My wife and I really enjoy our Kindles.
Please consider making your Amazon purchases through our links to support USWildflowers.com
|
Looking for Wildflowers for a specific state? Check here:
|
My favorite wildflower ID book:
Wildflowers Of Tennessee, The Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians
|
Genus Name |
Scientific Name |
Common Names |
Comment | |
| Adam and Eve | Aplectrum hyemale*
(Native) | Puttyroot Orchid, Adam and Eve | This orchid is easy to miss due to its small flowers which may blend into the background, and the fact that its leaves have withered by the time it blooms.
Connecticut: Special Concern
Massachusetts: Endangered
New Jersey: Endangered
New York: Endangered
Pennsylvania: Rare
Vermont: Threatened
|  |
| Alfalfa | Medicago lupulina
(Introduced) | Black Medic, Black Hay, Hop Clover, Hop Medic, Yellow Trefoil | This plant is a native to Eurasion and Africa, and after introduction to the United States has spread to every state, and also throughout most of Canada. Clearly is appropriately considered invasive.
The leaves are trifoliate, looking very much like those of species in the Trifolium (Clover) genus. As with Trifolium campestre the stem of the terminal leaflet is longer than those of the lateral leaflets. Leaflets of Medicago have a tiny tooth at their apex; those of Trifolium do not.
Found in:
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| | | | Advert:
| |
| Anemone | Anemone piperi*
(Native) | Piper’s Anemone, Windflower | According to the USDA Plants Database, there are 19 species in the Anemone genus that are native to the United States. Several of these are found in a relatively small region of the continent, and Piper’s Anemone - Anemone piperi - is one of those, being found in only 5 northwestern states, and in British Columbia. It grows in shaded, moist forests to altitudes of up to nearly 10,000’. This one was photographed at an elevation of a little over 5,000’.
Found in:
ID, MT, OR, UT, WA |  |
| Anemone | Anemone quinquefolia*
(Native) | Wood Anemone, Nightcaps, Twoleaf Anemone | Anemone quinquefolia is found in most of the eastern United States, ranging further west - to the Dakotas - in the northern part of the range, and even as far west as Alberta in Canada. There are two varieties recognized by Flora of North America - var. minima is found only in NC, TN, VA, and WV, and var. quinquefolia, the widely ranging variety. The lateral leaflets in var. minima are sometimes unlobed. However, since they are also sometimes lobed and you may need to get to measuring achene sizes to differentiate, it’s probably not worth trying to determine the variety for most of us.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Arrowhead | Sagittaria latifolia*
(Native) | Common Arrowhead, Arrowleaf, Burhead, Wapato, Duck-potato, Broadleaf Arrowhead | Found in every state except Nevada (probably too dry) and Alaska, it is native to the North American continent, but has been introduced and naturalized in Hawaii. It is also native to much of southern Canada. It is listed as Endangered in Illinois. The Southern Weed Science Society considers it to be weedy in some areas.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Aster | Symphyotrichum pilosum*
(Native) | Hairy White Oldfield Aster, Frost Aster, White Heath Aster | A different species of Symphyotrichum, S. ericoides, has the national name of White Heath Aster, but this species is also referred to by that common name in some places. Many species formerly classified in the Aster genus have been reclassified into Symphyotrichum and other genera within the Asteraceae family. This one was previously classified as Aster pilosus. Many of these small white aster species are difficult to tell apart (I'm not absolutely certain on this one.) The primary differentiator for S. pilosum one is the hairy stem, which is referenced by the species name pilosum, from the Latin word for hair - pilus. |  |
| Aster | Symphyotrichum patens*
(Native) | Late Purple Aster, Spreading Aster | Formerly classified as Aster patens. There are three varieties of Symphyotrichum patens – gracile, patens, and patentissimum. Var patens is the only one found in the northeastern states, var patentissimum isn't found in the coastal states. Some authorities do not recognize var gracile. The species is possibly extirpated in Maine; it is officially listed as Threatened in New Hampshire.
It is with some trepidation that I step into the arena of identifying Symphyotricum species. There are many very similar species in this large genus (90 species in the genus.) But this plant was so beautiful I wanted to give it a shot, so with the help of my trusty copy of Wildflowers Of Tennessee, The Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians
and the Internet, I've given it a shot, and think this is likely Symphyotrichum patens - Late Purple Aster. It has too few ray flowers to be New England Aster. The pubescent purplish stem eliminates Smooth Aster. The entire leaves eliminate (in my mind) Purple-stemmed Aster. Since the leaves are not linear, this isn't Southern Prairie Aster. The leaves, in my opinion, encircle the stem too much for this to be Aromatic Aster (although I regret not crushing a leaf to check for an aroma.) |  |
| Balloonvine | Cardiospermum halicacabum*
(Introduced) | Balloon Vine, Love in a Puff, Heartseed | Introduced and spreading in the continental United States, Cardiospermum halicacabum is native to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The only balloonvine native to the continental United States is Cardiospermum dissectum, native to southern Texas.
This vine, which may grow to 10 feet long, climbing on fences and other plants via tendrils, may not survive winter in colder climates, but is considered a perennial in milder climates and be weedy and invasive in those areas. It is officially listed as a pest or noxious weed in Alabama, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Texas. |  |
| Balsamroot | Balsamorhiza sagittata*
(Native) | Arrowleaf Balsamroot | There are 14 species of Balsamroot found in the United States, all of them in the west. This one, Arrowleaf Balsamroot, is characterized and named by the elongated arrowhead shape of the leaf. While it is in bloom it can turn large patches of the dry montane landscapes yellow with its dominant presence. |  |
| Baneberry | Actaea pachypoda*
(Native) | White Baneberry, Doll's Eyes | Poisonous, especially the berries. This member of the Buttercup family is found in every state in the eastern half of the United States. It is protected in New York and Florida.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Barberry | Xanthorhiza simplicissima*
(Native) | Shrub Yellowroot | Shrub yellowroot gets its name from the yellow interior of the roots and stem. The root contains berberine, from which it gets its yellow color, and probably is what has led to its use in traditional medicines. |  |
| Barberry | Mahonia repens*
(Native) | Creeping Oregon Grape, Creeping Barberry | The Berberis genus at one time contained all the barberries, but relatively recently those with pinnate leaves have been reclassified into the Mahonia genus. Further, many of what were previously classified as separate species have been consolidated, leaving what had been over 20 species and varieties of Berberis as 13 species or subspecies in the Mahonia genus in the United States.
This species, Mahonia repens is listed as Endangered in California under the synonym Mahonia sonnei. It is found in 19 states, most of them in the west, although there are populations in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. These eastern populations might have been established from seeds brought back from the west. Seeds were brought east as early as the Lewis and Clark expeditions in the early 19th century.
Found in:
AZ, CA, CO, DE, ID, IN, MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OR, PA, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Beardtongue | Penstemon canescens
(Native) | Eastern Gray Beardtongue | Woodland perennial to 30 inches tall with pale purple to and white blossoms, with purple lines in the interior. |  |
| Beardtongue | Penstemon payettensis
(Native) | Payette Beardtongue, Payette Penstemon | One of the more showy and beautiful Penstemon species, Payette Beardtongue is found only in Idaho, Montana, and Oregon. Unlike some Beardtongues, in P. payettensis the flowers circle the stem, which grows up to 2 feet tall, rather than forming on only one side of the stem. |  |
| Beardtongue | Penstemon deustus*
(Native) | Hot-rock Penstemon, Scabland penstemon, Hot-rock Beardtongue | A plant found in 7 of our western states (CA, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY,) Hot-rock Penstemon is usually found in middle elevations in rocky soil, growing up to 2 feet tall. It is among the 249 species of Penstemon found in the United States. |  |
| Beautyberry | Callicarpa americana*
(Native) | American Beautyberry, French Mulberry | American Beautyberry is a well-named shrub growing usually to around 5 feet tall, sometimes taller, and 5 to 10 feet wide. The beauty of this plant, native to the southeastern United States, makes it an attractive addition to a native garden.
According to the USDA, the roots, leaves, and branches were used by native Americans medicinally for treatment of fevers, rheumatism, stomachaches, dysentery, and other conditions. |  |
| Beeblossom | Gaura filipes*
(Native) | Slenderstalk Beeblossom, Slender Gaura | This tall plant is found throughout much of the southeast and into parts of the midwest. |  |
| Beggarticks | Bidens aristosa*
(Native) | Bearded Beggarticks, Tickseed Sunflower, Bur Marigold | Beautiful multi-branched, multi-blossomed flower seen in late summer along roads and fields. The specimens presented here probably would have been classified as B. polylepis prior to a 1977 Arkansas study which determined the primary differentiator between the two "species" - the number of calyx lobes - was a factor of the size of the plant within a colony, with the larger plants having B. polylepis characteristics and the shorter plants having B. aristosa characteristics. Since B. aristosa was an older classification, most authorities have merged B. polylepis into B. aristosa. |  |
| Beggarticks | Bidens pilosa*
(Native) | Shepherd's Needles ,Spanish Needles, Romerillo, Common Beggar's-tick, Hairy Beggarticks, Cobbler's Pegs | Synonym: Bidens alba
Many authorities (and, frankly, most folks who are not authorities) continue to consider Bidens alba a separate species from Bidens pilosa, and the plants on this page would be B. alba under those circumstances. As of January, 2012 the USDA plants database continued to maintain the separation of species, but the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (along with the Flora of North Amertica) has adopted a more recent classification which rolls B. alba and B. odorata into B. pilosa. (I know that will be a disappointment to some.) The USDA map shown does not include Missouri (as of January 2012), since if the species are considered separate B. pilosa is not found in the state, but B. alba is found there. That map also shows the plant as non-native. Bidens alba is considered native to parts of the United States. If that plant is considered a separate species, then Bidens pilosa is a non-native species. If Bidens alba is rolled into Bidens pilosa, then Bidens pilosa will need to be considered a native species in those areas where Bidens alba was considered to be native. That logic may be difficult to follow, but that's why I indicate B. pilosa to be a native species while the USDA map shows it to be introduced.
On a December, 2011 trip to Florida Shepherd's Needles seemed to become the dominant flowering plant along the highways by the time we got as far south as Gainesville. It seemed to be everywhere, and is officially considered a weedy or invasive plant in Hawaii, where it is not native. It's also considered weedy and invasive in much of the rest of the tropical world, where it has spread as man's travel has spread. While the plant may (probably will!) spread where it is not wanted, it is reported to be a great attractor for butterflies.
Found in:
AL, AZ, CA, CT, FL, GA, HI, KY, LA, MA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NM, OR, PA, SC, TX, WI |  |
| Bellflower | Campanula divaricata*
(Native) | Southern Harebell, Small Bonny Bellflower, Southern Bellflower, Southern Bluebell | Southern Harebell is a many-branched, somewhat weak-stemmed plant with many attractive, dangling, small, bell-shaped blue flowers. Primarily a species of the southeast, it is endangered or extirpated in Maryland. |  |
| Bellflower | Campanulastrum americanum*
(Native) | Tall Bellflower, American Bellflower | This species is perhaps more widely known as Campanula americana which would place it in the genus containing Southern Harebell (C. Divaricata) and Bluebell Bellflower (Campanula rotundifolia.) However, the Campanula species have distinctly bell-shaped flowers, which is not the case with Campanulastrum americanum, which has relatively flat flowers. That would have been one of the characteristics that resulted in creation of a new genus for American (aka Tall) Bellflower - Campanulastrum which has this single species in it.
