Wildflower of the Month/March

Coltsfoot

The Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is one of the earliest blooming wildflowers.  This species was introduced from Europe.  It was first seen in Monongalia County in 1933 and has spread southward and statewide.  Coltsfoot is now a common plant of roadsides and waste areas.

The bright yellow flowers are a welcome sight after months of brown, white and gray.  When you see the Coltsfoot bloom, you know that the Spring Peepers and Spring is on the way.

This photo was taken near Mingo, in Randolph County, WV on March 17, 2011.

Spring Wildflowers In West Virginia

West Virginia White

The West Virginia White (Pieris virginiensis) is a woodland butterfly, which is found in the mountain regions. This butterfly can be found in forest clearings during April and May. the preferred host plants are rockcresses and toothworts. I photographed one ovipositing on a garlic mustard at Mingo, in Randolph County.

Butterflies of North America (Kaufman Focus Guides)

butterfly photos