June 7 - Virginia Waterleaf

Post date: Jun 7, 2011 12:32:47 PM

A few plants tagged along with the Mayapples my sister gave me from her yard. They have propagated nicely, and I am finally motivated to find out their names.

Focusing on the bloom, I failed to notice that the leaves had distinguishing whitish mottling, as if they had water stains, and hence the name Virgina Waterleaf.

I'll admit it, I am a rank amateur at plant identification, starting with the bloom color, versus the leaf and stem structure.

Barb Wilson is teaching a basic sedge identification class at LITH Fen this weekend that should improve my skills.

Empowered with my Wildflower Field Guides, I also identified Golden Ragwort in a couple patches in the woods- these are native to the property, and provide a delicate splash of yellow back into the landscape.

A note on biting bugs- they are now out in force; I have mosquito and chigger bites on my arms; time to take more care while tramping about.