The plant is found in most of the eastern half of the United States except for the New England states, New Jersey, and Delaware. |  |
| Bellwort | Uvularia grandiflora*
(Native) | Large-flowered Bellwort | This member of the lily family is one of the mid-spring wildflowers. It has lovely yellow flowers and attractive foliage. It is found throughout much of the eastern half of the United States, but is listed as an endangered species in Connecticut and New Hampshire. |  |
| Bellwort | Uvularia perfoliata*
(Native) | Perfoliate Bellwort, Merry Bells | Perfoliate Bellwort is one of two perfoliate - leaf-piercing stems - bellworts. The other is Large-flowered Bellwort, Uvularia grandiflora. Perfoliate Bellwort is a smaller plant, usually with smaller leaves and blossoms, in addition to usually being somewhat lower-growing. |  |
| Bellwort | Uvularia sessilifolia
(Native) | Sessileleaf Bellwort, Wild Oats | Early- to mid-spring smooth-stemmed wildflower of deciduous woodlands. |  |
| Bergamot, Beebalm | Monarda fistulosa*
(Native) | Wild Bergamot | The Bergamots are also known as Bee Balm. This species is lavender with a hairy upper lip on the blossom. |  |
| Bergamot, Beebalm | Monarda clinopodia*
(Native) | White Bergamot, Basil Bee Balm | White Bergamot can usually be found in many-flowered clusters of plants 18-36 inches tall in showy displays starting in late spring or early summer. Many authorities apply the name Basil Beebalm to M. clinopodia, but both the USDA Plants Database and ITIS database apply Basil Beebalm only to a separate species, M. clinopodioides, and only the name White Beebalm to M. clinopodia. The ranges of M. clinopodioides and M. clinopodia are contiguous, but do not overlap, according to the USDA Plants Database. |  |
| Bergamot, Beebalm | Monarda didyma*
(Native) | Crimson Bee Balm, Scarlet Bergamot, Scarlet Beebalm, Oswego Tea | There are 16 Beebalm (Monarda) species in the United States. All are native to the lower 48 states; Alaska and Hawaii are the only states without a Monarda species. Texas is the most favored state by Monarda; 12 of the species are found in that state, 4 of them being found exclusively in Texas.
Monarda didyma, Scarlet Beebalm, is one of the more widely distributed species, being found in most of the northeast quadrant of the United States, including several states west of the Mississippi River, and south to Georgia. |  |
| Bittercress | Cardamine concatenata*
(Native) | Cutleaf Toothwort | syn. Cardamine laciniata, Dentaria laciniata, Dentaria concatenata
Cutleaf Toothwort is one of the early spring wildflowers, blooming March through May. |  |
| Bittercress | Cardamine dissecta*
(Native) | Forkleaf Toothwort, Thread Leafed Toothwort, Fineleaf Toothwort | Forkleaf Toothwort gets the Forkleaf name because its leaves divide - fork - many times into narrow, untoothed segments. The narrow leaves give it the other common names listed. According to the Wildflower Center, the toothwort common name refers to the tooth-like projections on the underground stems. |  |
| Bittercress | Cardamine angustata
(Native) | Slender Toothwort | Toothworts have previously been classified in the Dentaria genus, but recently, presumably based on DNA testing, have been moved en masse into the Cardamine – bittercress – genus. Many publications still list the plants in Dentaria.
C. agustata - Slender Toothwort – has long-stemmed basal leaves which are broader and more ovate than their single pair of opposing, 3-part stem leaves. The basal leaves are veined (but not as prominently as in C. diphylla) and are toothed. The stem leaves of C. angustata may be toothed or entire. Heterophylla, the species epithet used when this plant was classified in Dentaria, means "different leaves" – either referring to the difference between the stem and basal leaves, or with differences in the appearance of particularly the stem leaves on different plants within the species.
The plant is typically 8 to 16 inches tall. Toothworts grow from a rhizome. One differentiator between C. diphylla and C. angustata is that the rhizome of C. angustata has constrictions forming multiple segments, while the rhizome of C. diphylla is of uniform size. I do not encourage digging up native plants; populations have been lost by that activity. |  |
| Bittercress | Cardamine hirsuta*
(Introduced) | Hairy Bittercress, Hoary Bittercress | Hairy Bittercress is a weedy plant of the Mustard family, introduced from Europe and Asia. Frequently found in moist fields, yards, and roadsides. It is one of the earliest bloomers, frequently blooming in January or February. The foliage is edible.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV |  |
| Blackberry | Rubus argutus
(Native) | Sawtooth Blackberry, Southern Blackberry, Highbush Blackberry | The Rubus genus covers blackberries, dewberries, and raspberries. There are 273 species in the North America, according to the USDA Plants Database. Most of these species are not widely distributed or common where they are found. Rubus argutus is one of the more widely distributed species, and is the most commonly found blackberry in the southeastern United States. |  |
| Blackberry | Rubus flagellaris*
(Native) | Northern Dewberry, Common Dewberry | Rubus flagellaris - Northern Dewberry - is plant with a trailing stem running along the ground for up to 15 feet. The stem has scattered hooked prickles, and is green when young, brown when older. The fruiting stems rise from the trailing stem, sometimes rising to 4 feet above the ground. The leaves are compound, usually trifoliate, with the three leaflets having a serrated edge.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Blackberry | Rubus odoratus*
(Native) | Purple-flowering Raspberry, Thimbleberry | The clusters of purple flowers with nice maple-shaped leaves make this an an attractive plant, found along roadsides and the edges of fertile forests. It is a shrub that grows thickly, to around 5 feet tall.
Endangered or Threatened in Illinois and Indiana. |  |
| Blackberry | Rubus parviflorus*
(Native) | Thimbleberry, Western Thimbleberry, Salmonberry, Mountain Sorrel, White Flowering Raspberry, Western Thimble Raspberry | Western Thimbleberry is a native of the western part of the United States, and the north central region as far east as Michigan. There is a disjunct population in Massachusetts; I would suspect that this is a naturalized population rather than indigent.
When I photographed this I had hoped it was Bartonberry - Rubus bartonianus - a Rubus species found only in Hell's Canyon. While similar, the easy access location of this plant (Kleinschmidt Grade) didn't match to any of the known locations of Rubus bartonianus, and the leaves are somewhat different, so that left me with Thimbleberry rather than Bartonberry.
Thimbleberry is also a common name for an eastern Rubus species, Rubus odoratus.
Found in:
AK, AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, IL, MA, MI, MN, MT, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WI, WY |  |
| Bladdernut | Staphylea trifolia*
(Native) | American Bladdernut | Walker County, Ga 04/19/2008. The seed capsule is an enlarged green papery-shelled 'bladder', giving it the 'bladdernut' common name. |  |
| Blanketflower | Gaillardia pulchella*
(Native) | Indian Blanket, Indian Blanketflower, Firewheel | There are 12 species of Blanketflower native to the United States, plus a hybrid cultivar (G. xgrandiflora) which has naturalized in several states. At least one species is found in every state, with Gaillardia pulchella being the most widespread of them.
This is a popular species for gardening due the the attractive flowers and hardy nature of the plant, being heat- and drought-tolerant. It is the basis for at least one cultivar. It can flower year round in parts of its range. Native to much of the continential United States, it is an introduced species in Hawaii and Canada. My speculation is that it is likely an introduced plant, perhaps a garden escapee, in Alaska and other parts of its northern range.
Found in:
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI |  |
| Bloodroot | Sanguinaria canadensis*
(Native) | Bloodroot, Red Indian Paint, Red Puccoon | Sanguinaria canadensis is a beautiful white early spring wildflower. Bloodroot gets its name from the red juice of the root, caused by the compound sanguinarine. While sanguinarine has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal characteristics, it can be toxic, so do not ingest it. |  |
| Blue Eyed Mary | Collinsia parviflora*
(Native) | Blue-eyed Mary, Maiden Blue Eyed Mary, Smallflower Blue Eyed Mary | While there are a couple of Collinsia - Blue-eyed Mary – species found in the eastern United States, most of the 19 species found in the U.S. are western plants. Of those in the west, Collinsia parviflora has the broadest distribution, and is even found in a few eastern states, and throughout much of Canada.
Maiden Blue-eyed Mary is Threatened in Michigan.
Collinsia has recently been reclassified, moved from Scrophulariaceae – Figwort family - into Plantaginaceae – Plantain family.
Found in:
AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MA, MI, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OR, PA, SD, UT, VT, WA, WY |  |
| Blue Eyed Mary | Collinsia verna*
(Native) | Blue Eyed Mary, Spring Blue-eyed Mary, Eastern Blue Eyed Mary, Innocence, Lady-by-the-Lake | While many publications still list the Collinsia genus in Scrophulariaceae – the Figwort family (aka Snapdragon family) - it has more recently been classified within the Plantains - Plantaginaceae.
Most of the Collinsia species are found in the western part of the United States. Collinsia verna is one of only a couple found in the east, and this is the only one with widespread distribution in the east. This species is native to Tennessee, but the plants photographed here are from a long-naturalized population in Hamilton County, TN. The USDA Plants Database doesn't list it as found in Alabama, but the Alabama Plant Atlas, published by the Alabama Herbarium Consortium and The University of West Alabama do list it in Colbert County in northwest Alabama. The genus is named for Zacchaeus Collins, an early 19th-century botanist.
Found in:
AL, AR, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MO, NY, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, WI, WV |  |
| Blue-eyed Grass | Sisyrinchium angustifolium
(Native) | Blue-eyed Grass, Stout Blue-eyed Grass, Narrowleaf Blue-eyed Grass | This beautiful member of the Lily family has grass-like winged stems frequently growing in clumps. The lovely blue flowers with yellow centers are at the end of the grass-like stems. |  |
| Blue-eyed Grass | Sisyrinchium mucronatum*
(Native) | Needletip Blue-eyed Grass, Michaux's Blue-eyed-Grass, Slender Blue-eyed Grass, Narrow-Leaved Blue-eyed-Grass | Sisyrinchium is a very confusing genus, even among botanists – much more to a rank hobbyist as myself. Based on the following criteria, I'm calling this S. Mucronatum:
- Purplish spathe
- USDA database has this one in Walker County, Ga, where I photographed it. The other species that are possibles in Walker County because they may have purple coloring in the spathes are:
- S. atlanticum - general plant formation does not seem to match my plant, and the spathes only occasionally have a purple tinge, where as this plant has more than just a tinge.
- S. capillare - USDA has no county information on this species, so I do not know if it is in Walker or nearby counties, and has even narrower stems than S. mucronatum.
- S. nashii – Wider stems than S. mucronatum, and the purplish tinge in the spathes are only on the margins.
This plant has narrower stems than most of the Sisyrinchiums I've seen around here, which I believe to be S. angustifolium. However, the stems in this plant may be too wide for S. mucronatum, which still leaves me with some doubt in this identification, with the most likely alternative identification to be S. nashii.
There are 41 Blue-eyed Grass species listed in the USDA Plants Database, with every state in the union having at least one species. Sisyrinchium mucronatum is found throughout much of the eastern United States and Canada, but is protected as Endangered or of Special Concern in Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio. It flowers in late spring and early summer.
Found in:
AL, CT, DC, DE, GA, IL, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MS, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Bluebead | Clintonia borealis
(Native) | Blue-bead Lily, Yellow Corn Lily, Yellow Clintonia | Clintonia borealis is one of four species of Clintonia found in the United States; all are native. C. borealis and C. umbellata are found in the eastern half, while C. andrewsiana and C. uniflora are found in the west.
A similar species is Clintonia umbellata (White Clintonia, Speckled Wood Lily). Clintona borealis has a yellow-green flower, with usually 3 to 8 of them in the raceme, while Clintona umbellata is white, usually speckled, with 10 to 24 in an umbel. Clintonia umbellata may have narrower leaves than borealis,and while borealis may have a few hairs on the margins, umbellata has many.
Found in:
CT, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Bluebells | Mertensia virginica*
(Native) | Virginia Bluebells | Virginia Bluebell is a showy, early spring wildflower found through most of the eastern United States.
Found in:
AL, AR, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WI, WV |  |
| Bluets | Houstonia caerulea
(Native) | Quaker Ladies, Azure Bluet, Bluets | Small plant with mostly basal leaves; stem leaves are opposite and quite small. Can form large colonies. |  |
| Bluets | Houstonia pusilla
(Native) | Tiny Bluet, Small Bluet, Least Bluet | These tiny plants can be easy to miss when blooming single, but even with their 2 to 4 inch height, they're hard to miss with the frequent masses blooming together. |  |
| Broomrape | Orobanche uniflora*
(Native) | One-flowered Broomrape ; One-flowered Cancer Root, Ghostpipe, Naked Broomrape | Not having knowingly encountered this parasitic plant previously, I was surprised to find that it is found in every state in the United States except for Hawaii. It's also found in much of Canada. It may attach its feeder roots to the roots of many different species of plants.
