April 2021

April 2020 - Pulling up garlic mustard, and in the process discovered a treasure trove of spring blooming woodland plants! The apparently barren, rock covered hillside behind the house is filled with lovely little plants.

Corydalis sempervirens - Rock Harlequin

A biennial that flowers in its second year, and prefers a shady area with poor, rocky soil.

Carex pensylvanica - Pennsylvania sedge

Low, clumped grass-like perennial. Found throughout our woods, the flower confirmed the identification.

Sanguinaria canadensis - Bloodroot

A member of the poppy family, flowers for a short period. Each stem has one leaf and one flower.

Sambucus nigra - Common elderberry

We found at least four plants on the back hillside, with red buds and white flowers

Dicentra cucullaria - Dutchman's breeches

Pollinated by early bumblebees, goes dormant in early summer.

Trillium erectum - Red Trillium

Flowers are pollinated by carrion flies, and have an unpleasant odor to attract those flies.