripe enough or slightly over-ripe. There appears to be a good crop this year in Randolph County. I checked on a patch yesterday; the fruits will not be ready to pick, until next week.

Wildflowers and Plant Communities of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont: A Naturalist's Guide to the Carolinas, Virginia, Tennessee, and Georgia (Southern Gateways Guides)

Posted by High Virginia Outdoors  Photos by High Virginia Images (c) All Rights Reserved

Wildflower of the Month/July

Butterfly Weed is finally blooming ! This species; along with other members of the Milkweed Family Asclepiadaceae are major butterfly attractions; throughout the Summer months.

Butterfly Weed or Pleurisy-Root (Asclepias tuberosa) is the most showy species of the family. The flowers range from dark orange to yellow. This beauty can be seen in dry fields and along roadsides throughout the region. It is hard to miss.

Butterfly Weed and the other milkweeds are an important host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars and a nectar source for many other butterflies, bees, bugs and other assorted critters. This standout of the fields cannot be overlooked; I just hope some butterflies show up this year to make use of this pretty plant.

Wildflowers and Plant Communities of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont: A Naturalist's Guide to the Carolinas, Virginia, Tennessee, and Georgia (Southern Gateways Guides)

Photos by High Virginia Images                         Posted by High Virginia Outdoors

Wildflower of the Month/June

Canada Lily

The Canada Lily (Lilium canadense) grows in meadows and swamps throughout the region; but is more common in the highlands. This photo was taken in Randolph County, WV.
The Canada Lily is something to be on the lookout for; when you are afield in the High Virginia's during the months of June and July.

Wildflower of the Month/May

Wake Robin

May is trillium month in the mountains. Members of the trillium family grow in rich moist woodlands. The Wake Robin or Ill-scented Trillium (Trillium erectum) is not the showiest member of the family; but it is the most common and can be found throughout our region. When the trilliums bloom, spring is officially here. My favorite trillium has to be the Large Flowered Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum). The large, creamy flowers are stunning; when in peak bloom. The Painted Trillium (Trillium undulatum) is a beauty of the higher mountain regions and can usually be found at elevations above 2500 ft. May is the time to get out and enjoy the spring woodlands. Do not overlook some of the more inconspicuous wildflowers.

Posted by High Virginia Outdoors    Photography by High Virginia Images

Wildflower of the Month/April

The Carolina Spring Beauty (Claytonia caroliniana) is one of the first wildflowers of the spring woodlands.  It grows in rich, moist woodlands; throughout our region.  The Carolina Spring Beauty has oblong leaves; while the Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica) has elongated leaves.  Both are common in our area.  This image was taken at the Rich Mountain Battlefield in Randolph County, WV.

Seasonal Wild Flowers of the Eastern Forests

Posted by High Virginia Outdoors   Photography by High Virginia Images