Genus Orobanche are classified as a noxious weed or similar pest plant in the United States federally and in 9 states specifically, but there is an exception for native species in all cases but two states (Massachusetts and Florida), and Florida specifically excludes Orobanche uniflora from its noxious weed list, which leaves only Massachusetts with a negative classification for One-flowered Broomrape.
An explanation of the somewhat unfortunate name is probably appropriate. "Broom" is an old-world name for vetches and other similar legumes, which are among the plants which Orobanche parasitize. A "rapum" is a term for a knob of roots, to which Orobanche attach to perform their nefarious parisitic activities.
Synonyms: Thalesia uniflora, Aphyllon uniflorum, Orobanche porphyrantha, Orobanche purpurea, Orobanche sedii, Orobanche terrae-novae.
Found in:
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Bugbane | Cimicifuga racemosa*
(Native) | Black Cohosh, Black Bugbane, Black Baneberry, Black Snakeroot, Fairy Candle | Synonym Actaea racemosa. Black Cohosh is well-known for medicinal uses; as with many plants with medicinal value, it is also poisonous if not used properly. The plant is up to about 8 or 10 feet tall, branching with several inflorescences on each plant. It is quite distinctive; I've read it described as “stately,” and I agree. It is found in eastern North America from Canada south to central Georgia in the United States.
Actaea racemosa was originally classified in the Actaea genus by Linnaeus, but Nuttall reclassifed it to Cimicifuga based on the follicles. However, a 1998 study by James A. Compton, Alastair Culham, and Stephen L. Jury, using DNA testing and other techniques, has recommended that the genus should be considered part of the Actaea genus. If considered separate, the Actaea genus is Baneberry with four species; the Cimicifuga genus is Bugbane containing six species. USDA uses the Actaea; ISIS.gov uses the Cimicifuga classification. When there is conflict, I use the ITIS classification.
It is classified as Endangered in Illinois and Massachusetts.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV |  |
| Bur Cucumber | Sicyos angulatus*
(Native) | Bur Cucumber, Oneseed Bur Cucumber; Star Cucumber | While there are several species in Sicyos in the United States, Sicyos angulatus is the most widespread. The others are found in only 1 or 2 states (Sicyos ampelophyllus in 3), but Sycyos angulatus is found in 37 states and in Canada as well - clearly another of the few species in the Cucumber Family (Cucurbitaceae) found in temperate climates. Bur Cucumber is considered a noxious weed in Delaware, Indiana, and Kentucky.
This vine grows up to 25’ long and may have multiple stems. It has branched tendrils which allow it to climb over fences and other plants.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Burnet | Sanguisorba minor*
(Introduced) | Small Burnet, Salad burnet, Garden burnet | Burnet means brown - color of the post-mature flower heads. Salad Burnet is one of the common names, because the plant was brough over from Europe as a food - it is used in salads, drinks, and dressings, and is reported to have a cucumber-like flavor.
The plant is eaten not only by humans, but also the seeds or foliage are eaten by birds, elk, deer, rodents, hares, and rabbits, and is a valuable food source for these animals. In spite of being non-native, it does not appear to be aggressive in crowding out native species.
Found in:
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MT, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Bush Honeysuckle | Diervilla rivularis*
(Native) | Mountain Bush Honeysuckle, Hairy Bush honeysuckle, Riverbank Bush Honeysuckle | This is one of only three species of Diervilla - Bush Honeysuckle. Officially listed as Threatened in Tennessee, Mountain Bush Honeysuckle seems to be even rarer in Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina, the only other states where it is recorded. According to USDA Plants Database, found only in Dade County in Georgia, Yancey County in North Carolina, five counties in Tennessee. The USDA does not have a county distribution map for Alabama, but the Alabama Plant Atlas shows it only in Cherokee and Blount counties in Alabama. There is a report from the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society that indicates it as being collected at Lula Falls in Walker County, Georgia in 1888. That is probably 10 or 15 miles from where I photographed this plant in Cloudland Canyon State Park, in Dade County, Georgia.
Found in:
AL, GA, NC, TN |  |
| Buttercup | Ranunculus bulbosus
(Introduced) | Bulbous Buttercup | Walker County, Ga 04/06/2009 |  |
| Buttercup | Ranunculus abortivus*
(Native) | Littleleaf Buttercup, Littleleaf Crowfoot | I may not be putting too many Buttercup (genus Ranunculus) species here on USWildflowers.com. It's not that I don't run across them often; it's just that with the number of different species - the USDA lists 93 species in the United States - and with many species looking very similar to others in the genus, it takes a lot of effort and research to narrow it down to a specific species. This one, for example, I've been working on off and on for nearly a year. I originally thought it was the native Hooked Buttercup (Ranunculus recurvatus.) But then I noticed the achene beak on the plant I was researching was not nearly long enough to be Hooked Buttercup. My next choice was an introduced species, Smallflower Buttercup (Ranunculus parviflorus) which has a hooked beak on the achene, but much shorter than in R. recurvatus. However, R. parviflorus has a hispid (bristly-hairy) stem; the plant I was working on has a glabrous (hairless) stem. I finally settled on the native Buttercup Ranunculus abortivus - Littleleaf Buttercup. They may have been other, similar small-flowered Buttercups that I eliminated because they aren't found in northwest Georgia, so if you're trying to identify one outside that area, this might not be your species. But if you call it a Hooked Buttercup, who's going to argue with you?
Ranunculus abortivus is found in all but six states:
AK, AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Buttonbush | Cephalanthus occidentalis*
(Native) | Buttonbush, Common Buttonbush, Button Ball, Riverbush, Honey-bells, Button Willow | While there are 17 species in the Cephalanthus genus worldwide, there are only two species of Buttonbush found in the United States. Mexican Buttonbush, Cephalanthus salicifolius is native to a couple of the southernmost counties in Texas, the only state in the U.S. in which it is found. The species presented here, Common Buttonbush - Cephalanthus occidentalis - is found throughout the eastern United States and Canada, as far west as Nebraska and Texas, and is also found in Arizona and California. (I find it curious that it makes the jump from Texas to Arizona, but is apparently not found in New Mexico, which lies between those two states.) Some authorities recognize two varieties, with the western variety known as California Buttonbush.
Common Buttonbush is a wetland shrub or small tree which can grow to nearly 10 feet tall along the banks of streams, ponds, lakes, marshes, and in other wetland areas. The bark contains a poison that will cause vomiting, paralysis, and convulsions if eaten.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Buttonweed | Diodia virginiana
(Native) | Virginia Buttonweed, Large Buttonweed, Poor Joe | There are 8 species of Diodia - Buttonweed - found in the United States, although only four of these are found in the "states proper" - the other 4 species are found in the U.S. Territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Two species found on the mainland are native to the United States - Diodia teres (common names Rough Buttonweed and Poor Joe,) and this species – Virginia Buttonweed, Diodia virginiana.
While this plant is officially listed as Threatened or Endangered in Indiana and New Jersey, it also is considered a weed by some authorities, and I can attest to its weediness, with the example here photographed in an area it had taken over in a small garden patch we had. It is noteworthy, however, that it was subsequently pushed out by the much more aggressive non-native invasive Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea.) Virginia Buttonweed is a branching, sprawling plant with opposite leaves.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NJ, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV |  |
| Buttonweed | Diodia teres
(Native) | Rough Buttonweed, Poor Joe | Diodia teres is a wildflower many consider to be a weed. While it can be a creeping plant with reclining stems, in my experience it is more likely to be upright than its equally invasive cousin, Virginia Buttonweed (D. virginiana). |  |
| California Poppy | Eschscholzia californica*
(Native) | California Poppy | In spite of the beauty of its blossom, the California Poppy is considered to be a weed by many people. Native to North America, scattered wild populations of this plant are found in most states. However, since it was first collected on a Russian exploratory voyage to the west coast of North America in the early 19th century, it is likely that most of the eastern populations are the result of seeds and plants brought back from the west, rather than from native populations in those areas.
The California Poppy is the state flower of California. |  |
| Camas | Camassia scilloides*
(Native) | Wild Hyacinth; Atlantic Camas | Wild Hyacinth, also known as Atlantic Camas and Eastern Camas. Atlantic Camas is the "official" national name, according to the USDA Plants Database. It grows in rich, shady, moist coves. The blooming period lasts for several weeks in April and May.
|  |
| Camas | Camassia quamash*
(Native) | Small Camas, Quamash | This plant blooms in early to mid-spring and grows in moist meadows and on grassy slopes. The ones photographed here were in a marshy area along a stream at an elevation of around 5300 feet. The bulbs of the plant are edible and were used as a significant food source for native Americans. However, the bulbs look similar to those of Death Camas - the name of that plant is indicative of its poisonous nature - so beware!
Camassia quamash is found in the Rocky Mountain and west coast states.
Found in:
CA, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Cat's Ear | Hypochaeris radicata*
(Introduced) | Hairy Cat's Ear, False Dandelion | Yellow aster with blooms at the end of smooth stem, rising from a floret of hairy dandelion-like basal leaves. Other common names are common cat's-ear, false dandelion, frogbit, gosmore, and spotted catsear.
|  |
| Catchfly | Silene virginica*
(Native) | Fire Pink, Scarlet Catchfly | Fire Pink has a strikingly beautiful scarlet red springtime blossom.
Silene virginica is listed as Endangered or Threatened in Florida, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
There are two other Silene species with scarlet flowers and similar ranges - Silene rotundifolia (Roundleaf Catchfly) and Silene regia (Royal Catchfly.) S. rotundifolia has the smallest distribution - AL, GA, KY, OH, TN, WV, with S. regia being found in most those states plus AR, IL, IN, KS, MO (not in WV.) S. virginica has the widest distribution, being found in most of the western United States. Royal Catchfly does not have the deeply notched petals of the other two species, and is a taller plant. For the other two species, the stamens and styles are also more exserted in S. virginica than in S. rotundifolia. The veining in the calyx of S. virginica is more distinct. The shape of the flower petals are somewhat different as well, but the leaf shape may be the most obvious difference between the species. S. rotundifolia, as indicated by the species epithet, has much more rounded leaves than S. virginica. |  |
| Catchfly | Silene rotundifolia
(Native) | Roundleaf Catchfly | I originally identified this as Silene virginica - Fire Pink, but S. virginica has narrower petals, and doesn't have the pronounced 'second spike' along the outer edge of the petal. The USDA Plants Database doesn't have this listed near Polk County, TN, where I photographed this specimen, and I don't have photographs of the rest of the plant, but I have a reasonably high level of confidence in that identificaiton. |  |
| Catchfly | Silene stellata*
(Native) | Starry Campion, Widow's Frill | Starry Campion is listed as of Special Concern in Connecticut, Threatened in Michigan, apparently no longer occurs in Rhode Island based on its Historical classification. |  |
| Chicory | Cichorium intybus
(Introduced) | Chicory | Roadside, McMinn County, TN. Also seen in Hamilton, Bradley, Sequatchie Counties. 06/13/2009 |  |
| Cinquefoil | Potentilla canadensis*
(Native) | Dwarf Cinquefoil | Dwarf Cinquefoil |  |
| Cinquefoil | Potentilla recta*
(Introduced) | Sulfur Cinquefoil, Roughfruit Cinquefoil | Sulfur Cinquefoil is an upright perennial with hairy stems to nearly 3 feet tall, found frequently along roadsides throughout most of the United States. This non-native was introduced from Europe, and is so invasive that despite its beauty is considered an obnoxious weed in Colorado, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Sulfur Cinquefoil is also known as Roughfruit Cinquefoil. |  |
| Clarkia | Clarkia pulchella*
(Native) | Pinkfairies, Ragged Robin, Deerhorn Clarkia, Beautiful Clarkia | The Clarkia genus contains 41 species. While most of the species are found only in California, Clarkia pulchella was found by Meriweather Lewis in what is now Idaho in 1806, and was first described by William Clark in May of that year. It was the first species described in the genus, which was later named for William Clark. It is found in 6 northwestern states and has disjunct populations in 4 eastern states. While the USDA Plants Database shows Pinkfairies as native to these eastern states (OH, MA, CT, VT), these are likely instead a result of plants brought back from the west, since it would have been known prior to 1806 if it was native to those eastern states.
My initial identification of this species was using the excellent book Idaho Mountain Wildflowers by Scott Earle . |  |
| Clover | Trifolium repens
(Introduced) | White Clover | Walker County, Ga 05/11/2009 |  |
| Clover | Trifolium pratense
(Introduced) | Red Clover, Cowgrass | Red Clover is an introduced species which has become naturalized in every state in the United States and all but one Canadian province. While many species that have become so widely naturalized would be considered invasive, this plant has been welcomed due to its economic importance, even becoming the state flower of Vermont. The flowers, leaves and stem are edible, and are sowed for cattle fodder. Red Clover is also good for soil quality, being important in nitrogen fixation. |  |
| Clover | Trifolium incarnatum
(Introduced) | Crimson Clover, Italian Clover | This introduced clover, considered invasive by some authorities, is found in 43 states. It was brought into North America from Europe as cattle feed. It also can enrich the soil, fixing nitrogen. |  |
| Clover | Trifolium campestre*
(Introduced) | Low-Hop Clover, Field Clover, Large Hop Clover, Hop Trefoil | This introduced species was originally brought to North America for fodder, but is now found wild in all but six states, and can be weedy and invasive. There are several “hop clover” species so named because the yellow flowers turn brown as they mature, and look like hops.
The original primary image I had on this page was actually not Trifolium campestre. It was of a similar-looking Medicago species. Thanks to Robert Flogaus-Faust for bringing my attention to this incorrect identification.
Found in:
AK, AL, AR, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Clubmoss
| Diphasiastrum digitatum*
(Native) | Southern Ground Cedar, Fan Clubmoss, Running Pine, Running Ground Cedar | This is a Lycopod rather than a flowering seed plant. Lycopods are among the plants known as fern-allies. Like ferns, it reproduces via spores from the club-like appendages above the plant. Diphasiastrum digitatum is a synonym for the newer scientific name Lycopodium digitatum.
It is listed as "Exploitably Vulnerable" in New York.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Cohosh | Caulophyllum thalictroides*
(Native) | Blue Cohosh | Possible toxicity, especially to pregnant women. |  |
| Columbine | Aquilegia canadensis*
(Native) | Eastern Red Columbine, Wild Columbine | This is the only native columbine in the eastern United States.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Coneflower | Rudbeckia hirta*
(Native) | Black-eyed Susan | Black-eyed Susan is a commonly seen but uncommonly beautiful wildflower found along roadsides and open areas throughout much of the United States, missing only in Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, and Nevada. |  |
| Coneflower | Rudbeckia fulgida*
(Native) | Orange Coneflower | This species, like many members of the 22-species Rudbeckia genus, are frequently called 'black-eyed Susan' because of their nearly identical appearance to R. hirta, the 'true' black-eyed Susan. Orange coneflower, Rudbeckia fulgida, itself is a highly variable species, with as many as 14 varieties. I believe this is R. fulgida var fulgida, due to the shorter, wider ray petals, the minimal hair on the stems, and the distinct winged petioles of the alternating leaves. |  |
| Coneflower | Rudbeckia laciniata*
(Native) | Green-headed Coneflower, Cutleaf Coneflower | Cutleaf Coneflower is widely distributed in the United States. Found in 45 states, it is missing only in Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, Nevada, and California. It is listed as Threatened in Rhode Island, but can be quite commonly found in many of the other states. |  |
| Coneflower | Rudbeckia triloba*
(Native) | Browneyed Susan, Thin-leaf Coneflower, Three-lobed Coneflower | Rudbeckia triloba is a tall (up to 5' or 6'), many-branched coneflower, with a flower having the appearance of a smaller Blackeyed Susan (R. hirta.)
There are three commonly recognized varieties, with var triloba, so named because some of the lower leaves have 3 lobes, being the most widely distributed. Var ruprestris has somewhat larger flowers, and var pinnatiloba will have 5 to 7 lobes on some of the lower leaves. While the USDA records do not show var pinnatiloba in Georgia, the photos on this page imply otherwise.
Rudbeckia triloba is listed as Endangered in Florida.
Found in:
AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Crownbeard | Verbesina occidentalis*
(Native) | Yellow Crownbeard | Most of the Crownbeards have yellow blossoms, and bloom in mid to late summer. Verbesina occidentalis, like a couple of other Verbesina species - V. alternifolia and V. helianthoides - has a winged stem caused by the continuation of the petioles down along the stem. Yellow Crownbeard is a tall plant, from 3 feet to 10 feet tall. |  |
| Crownbeard | Verbesina alternifolia*
(Native) | Wingstem, Yellow Ironweed | This is a tall, yellow-blossomed plant found throughout most of the midwest and east outside of New England. It is listed as Threatened in New York. |  |
| Crownbeard | Verbesina virginica*
(Native) | White Crownbeard, Frostweed, Iceplant, Virginia crownbeard | There are 18 Verbesina species in North America, with at least one species found in most states. The extreme northwest, extreme northeast, and Minnesota don't have a Verbesina species. The composite flowers of White Crownbeard are, as expected based on the name, white. If I'm interpreting the keys in the online version of Flora of North America correctly, the only other white Verbesina in the United States is V. microptera - Texas Crownbeard – which is found only south Texas.
Of the 18 species, 6, including White Crownbeard, may have winged stems: V. alternifolia, V. helianthoides, V. occidentalis, V. heterophylla, V. virginica, V. microptera. |  |
| Cymophyllus | Cymophyllus fraserianus*
(Native) | Fraser's Sedge, Fraser's Cymophyllus | Cymophyllus fraserianus (syn. Cymophyllus fraseri, Carex fraseri, and Carex fraseriana) is a monotypic species - there are no other species in the genus. It is endemic to the southern Appalachian mountains, and is Threatened, Endangered, or of Special Concern in 5 of the 9 states in which it is found (GA, KY, MD, PA, TN.) While it is easily found in parts of its range, overall it is a rare plant.
Found in:
GA, KY, MD, NC, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV |  |
| Daisy | Chrysanthemum leucanthemum
(Introduced) | Oxeye Daisy | Chrysanthemum leucanthemum is a synonym for Leucanthemum vulgare, which is now the most widely accepted scientific name.
This much-loved flower is an import from its native Europe and Asia, and is naturalized in every state in the United States and almost all of Canada. It is officially considered a noxious weed in Colorado, Montana, Ohio, Washington, and Wyoming, so consider carefully before planting it. |  |
| Dandelion | Taraxacum officinal
(Introduced) | Dandelion | Dandelion - A variety of Taraxacum officinale (ceratophorum) is native to western parts of the United States, the the variety found in the east (officinale), which is also found in the west, is introduced. |  |
| Dayflower | Commelina communis
(Introduced) | Asiatic Dayflower, Mouse Ears, Dew Herb | The blossom of this member of the Spiderwort family lasts for one day. Introduced from its native Asia, it is considered weedy or invasive by some authorities, having spread widely throughout eastern North America.
Asian Dayflower can be confused with Commelina erecta - Slender Dayflower, a plant native to the United States. This latter plant has paler blue upper petals. The pedicel (flower stem) of Slender Dayflower rises from a spathe which is fused along the lower portion; the spathe is open all the way to the base in the Asiatic Dayflower.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV |  |
| Dayflower | Commelina virginica*
(Native) | Virginia Dayflower | Commelina virginica grows in wet places, especially along swamps, rivers, and where this was photographed, along stream banks. It flowers from mid-summer and on into fall, growing in the southeastern quadrant of the United States as far west as Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, and as far north as Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. It was historically present in Pennsylvania, but it is reported as being extirpated in that state.
Found in:
AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NJ, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV |  |
| Daylily | Hemerocallis fulva*
(Introduced) | Common Daylily, Tawny Daylily, Orange Daylily | This plant was introduced from Asia for its excellent garden characteristics, and has become naturalized in 42 of the 50 states. As an escapee, it is considered weedy or invasive by some authorities.
Found in:
AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Deadnettle | Lamium amplexicaule
(Introduced) | Henbit, Henbit Deadnettle | The deadnettles are native to Europe and Asia, but are now widely naturalized in the United States. As with many non-native species which have become widespread in the U.S. Henbit Deadnettle blooms early. It is easily confused with Purple Deadnettle - L. purpureum - which has petioled leaves all the way to the top leaves. The middle and upper leaves of L. amplexicaule do not have petioles. The leaves of Henbit (L. amplexicaule) are also typically smaller than those of Purple Deadnettle. |  |
| Deadnettle | Lamium purpureum*
(Introduced) | Purple Deadnettle, Red Deadnettle, Purple Archangel | The deadnettles are native to Europe and Asia, but are now widely naturalized in the United States. As with many non-native species which have become widespread in the U.S. Purple Deadnettle blooms early. A similar species is Henbit - L. amplexicaule - The middle and upper leaves of L. amplexicaule do not have petioles while those of L. purpureum have petioles on all leaves, although the upper ones are quite small. The leaves of Henbit (L. amplexicaule) are also typically smaller than those of Purple Deadnettle. |  |
| Death Camas | Toxicoscordion paniculatum*
(Native) | Foothill Death Camas, Foothills Deathcamas, Panicled Death Camas, Sand-corn | Synonym: Zigadenus paniculatus - a name still used by some authorities. In addition to reclassification out of the Zigadenus genus, it has recently been moved out of Liliaceae and into the Melanthiaceae family. Only a single U.S. plant remains in the Zigadenus genus (Z. glaberrimus - Sandbog Death Camas.) Interestingly, Trillium has also been moved out of Liliaceae and into the Melanthiaceae. I would not have guessed the close relationship between Trillium and other Melanthiaceae species.
Toxicoscordion paniculatum is a plant of the western United States, found in dry sagebrush scrub and conifer forests at moderately high elevations - from about 3,000 feet up to 7,000 feet. Due to the rarity of the plant in Arizona, collecting the plant is restricted in that state.
Similar species: Toxicoscordion venenosum, which is a somewhat smaller species, and the inflorescence is a raceme rather than a panicle, although there might be a single branch at the bottom of the inflorescence. My photos of this plant, however, show several branches, indicating a panicle, although the upper half of the inflorescence is racemose. T. venenosum prefers moister soil than does T. paniculatum.
Found in:
AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Desert-thorn | Lycium carolinianum*
(Native) | Christmasberry, Carolina Wolfberry, Carolina Desert-thorn, Creeping Wolfberry | There are 22 species of Lycium - Desert-thorn - found in the United States, most of which are southwestern species. Lycium carolilnianum is the only native Desert-thorn found east of the Mississippi River.
Lycium carolinianum is a shrub that grows from 6 to 10 feet tall. The branches are sharp-tipped.
Found in:
AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, SC, TX |  |
| Dodder | Cuscuta gronovii
(Native) | Dodder Vine, Scaldweed | A parasitic vine that inserts suckers into the stem of its host plants. As the vine matures, its roots die and it gets all of its nourishment from the host.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Dog Hobble | Leucothoe fontanesiana*
(Native) | Highland Dog Hobble, Drooping Leucothoe, Fetterbush, Doghobble | Primarily a southeastern species, it is found in 8 states south of the Mason-Dixon line, as well as in New York and Maryland. Dog Hobble grows in dense thickets along mountain streams. Those shown on this page were near the banks of the Talullah River in north Georgia. |  |
| Dogwood | Cornus florida*
(Native) | Flowering Dogwood | Flowering dogwood, Cornus florida, the dogwood usually referenced simply as dogwood, is a small tree, growing up to 30 feet tall, although it is more typically 15 feet tall, and frequently as wide as it is tall. It brings an early splash of white to the undercover of the spring forest for several weeks in April or May.
Synonym Benthamidia florida. This is apparently a recent DNA-based reclassification from the genus Cornus. I have yet to determine how widely-accepted this classification has become; USDA Plants Database does not list it (Dec 2009.) |  |
| Dogwood | Cornus foemina*
(Native) | Stiff Dogwood, Southern Swamp Dogwood, Gray Dogwood | This small tree or shrub of the southeastern United States is not as showy as its larger and well-known cousin, Cornus florida - the Flowering Dogwood. However, it is an attractive tree, growing to about 20 tall. Cornus foemina, Stiff Dogwood (synonym: Cornus stricta,) is found in 19 states, as far north as Illinois and Delaware. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is found in 31 states, as far north as Maine and Michigan, as well as parts of Canada.
Found in:
AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NJ, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA |  |
| Dogwood | Cornus sericea*
(Native) | Red-osier Dogwood, Western Dogwood, American Dogwood | here are two subspecies of Cornus sericea - occidentalis (Western Dogwood, found in CA, NV, ID, OR, WA, MT, AK) and sericea (Red-osier Dogwood, found in most of the U.S. and Canada, except for 12 of the southeastern states.)
It is a shrub that grows up to about 12’ tall. The stems are reddish from late summer into early fall, being a quite colorful red during winter until they transition to green as spring nears. It grows primarily in wet habitats. The plant I photographed was growing within the flood zone of a steep mountain creek near the bottom of the Kleinschmidt Grade in Adams County, Idaho.
Found in:
AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Dogwood | Cornus canadensis*
(Native) | Bunchberry, Bunchberry Dogwood, Dwarf Dogwood, Canadian Bunchberry, Dwarf Cornel, Creeping Dogwood | Bunchberry is found throughout most of Canada and the northern tier of states in the United States, and it pushes south in the mountain regions, all the way to Virginia in the east and to New Mexico in the west. It prefers cool, acidic soils and cannot survive if the soil gets warmer than 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It is listed as threatened or endangered in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, and Ohio. The berries are reported to be edible, if not especially tasty on their own.
My apology for these photos which do not do the plant justice. In northern Minnesota in September when these photos were taken you do not expect either the plant to be blooming, and this year the berries had already dropped. Additionally, the plant thrives in moist forests, and 2012 was a year of drought.
Found in:
AK, CO, CT, IA, ID, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Dutchman's Breeches | Dicentra cucullaria*
(Native) | Dutchman's Breeches | Dutchman's Breeches is a lovely spring wildflower. The blossoms don't last long. |  |
| Dwarf Dandelion | Krigia biflora
(Native) | Two-flower Cynthia, Twoflower Dwarfdandelion | aka twoflower dwarfdandelion. Grundy County, TN, 05/25/2008 |  |
| Elderberry | Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis*
(Native) | Common Elderberry, American Elderberry, American Black Elderberry | This shrub grows up to 10 feet tall and has many stems, forming dense thickets. The leaves are pinnate, with usually 7, occasionally 5, and even more occasionally 9 lanceolate, serrated leaflets. The plant has large cymes of small white flowers which will produce dark purple to black berries which can be used in jams and to make wine. The flowers, dried, can be used to make a tea. The unripe berries, the stems, and the leaves may be poisonous.
This is the more widespread subspecies of the Black Elderberry, being found in all but 5 of the lower 48 states. It is also in Hawaii, but as an introduced species. It was formerly classified as the separate species Sambucus canadensis. Another subspecies, S. nigra ssp.cerulea (formerly S. caerulea) is known as the Blue Elderberry, and has bluish berries. Blue Elderberry is found in much of the western half of the United States
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Elderberry | Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea*
(Native) | Western Blue Elder, Blue Elderberry | Western Blue Elder is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 25 feet tall and may have many stems, forming dense thickets. The leaves are pinnate, with usually 3 to 9 lanceolate, serrated leaflets. The plant has large cymes of small white flowers which will produce blue berries in late summer which can be used in jams and to make wine, although the raw berries in large quantities may be poisonous. The unripe berries, the stems, and the leaves may be poisonous.
It was formerly classified as the separate species Sambucus cerulea. Another subspecies, S. nigra ssp. canadensis (formerly S. canadensis, and these plants are still treated as separate species in the esteemed Weakley's Flora of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States) is known as the Black Elderberry. Recent classification changes have also moved the genus Sambucus, along with Viburnum, out of the Honeysuckle Family and into the Muskroot Family.
This subspecies of the Sambucus nigra is not as widespread as ssp. canadensis, Black Elderberry. Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea is found in 12 western states. The color of the berries is the most sure way to tell the difference if you are in the 7 states where you may find either species - Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea may be taller - it can reach 25 feet in height - and may have as few as 3 leaflets, while Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis usually is rarely taller than 10 feet, and will usually have a minimum of 5 leaflets.
Found in:
AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Elephant's Foot | Elephantopus carolinianus*
(Native) | Carolina Elephant's foot, Leafy Elephantfoot | This plant's alternating leaves arise along an unevenly pubescent stem. The plant branches at leaf axils usually after four non-branching leaf nodes. The blossom clusters, which arise from three leafy bracts, terminate the stems. The white to pale lavender blossoms are very interesting in that they usually give the appearance of having a circle of many rays, but these apparently lobes of the corolla of several disk flowers.
E. carolinianus is listed as endangered in New Jersey and Pennsylvania (USDA.)
Synonyms: Elephantopus flexuosus, Elephantopus violaceus, Elephantopus glaber |  |
| | | | Advert:
| |
| Evening Primrose | Oenothera speciosa
(Native) | Pink Ladies, Showy Evening Primrose, Pink Primrose | While the USDA Plants Database shows Oenothera speciosa as native to 27 of the lower 48 states, it is apparently native only to the central part of the United States. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center mentions a native status in Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. It apparently has been introduced and naturalized in the other 22 states where it is found. While it is an attractive plant with a long bloom season, use caution because it can spread vigorously. |  |
| Evening Primrose | Oenothera biennis*
(Native) | Common Evening Primrose | Common Evening Primrose is found in all but 7 states. From Carol in Virginia: "It booms just at dusk and you can actually see the petals move as it opens... All the grandchildren love to gather around a plant and guess which one will open next." |  |
| Evening Primrose | Oenothera pallida*
(Native) | Pale Evening Primrose, White Evening Primrose, Pale-Stemmed Evening Primrose | While there are Oenothera species in every state except for Alaska (also in all of Canada except Yukon), Oenothera pallida is a western species, being found in 11 western states, and in British Columbia. Of the few pink or white Oenothera species found in Idaho, where these photos were taken, the others have leaf structures/shapes that are significantly different. It can bloom from mid-spring on well into the fall.
Found in:
AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Eyelashweed | Blepharipappus scaber*
(Native) | Rough Eyelashweed, Blepharipappus, Rough Blepharipappus | Blepharipappus scaber is the only species in the genus. The plant grows from 4 to 12 inches tall and is found in dry, open areas in five western states. This specimen was along a hillside at about 3,500' - 4000' in the Boise Foothills.
Found in:
CA, ID, NV, OR, WA |  |
| Fairy Slipper | Calypso bulbosa*
(Native) | Calypso Orchid, Fairy Slipper, Venus Slipper, Angel Slipper | Calypso bulbosa is the only species in the genus, but there are two varieties. Var. occidentalis, the more western variety (as indicated by the varietal name) has whitish or clear lip bristles. It is found only in Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho, and is the variety shown here. Var. americana is the more easterly variety, being found in Alaska and Canada, and from Montana east along the Canadian border states all the way east to Maine (except, oddly, North Dakota; but it is found in South Dakota. It is also found in the Rocky Mountain states down through Arizona. The eastern variety has more lip bristles, and they are yellow.
Calypso bulbosa is Threatened or Endangered in Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and Wisconsin. It is also protected in Arizona.
Found in:
AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, ME, MI, MN, MT, NH, NM, NY, OR, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY |  |
| Fairybells | Disporum lanuginosum*
(Native) | Yellow Fairybells, Yellow Mandarin | Disporum lanuginosum is a synonym of Prosartes lanuginosa. The five species of the genus Disporum that are in North America have recently been reclassified into a separate genus - Prosartes - and moved into the Liliaceae family out of the Colchicaceae family. I continue to list this species as D. lanuginosum because most publications and websites I find still do so as well.
Yellow Fairybells is an attractive plant growing to 36" tall, with alternating, glossy green entire leaves which are ovate or lanceolate and have prominent parallel veins. |  |
| False Foxglove | Agalinis tenuifolia*
(Native) | Slender Gerardia, Slenderleaf False Foxglove | Found in most of the eastern 2/3 of the United States, it is a plant of "Special Concern" in Rhode Island. It was formerly classified as Gerardia purpurea.
This branching plant may be found in sprawling colonies. It has dark green to purple leaves and stems to about 2-feet tall, with small pink to purple blossoms. Similar species found in the region (from Wildflowers Of Tennessee, The Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians) and why I don't think this is that species:
- Agalinis purpurea (Smooth Purple Gerardia) - Although the specimen photographed on this page have yellow in the throat as does A. purpurea, the pedicels of A. purpurea are shorter, and that species does not exhibit the upper corolla lip extending over the stamens. While the specimens I photographed for this page have hairy stamens, I detected no hair in the corolla tube itself - a characteristic of A. purpurea.
- Agalinis fasciculata (Fascicled Purple Gerardia) – This species is similar to A. purpurea, but also has another feature missing from A. tenuifolia - clusters of fascicles (tiny leaves) in many of the leaf axils.
- Agalinis gattingeri (Gattinger's Gerardia) - A. gattingeri has pale green flowering branches, and net-veined calyx tube.
- Agalinis auriculata (Earleaf False Foxglove) - The leaves of A. auriculata are wide, toothed, and sometimes lobed.
Update 07/20/2012: In researching another Agalinis species, I found that ITIS lists this genus in Orobanchaceae – the Broom-rape family, so I have updated this record, moving it out of the former classification within Scrophulariaceae – the Figwort family.
Found in:
AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY |  |
| False garlic | Nothoscordum bivalve*
(Native) | False Garlic, Crowpoison | Nothoscordum bivalve was formerly classified in the lily family, but has recently been moved to the Amaryllis family. It does not have the oniony-smell of true garlics and onions. It is classified as Rare in Indiana, and as Threatened in Ohio.
Found in:
AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MO, MS, NC, NE, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA |  |
| Fawnlily | Erythronium americanum*
(Native) | Trout Lily; Dogtooth Violet | Trout lily is one of the early spring wildflowers. |  |
| Fawnlily | Erythronium grandiflorum
(Native) | Yellow Avalanche Lily, Glacier Lily | Yellow Avalanche Lily can be found in subalpine mountain meadows, slopes, and in clearings or thinly forested areas. According to Wikipedia, the roots are a preferred food of the grizzly bear. Of the 24 species of Erythronium found in the United States, Erythronium grandiflorum is the only one found in Idaho, according to the USDA Plants Database. It is a native of 9 western states (CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY.) |  |
| Fern | Osmunda cinnamomea
(Native) | Cinnamon Fern | Cinnamon Fern |  |
| Fiddleneck | Amsinckia menziesii*
(Native) | Common Fiddleneck, Menzie's Fiddleneck, Rancher's Fiddleneck | There are 10 species in the Amsinckia (Fiddleneck) genus in the United States, most of which are western species. Amsinckia menziesii, while widespread in the western half of the U.S., is also found in a number of states in the mid-west and east. There are two varieties, and var. intermedia - Common Fiddleneck – is the more widely distributed and commonly found one. While this is a plant native to the United States, it is probably introduced in Alaska, Hawaii.
This is considered a weed by ranchers because cattle won't eat it and it can crowd out other forage plants |  |
| Fireweed | Chamerion angustifolium*
(Native) | Fireweed, Narrow-leaf fireweed, Willow Herb, Rosebay Willow Herb, Blooming Sally | Chamerion – Fireweed - has two species – C. angustifolium and C. latifolium, the latter being Dwarf Fireweed, a much shorter plant, with distribution in the US being primarily in the west. C. angustifolium on may grow to 10 feet tall, and one of the two subspecies can be found in every state except for 12 states in the southeastern quadrant of the United States. C. angustifolium ssp. angustifolium is a more northern plant than ssp. circumvagum, with ssp. angustifolium being found only in the northern counties of MN, in Washington State, and in the mountainous states of Montana, Colorado, and Wyoming. It is also found in all of the Canadian provinces. |  |
| Flax | Linum lewisii
(Native) | Wild Blue Flax, Lewis Flax, Prairie Flax | Wild Blue Flax is found in most of the western 2/3 of the United States. There are three recognized varieties found in North America; one found only in the United States, one found only in Canada, and a third found in both the United States and Canada - var. lewisii.
A very similar species is the non-native Linum perenne, an import from Europe, which is found in scatterings across the United States. Some authorities treat the native L. lewisii as a subspecies of L. perenne - my guess is that the treatment may depend on which side of the Atlantic Ocean you call home. Many authorities call Linum perenne var lewisii a synonym of Linum lewisii. Cultivated flax, L. usitatissimum, is also similar in appearance. |  |
| Fleabane | Erigeron annuus*
(Native) | Eastern daisy fleabane | There are 191 species in the Erigeron genus, with some species being found in only a single state. Eastern Daisy Fleabane is one of the more widespread species, found in all but 7 states. It is a native plant in both the continental United States and in Canada.
Erigeron anuus is generally 2 to 3 feet tall, branching with many white-rayed, yellow-centered blossoms. It blooms from mid- to late spring on through most of the summer months. It is differentiated from the earlier blooming Philadelphia Fleabane (E. philadelphicus) by narrower leaves which do not clasp the stem, and is differentiated from similar Prairie Fleabane (aka Lesser Daisy Fleabane - E. strigosus) by having stems which are distinctly hairy, and by usually having toothed leaves. |  |
| Fleabane | Erigeron philadelphicus*
(Native) | Philadelphia Fleabane | Clasping leaves is key identifier for this early blooming fleabane. Walker County, Ga, 04/16/2009 |  |
| Fleabane | Erigeron strigosus*
(Native) | Prairie Fleabane, Lesser Daisy Fleabane | There are 191 species in the Erigeron genus, with some species being found in only a single state. Prairie Fleabane is one of the more widespread species, found in all but 6 states. It is a native plant in both the continental United States and in Canada.
Erigeron strigosus is generally 2 to 3 feet tall, branching with many white-rayed, yellow-centered blossoms. It blooms from mid- to late spring on through most of the summer months. It is differentiated from the earlier blooming Philadelphia Fleabane (E. Philadelphicus) by narrower leaves which do not clasp the stem. It is differentiated from similar Eastern Daisy Fleabane (E. Annuus) by being less hairy, and rarely having toothed leaves. It is also less leafy than Eastern Daisy Fleabane. |  |
| Fleabane | Erigeron pulchellus*
(Native) | Robin's Plantain | Robin's Plantain is one of the shorter of the eastern fleabanes, growing from 8 to 24 inches tall, but to me it is one of the prettier of the eastern Erigeron species. It is found in 34 of the easternmost states in the United States, and in much of the eastern half of Canada. |  |
| Fleabane | Erigeron bloomeri*
(Native) | Scabland Fleabane, Bloomer's Daisy, Bloomer's Fleabane | Although Scabland Fleabane is the most commonly used common name, I prefer another of the plant's comman names - Bloomer's Daisy. That common name probably won't gain much traction in this digital age, where an Internet search for "Bloomer's Daisy" provides more results for childrens flowered underwear than for this interesting plant. There are three varieties of Erigeron bloomeri (some authorities only recognize two); var. bloomeri has the widest distribution and is the only variety found in Idaho, where these photographs were made.
Erigeron itself is a large and widespread genus, with the USDA Plants Database listing 193 species in North America. Each state of the United States, as well as each territory in Canada, has at least one species of Fleabane present. Most of these are native to the continent, as is the species presented here, Erigeron bloomeri. This species is named for California botanist Hiram G. Bloomer (1819-1874) who collected the plant in Nevada.
There are at least three other members of Erigeron which have rayless, yellow blossoms:
- E. anaphactis - Rayless Shaggy Fleabane - “Shaggy” because it is quite obviously hairy; bristly hairy.
- E. reductus - California Rayless Fleabane - is another yellow, rayless Fleabane, found only in California, as implied by its common name. It has linear stem leaves; the other yellow rayless fleabanes do not have stem leaves.
- E. chrysopsidis var austiniae (syn. E. austiniae) - Sagebrush Fleabane - is a variety of a yellow fleabane which will have no rays or perhaps only vestigial rays. The other varieties of that species have ray flowers. While not as hairy as Rayless Shaggy Fleabane, Sagebrush Fleabane is more apparently hairy than Scabland Fleabane.
Found in:
CA, ID, NV, OR, UT, WA |  |
| Fluxweed | Isanthus brachiatus*
(Native) | False Pennyroyal, Fluxweed | This is one of many plants undergoing changes in classification. According to my research, it was originally considered to be part of Trichostema (Linnaeus, 1737), subsequently became the sole member of the Isanthus genus (Michaux, 1803), in 1978 was sent over to Trichostema for a while (Lewis), and recently some authorities have moved it back to Isanthus as the only species in that genus. Of course, during all of this scientific debate, those of us classified as commoners would have continued to call it whatever we called it previously – be it False Pennyroyal or Fluxweed, or whatever other common name was applied locally. The Trichostema genus members are commonly known as Bluecurls.
False Pennyroyal is listed as Special Concern, Endangered, or Threatened in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey. It is rare in the remaining New England states where it can be found at all.
This plant was pointed out and identified for me by Jay Clark, author of Wildflowers of Pigeon Mountain on a walk through a cedar glade at the foot of Pigeon Mountain in Walker County, Ga in late September.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CT, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Fly Poison | Amianthium muscitoxicum*
(Native) | Fly Poison, Stagger Grass | Amianthium muscaetoxicum is monotypic – this is the only species in the genus, although it is closely related to Death Camas (Toxicoscordion, Stenanthium, Zigadenus, Anticlea), from which it can be distinguished by the brown bracts within the inflorescence, and by having a denser cluster of basal leaves. These genera have been recently moved out of Liliaceae and into the Melanthiaceae – False-Hellebore – family
The species epithet translates to Fly Poison, indicative of the poisonous nature of the plant. All parts are poisonous. The bulb, which is especially poisonous, is a natural insecticide, but in spite of that, some butterflies eat the nectar of the plant without adverse effect. The alternate common name of Stagger Grass is because cattle which eat the plant will stagger, and then perhaps die, from the effects of the poison.
Amianthium muscaetoxicum is an alternate spelling of the scientific name which is not accepted by most authorities. Zigadenus muscitoxicus is a synonym, indicating the close relationship to the genus by which most Death Camas have been classified until recently.
It is Threatened in Kentucky.
Found in:
AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OK, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV |  |
| Foamflower | Tiarella cordifolia *
(Native) | Heartleaf Foamflower, False Miterwort | Heartleaf Foamflower has several lobed basal leaves rising on tall stalks. The separate flower stems may rise from last years leaves before the new leaves show up, but the new leaves will show up before blooming.
According to Guido Mase of The Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism,"Leaves rich in saponins, tea used for washing, chest congestion." |  |
| Fogfruit | Phyla lanceolata*
(Native) | Fogfruit, Lanceleaf Fogfruit, Northern Fogfruit | Widely distributed. One of the common names is Northern Fogfruit, not because this is not commonly found in the south, but because it is the only Phyla species found commonly in northern states. It is found in wet (frequently foggy) areas – bottom lands, shores of creeks and lakes, and marshes.
It is listed as Endangered in New Jersey, and Rare in Pennsylvania. |  |
| Fringed Orchid | Platanthera ciliaris*
(Native) | Yellow Fringed Orchid, Orange Fringed Orchid | he Yellow Fringed Orchid is more frequently a bright orange than yellow. It shares the feature of being either orange or yellow with similar species Platanthera cristata - the Yellow Crested Orchid - which has a much shorter spur than P. ciliaris. The spur of Platanthera ciliaris is longer than the flower, frequently extending past the ovary/pedicel combination. It blooms in mid-summer in a variety of locations. These photographs were taken along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Waynesville, NC. |  |
| Fritillaria | Fritillaria pudica*
(Native) | Yellowbells, Yellow Fritillary, Yellow Missionbells, Gold Bell | This is one of the 3 Fritillaria species found in Idaho out of the 23 total Fritillaria species found in the United States. All of thesea are found only in the western half of the US and Canada. It is a small plant, growing to usually less than a foot tall. |  |
| fungi | Clavaria | Coral fungus | Maybe genus Clavaria, perhaps C. zollingeri. OK, this is a fungus, not a wildflower, but I like it so it's here. |  |
| Galax | Galax urceolata*
(Native) | Beetleweed; Galax | Polk County, TN |  |
| Gentian | Gentiana saponaria
(Native) | Soapwort Gentian, Harvestbells | Fannin County GA Nov 10 2008 just outside Cohutta Wilderness. G saponaria has paler flowers than G. clausa, and these had pretty deep blue flowers, but USDA database doesn't show G. clausa this far south, and the leaves of G. clausa seem to be generally wider than these. This is also similar to G. linearis, but USDA database also does not show this in Georgia. Both G. clausa and G. linearis are close enough that they are possibles. |  |
| Gentian | Gentiana villosa*
(Native) | Pale Gentian, Striped Gentian, Sampsons Snakeroot | Although at least one Gentiana species is found in every state in the United States (as well as most of Canada), Gentian villosa is found only in the southeastern quadrant of the country, as far north as Indiana, Ohio New York and New Jersey. It is Endangered in Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Pale Gentian, also known as Striped Gentian, is a plant of forests and open woods, and as with many Gentians, blooms from late August into November.
Found in:
AL, DC, DE, FL, GA, IN, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV |  |
| Geranium | Geranium maculatum*
(Native) | Wild Geranium | All geraniums have a "multiples of 5" consistency - 5 petals, 5 sepals, 10 stamens, and a 5-part pistil. G. maculatum is widely-distributed in the eastern United States. |  |
| Geranium | Geranium viscosissimum*
(Native) | Sticky Purple Geranium | Geranium viscosissimum has pink petals with deep red or purple veins. |  |
| Geranium | Geranium dissectum*
(Introduced) | Cutleaf Geranium, Cut-leaved Cranesbill | A native of Europe, Cutleaf Geranium is a weedy plant is found in 29 states.
It grows to about 2 feet tall – or this may be considered 2 feet long, since it is often prone. The stem is densely pubescent - covered with short hairs, as is the rest of the plant. The petioled leaves are alternate and deeply, palmately lobed. The main lobes of the lower leaves are also lobed. The lobes of the lower leaves are usually much broader than on the upper leaves.
A similar species is the United States native Carolina Geranium (Geranium carolinianum), except Carolina Geranium has paler pink – almost white – blossoms, and the upper leaf lobes are broader.
Found in:
AL, AR, CA, CT, DC, GA, HI, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV |  |
| Geranium | Geranium carolinianum*
(Native) | Carolina Geranium, Carolina Cranesbill | Geranium carolinianum is interesting in that while is is considered weedy or invasive in many parts of the country, it is an Endangered or Threatened species in New Hampshire and New York, so may have some legally protected status there. Somewhat supporting the invasive (although native to the U.S.) opinion, it is found in disturbed areas in every state in the lower 48 except Colorado (frankly, it wouldn surprise me if it's not also there), and is also found in most of Canada. Apparently a naturalized population has not yet been found in Hawaii and Alaska.
The most obvious difference between G. carolinianum and the non-native G. dissectum (Cutleaf Geranium) is the color of the blossom, although other differences are noted below.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Glechoma | Glechoma hederacea
(Introduced) | Ground Ivy, Gill-over-the-ground, Haymaids, Creeping Charlie | This introduced plant has small attractive, colorful blossoms, but it is quite invasive, even pushing out other weed plants. It is found in all but 4 of our states.
Its name implies its growth pattern, with the stems trailing along the ground. The stems may be up to 18 inches long, and form roots at the nodes. Large mats of the plant may form. |  |
| Goat's beard | Astilbe biternata
(Native) | Appalachian false goat's beard | Appalachian false goat's beard Polk County, TN |  |
| Goatsbeard | Tragopogon dubius*
(Introduced) | Yellow Salsify, Yellow Goatsbeard, Western Salsify, Wild Oysterplant | Found in 45 states – all but Hawaii, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina – Yellow Salsify is considered an invasive weed in many areas, although apparently with little negative economic impact. The taproot is edible, and is reported to be the reason it was imported into the United States. The reported flavor is reminiscent of oysters, giving it the Wild Oysterplant common name. It was grown in Thomas Jefferson's garden, although from what I can find it was a different Tragopogon species - T. porrifolius. |  |
| Goldenaster | Chrysopsis mariana*
(Native) | Maryland Golden Aster | synonym: Heterotheca mariana
Maryland Golden Aster grows to about 2.5 feet tall. Stem l eaves are alternate, but there may be a basal rosette of petioled leaves. Long hairs on the stems and to an extent on the leaves make the plant quite silky, becoming less so as the plant matures, and is less hairy in the lower part. Blooms mid-summer thru fall.
Endangered or Threatened in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. In Pennsylvania there are only about 10 remaining populations in the very southeastern part of the state.
Found in:
AL, DC, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV |  |
| Goldenaster - False | Heterotheca subaxillaris*
(Native) | Camphorweed, Camphor Weed, False Goldenaster | Synonym: Chrysopsis scabra
Some authorities consider Heterotheca subaxillaris to be weedy and/or invasive. Apparently this is with good reason, as the plant is quite variable, even to the point that several authorities have considered it to be several separate species rather than a single species with multiple varieties. The different varieties have a great deal of tolerance to different conditions, allow it to thrive and force out other plants when conditions are difficult. Those that take the position of multiple species (Heterotheca latifolia, Heterotheca psammophila, and Heterotheca subaxillaris) also typically indicate that this H. subaxillaris has a native range limited to the Southeast. There have been studies that have indicated that when planted in similar environments, the morphological differences used to justify species separation are not reliable.
It looks similar to other Heterotheca and Chrysopsis species, but if you handle the plant, especially broken leaves, you'll be able to identify it by the distinct camphor-like aroma (some would call is a smell rather than an aroma.)
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA |  |
| Goldenbanner | Thermopsis fraxinifolia
(Native) | Ashleaf Goldenbanner | Ashleaf Goldenbanner, Polk County, TN May 30, 2004 |  |
| Goldenbanner | Thermopsis montana*
(Native) | Mountain Goldenbanner, Mountain Thermopsis, False Lupin, Golden pea, Buckbean | Thermopsis montana is one of 10 Thermopsis species in the United States, although some authorities include it in the very similar T. rhombifolia (Prairie Thermopsis.) T. montana is the more western of these two species, with Montana being the only state having both species.
Thermopsis gracilis is another similar species which is found in the same range in the western United States. Based on my research it may be a less common species, and may be more branching. Since I'm no expert, it is possible that this is T. gracilis rather than T. montana.
Found in:
AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Goldenrod | Solidago flexicaulis*
(Native) | Zigzag Goldenrod, Broadleaf Goldenrod | One of the woodland goldenrods. ‘Zigzag’ common name, and probably the species name ‘flexicaulis’ come from the slight change in direction the stem takes at many of the leaf nodes, especially the upper ones.
Solidago flexicaulis is listed as Threatened in Rhode Island. |  |
| Goldenrod | Solidago altissima*
(Native) | Tall Goldenrod, Late Goldenrod, Canada Goldenrod | Goldenrods are notoriously difficult to identify to a particular species, so make sure you don't rely on a single source for your identification information. This could easily have been listed as Solidago canadensis rather than Solidago altissima because not only is it a fairly close match for either, but S. altissima is listed as a variety of S. canadensis by some authorities. However, the USDA Plants Database lists S. altissima as a separate species, and the University of Tennessee Fungus Herbarium has a reference to a fungus found on S. altissima in Cade’s Cove in 1939. The Audubon eastern wildflowers book also treats it as a separate species, and lists it as blooming into November. Since the UT Herbarium only lists var glabra in S. canadensis in Tennessee (including Sevier County, where these specimens were photographed), and I have chosen to treat it as a separate species, I have listed this as S. altissima. More details on the identifying characteristics along with the accompanying photographs. |  |
| Goldenseal | Hydrastis canadensis*
(Native) | Goldenseal, orangeroot | Goldenseal has much medicinal usage, and due to the commercial exploitation is becoming rarer. It is listed as Endangered, Threatened, or of Special Concern in 12 of the 27 states in which it is found, including Georgia, where these photos were taken. |  |
| Green Violet | Hybanthus concolor*
(Native) | Green Violet, Eastern Greenviolet | USDA lists 4 species of Hybanthus in the United States. Two are found in only a single state (H. attenuatus in Arizona, and H. linearifolius in Florida). H. verticillatus (Babyslippers) is found in six mid- to southwestern states. The species here, photographed in Georgia, has the widest distribution, being found in most of the eastern half of the United States. It is also found in Ontario, Canada.
Another species, H. parviflorus, is not native to the United States but was found in Georgia in 1998 and identified as that Argentinian species; this species was also found in New Jersey in the 19th century, but has not been identified there since. There are many other species worldwide in the Hybanthus genus, but there is consideration to splitting Hybanthus into two genera - Hybanthus with only a few species (H. concolor remaining) and a much larger genus, Pombalia.
Hybanthus concolor is classified as follows: Connecticut - Special Concern, Florida - Endangered, Iowa - Threatened, New Jersey - Endangered.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Groundcherry | Physalis virginiana*
(Native) | Virginia Groundcherry, Ground Cherry, Lanceleaf Groundcherry, Hog Plum, Husk Tomato | There are 29 species of Physalis found in the United States in 2012 according to the USDA Plants Database. At least one species is found in every state except Alaska, although neither of the species found in Hawaii (P. philadelphica and P. peruviana) are native to the United States. The species presented here, Physalis virginiana, is one of the more widely distributed species, being found throughout the middle and eastern United States and Canada except for Florida, Rhode Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. It is classified as Endangered in New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Found in:
AL, AR, CO, CT, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Hawksbeard | Crepis intermedia*
(Native) | Limestone Hawksbeard, Smallflower Hawksbeard | This was one of the more difficult identifications I've done, and even now, after hours of research, I'm not certain I've got this correct as Crepis intermedia. I pretty quickly identified the plant in my photos and memory as a member of the Crepis genus, using my copy of Idaho Mountain Wildflowers and a quick search on the Internet to get a closer blossom photo. But there are 25 species of Crepis found in the United States, with nine of them found in Idaho, where I photographed this plant. Unfortunately, most of the species of Crepis are very similar in appearance, especially to the untrained, unacquainted eye such as mine.
Some species had a characteristic that quickly eliminated it from my short-list (or not-so-short list) of nine species - C. bakerii has reddish stems, for example. So, armed with understanding of variances within a species, it came down to comparing a lot of photos on the Internet with mine - most from CalPhoto - and a couple of key characteristis – leaf shape, and hair configuration. Some species were eliminated from contention because the shape of the leaf lobes weren't deep enough, such as that on C. occidentalis. Combining those features with another key differentiator – glandular hairs – finally brought me to the Crepis intermedia decision. And since there are other species with glandular hairs, and the hairs on C. intermedia are not always glandular, that leaves me with one of my lower confidence levels in this being an accurate identification. Caveat emptor! |  |
| Hawkweed | Hieracium venosum*
(Native) | Rattlesnake Weed, Rattlesnake Hawkweed, Veiny Hawkweed | is listed as Endangered in Maine. Officially listed as a noxious weed in Washington state, even though the USDA doesn't list it as being found in Washington State. The fact that it is listed as a noxious weed in that state implies that it is indeed found there, and it is listed for neighboring British Columbia, so I'm including it in Washington's list here on USWildflowers.com. I suspect that with this being a disjunct location – Hieracium venosum is an eastern species – that the British Columbia and Washington populations are not native.
Found in:
AL, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WV |  |
| Hawkweed | Hieracium aurantiacum*
(Introduced) | Orange Hawkweed, Devil’s Paintbrush | This non-native species is listed as a noxious weed in five states. Hieracium aurantiacum is found in most of the northern United States from coast to coast, and a number of southern states as well. It is also found in much of Canada.
Found in:
AK, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Heath | Leiophyllum buxifolium
(Native) | Mountain Myrtle, Sand Myrtle | Tiny blossoms atop branches with tiny succulent leaves
Found in:
GA, KY, NC, NJ, PA, SC, TN |  |
| Hedge Parsley | Torilis arvensis*
(Introduced) | Spreading Hedge Parsley, Field Hedge Parsley, Common Hedge Parsley | Torilis arvensis, which has the USDA national common name of Spreading Hedge Parsley, is also known as Field Hedge Parsley and as Common Hedge Parsley. It is introduced in the United States, native only to British Columbia in North America. Even though it has spread widely in the United States due to the sticky bur seeds, it apparently does not crowd out native species too aggressively, because it is listed as an obnoxious weed in only one state - Washington, which is, of course, right across the border from BC, where it is native.
Torilis japonica is a very similar species, and is in fact listed as a synonym of T. arvensis at the Department of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt University. However, the USDA lists it as a separate species, as does Dr. John Hilty over at IllinoisWildflowers.info. According to Dr. Hilty, the primary difference between the plants is that T. japonica has about 8 linear bracts at the base of each compound umbel. This feature is missing in T. arvensis. |  |
| Hempvine | Mikania scandens*
(Native) | Climbing Hempweed, Climbing Boneset | There are only two Mikania (Hempvine) species found in the United States outside of Puerto Rico. Mikania cordifolia, Florida Keys Hempvine, is found in the very deep south, and the species presented here, Mikania scandens. Mikania scandens is found in swampy woods, damp ditches, pond margins, and wet creeksides throughout most of the eastern United States from Texas to Maine, and has also been introduced into Ontario, Canada.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA |  |
| Hepatica | Hepatica nobilis*
(Native) | Sharp-lobed Hepatica | Anemone acutiloba is one of several synonyms for Hepatica nobilis var acuta, sharp-lobed hepatica. Round-lobed hepatica was previously categorized as Anemone hepatica, but has now been reclassified as a variety of H. nobilis - Hepatica nobilis var obtusa. All this is according to the USDA Plants Database. I bet other authorities will give you a different classification; there are at least 8 synonyms for the two varieties of H. nobilis.
Sharp-Lobed Hepatica is listed as "Threatened" in Connecticut, "Endangered" in Florida, and of "Special Concern" in Rhode Island. According to USDA, it is "Possibly Extirpated" in Maine.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Hogpeanut | Amphicarpaea bracteata*
(Native) | American Hogpeanut | This thin-stemmed twisting vine is the only species in the Amphicarpaea genus, a member of the Pea family. It twists around other plants and on fences, reaching up to 6 feet in length.
This plant produces flowers along the stem/vine, shown on these pages, and also at the base of the stem. These basal flowers produce an edible bean-like fruit, which apparently can be quite tasty when cooked. Sometimes these fruits develop underground, similarly to a peanut. |  |
| Honeysuckle | Lonicera sempervirens*
(Native) | Trumpet Honeysuckle | Grundy County, TN, 05/25/2008 |  |
| Honeysuckle | Lonicera japonica*
(Introduced) | Japanese Honeysuckle | Non-native, imported from Asia as an ornamental, this lovely, fragrant vine is well-established in 38 states, and is listed as a noxious weed in two, plus is banned from cultivation in New Hampshire. |  |
| Honeysuckle | Lonicera fragrantissima*
(Introduced) | Sweet Breath of Spring, Fragrant Honeysuckle, Winter Honeysuckle, January Jasmine | This non-native is one of the bush honeysuckles. Most of the native honeysuckles are vines; this one is a bush with arching stems to 10 feet tall.
This is a very early-blooming plant, sometimes as early as January in the warmer parts of its range. In some areas it is given the common name January Jasmine, which is the same name as is given to Jasminum nudiflorum. The latter is in the olive family rather than the honeysuckle family. Both plants bloom at about the same time, and L. fragrantissima blossoms fade to yellow as they age, which may lead to some confusion between the species. However, L. fragrantissimaJasminum nudiflorum has none.
According to TexasInvasives.org, L. fragrantissima was introduced from Asia in the 1700s and 1800s. Since it is currently listed in only 13 states, it does not appear to be as dramatically invasive as its cousin, Lonicera japonica – Japanese honeysuckle – which is in 39 states. However, my observation of the plant is in a county in Tennessee (Hamilton) that is not included in the official distributions lists, so it is likely that it is more widespread than much documentation implies. L. fragrantissima is an eastern species in the US, being found west of the Mississippi only in Utah and Louisiana.
Found in:
AL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, UT, VA |  |
| Honeysuckle | Lonicera flava
(Native) | Yellow Honeysuckle, Pale Yellow Honeysuckle | One of our native honeysuckles, this vine prefers upland rocky forests, bluffs, and streamsides. There is some stiffness to the stems, so it may also appear as a small shrub.
Similar species are L. dioica and L. reticulata.
Endangered in Illinois, Special Concern in Tennessee, critically imperiled in Kansas, Presumed Extirpated in Ohio. |  |
| Honeysuckle | Lonicera utahensis*
(Native) | Utah Honeysuckle, Red Twinberry, and Fly Honeysuckle | This native honeysuckle is found in the mountains of 8 western states and western Canada, up to the treeline. It is a perennial shrub growing up to about 6 feet high, blooming in late spring to early summer.
Found in:
AZ, ID, MT, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Horse Gentian | Triosteum angustifolium*
(Native) | Yellow Horse Gentian, Yellowfruit Horsegentian, Narrow-leaved Horse-gentian, Lesser Horse-gentian, Yellow Tinkers Weed | There are three species in Triosteum found in the United States, with the westernmost distribution being in Kansas. All three of these are widely distributed in the east and south. Triosteum angustifolium is a bit more of a southern species than the other two. That is exemplified by the fact that the places where it is Endangered are more northern states - Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, TN, TX, VA, WV |  |
| Horsebalm | Collinsonia verticillata*
(Native) | Whorled Horsebalm, Early Stoneroot | Collinsonia currently has 4 recognized species, although there have been as many as 10 in the past. This implies significant variation within some species.
Found in nine mostly southeastern states (AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, OH, SC, TN, VA), Collinsonia verticillata is listed as endangered in Ohio and Kentucky. |  |
| Horsetail | Equisetum laevigatum
(Native) | Smooth Horsetail, Smooth Scouring Rush | The genus name Equisetum comes from the latin words for “horse” and “bristle.” Equisetum laevigatum is a fern rather than a flowering plant, but I believe it deserves a place on these pages. It reproduces by spores and and spreads by rhizomes. Found throughout most of the United States except the most northeastern and southeastern states, Smooth Horsetail is Endangered in New York. It is usually found in wet areas, although it may also occasionally be found on drier ground.
Found in:
AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY |  |
| Hound's tongue | Cynoglossum virginianum
(Native) | Wild Comfrey | Woodland wildflower of late spring. There are eight species in the Cynoglossum genus found in the US, three of which are native to North America - C. grande (CA, OR, WA), C. occidentale (CA, OR), and this species, C. virginianum, with one of the two varieties of the species found in most of the eastern half of the U.S. - 34 states.
Wild Comfrey is at risk in 9 states:
- Connecticut: Special Concern
- Florida: Endangered
- Maine: Endangered
- New Hampshire: Endangered
- New Jersey: Endangered
- New York: Endangered
- Ohio: Presumed Extirpated
- Pennsylvania: extirpated
- Vermont: Threatened
|  |
| Hound's tongue | Cynoglossum officinale*
(Introduced) | Houndstongue, Hound's Tongue, Gypsyflower | c.Found in all but 7 states (and most of Canada), Cynoglossum officinale is listed as a noxious weed in Colorado, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. |  |
| Hydrangea | Hydrangea arborescens*
(Native) | Wild Hydrangea | Wild Hyndrangea is listed as endangered in both Florida and New York.
|  |
| Hydrangea | Hydrangea quercifolia*
(Native) | Oakleaf Hydrangea | A native species in the United States, Oakleaf Hydrangea is found in the wild only in the eight southeastern states – Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as the District of Columbia. You're likely to see it in other states, however, because it started gaining popularity as a garden plant in the late 20th century. Several showy cultivars are available. The natural, native plant, which has more of the large white florets than the other native wild hydrangeas, is quite attractive as a yard shrub. I've noticed quite a number of them growing in yards on Lookout Mountain in Tennessee and Georgia.
It is a shrub that can grow quite large, as tall as 8' or 10' (some reports of 25'), and its many branches growing from the base can spread to cover a wider area than it is tall.
Found in:
AL, DC, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN
|  |
| Indian Cucumber Root | Medeola virginiana*
(Native) | Indian Cucumber Root | Indian Cucumber Root, Big Frog Trail, Polk County TN 05/09/2009 and 05/30/2004 |  |
| Indian Paintbrush | Castilleja covilleana*
(Native) | Rocky Mountain Indian Paintbrush, Coville Indian Paintbrush | Rocky Mountain Paintbrush is one of the red Indian Paintbrushes, although it can occasionally be orange or even yellow. It is found commonly in Idaho, but in no other states except very rarely in Montana. It is a leafy, hairy plant, up to about a foot high. A. Scott Earle, in Idaho Mountain Wildflowers, describes it as “spidery.” It is very similar to Northwestern Indian Paintbrush, Castilleja angustifolia, and frankly I'm not certain I have this ID correct. That's due to the similarity of the two species, and because the USDA does not list C. covilleana in Ada County, ID, where I photographed this plant. However, it does list C. angustifolia in Ada County. However, Northwestern Indian Paintbrush seems to be a more erect plant, being up to 18 inches tall, and Jepsen describes angustifolia as having up to 5 lobes on the leaf. The Montana Field Guides website, operated by the Montana state government, says C. covilleana can have up to 7 lobes on the leaves, and I have found at least one leaf (and I think more) in my photos of this plant with 7 lobes. The middle, terminal lobe of the leaf will be almost as narrow as the lateral lobes. The hairs on the plant in my photos also seems fitting with the long, soft hairs described for C. covilleana.
Found in:
ID, MT |  |
| Indian Pipe | Monotropa uniflora*
(Native) | Indian Pipe, Ghost Flower, Ghost Plant | When first seen, Indian Pipe seems more like a mushroom or other fungus than like a true flowering plant due to the color - or lack of color. However, it has a stem, bract-like scales in place of leaves, and a single flower at the end of the stem. The single flower gives it the species epithet - uniflora - which is a key difference between this species and Monotropa hypopitys the only other species in the Montropa genus. Monotropa hypopitys (Pinesap) has multiple flowers in a cluster on each stem.
Indian Pipe has roots through which it gathers its nourishment. The plant lacks chlorophyll but instead gets its nutrients through a mutually beneficial relationship with a fungus in the soil where it grows.
Found in:
AK, AL, AR, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV |  |
| Indian Plantain | Arnoglossum reniforme*
(Native) | Great Indian Plantain | Great Indian Plantain is 3 to 9 feet tall, with basal and stem leaves which are palmately lobed. The leaves can be huge. The blossoms have white disk flowers only, with 10 to 20 blossoms per terminal cluster. The involucre bracts are greenish white.
The only Indian Plantain in the area where these photos were taken with palmately lobed leaves are A. atriplicifolium and A. reniforme. The identification as A. reniforme is based on the distinct ribbing on the stems, which is 'slight' on A. atriplicifolium, and the fact that the stems in this specimen are not glaucous. The leaves also are a darker green than in Pale Indian Plantain. Unfortunately I did not photograph the underside of the leaves, nor did I make notes as to whether they were glaucous or not, as they are in A. atriplicifolium, and are not glaucous in A. reniforme. |  |
| Indian Strawberry | Duchesnea indica*
(Introduced) | Indian Strawberry, India Mockstrawberry | Indian Strawberry is a prone, creeping plant which produces roots at the leaf nodes. It produces red strawberry-like fruits, but they are tasteless (but also harmless.) Because of the fruit, it could be confused with wild strawberry, but that plant has white blossoms. It is also similar to Dwarf Cinquefoil, which has 5 leaflets instead of the 3 leaflets of Indian Strawberry. Duchesnea indica was introduced from India. The relationship to cinquefoil (both in the rose family) is emphasized by an effort to have it reclassified as Potentilla indica, based on a genetic study published in 2002. So far it appears that most authoritative sources have retained the old classification. |  |
| Ipomopsis | Ipomopsis aggregata*
(Native) | Scarlet Gilia, Scarlet Skyrocket, Scarlet Trumpet, Skunk Flower | The Ipomopsis genus name is from Greek for Striking Appearance (ipoo + opsis.) The Scarlet Gilia common name results from the significant amount of time it was classified in the Gilia genus as Gilia aggregata. The Gilia genus is named for Italian clergyman and naturalist Filippo Luigi Gilii. swcoloradowildflowers.com has a good biographical sketch of Mr. Gilii.
Ipomopsis gilia has been bounced around in several different genuses (all within the Phlox family) and even recently some authorities still classified it in three different species. Most authorities now seem to have agreed upon this single species classification, but with several different subspecies still being used. As is the case with so many other western plant species, Scarlet Gilia was collected by Lewis and Clark in 1806 on their famous expedition, finding it in what is now northern Idaho.
The Primary pollinators are hummingbirds (attracted more to the red form) and long-tongued moths, who seem to be attracted more by the unpleasant odor of the plant. This unpleasant odor gives it the "Skunk Flower" common name sometimes applied.
Found in:
AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OK, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Iris | Iris cristata*
(Native) | Crested Dwarf Iris | |  |
| Iris | Iris verna*
(Native) | Dwarf Violet Iris, Vernal Iris, Spring Iris | Vernal Iris (USDA common name is Dwarf Violet Iris) leaves are up to about 4 to 5 inches tall, with the large, colorful blossom being predominant above the leaves during the blooming season – mid to late spring.
Iris verna is listed as endangered in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and threatened in Ohio. |  |
| Iris | Iris domestica*
(Introduced) | Blackberry Lily, Leopard Flower, Leopard Lily | Introduced from Asia, Iris domestica escaped from cultivation and apparently naturalized fairly quickly since Augustin Gattinger, a Tennessee botanist from the 19th century, believed it to be a native species. This was previously classified as Belamcanda chinensis, the only species in the genus Belamcanda, but recent molecular studies have resulted in the reclassification into the Iris genus as Iris domestica.
"Blackberry" in the common name comes from the tight clusters of dark seeds the plant produces.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Iris | Iris pseudacorus*
(Introduced) | Yellow Flag Iris, Paleyellow Iris, Yellow Iris, Water Flag | Iris pseudacorus is a species brought in from Europe as a decorative plant for its attractive yellow flowers, escaped, and has established itself well in wet areas throughout much of North America. Think cattails for the habitat in which it grows. It has been used as a plant in natural sewage treatment since it can remove metals from waste water. Its propagation is restricted as an invasive weed in a number of states ranging from Massachusetts to Washington and California.
Found in:
AL, AR, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV |  |
| Ironweed | Vernonia gigantea*
(Native) | Tall Ironweed, Giant Ironweed, Ironweed | One or more species of Ironweed is found in 40 of the 50 states. Vernonia gigantea is one of the more widespread species, being found in 25 states. As the name implies, it can be a tall species, up to 10 feet. The purple flowers bloom in August and on into November. |  |
| Jack-in-the-Pulpit | Arisaema triphyllum*
(Native) | Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Indian Turnip, Jack in the Pulpit, | Jack-in-the-Pulpit usually has a single leaf with 3 leaflets on a stem from 12 to 36 inches tall, usually less than 2 feet. The tiny flowers are on a spike (spadix) which is encircled by a leaf-like spathe on a separate stem from the leaf. These stems separate at or near ground level. The spathe is green or purple and is usually striped. |  |
| Jack-in-the-Pulpit | Arisaema triphyllum ssp. quinatum*
(Native) | Prester John, Jack-in-the-Pulpit | In my VERY limited observation there are notable differences between this plant, Arisaema triphyllum ssp. quinatum, and Arisaema triphyllum ssp. triphyllum and other subspecies of
Arisaema. The most easily noticed difference is that ssp. quinatum has the
appearance of having 5 leaflets while all the other subspecies clearly have three.
The few individuals I have observed also implies that quinatum blooms later, the spathe is smaller relative to the flowering stalk height, and the spadix is thinner than in subspecies triphyllum. Subspecies quinatum is also found much less frequently than subspecies triphyllum, as well as having a much narrower distribution in North America, limited to several southeastern states.
synonym: Arisaema quinatum |  |
| Jimsonweed | Datura stramonium*
(Introduced) | Jimsonweed, Jamestown Weed, Mad Apple, Moon Flower, Stinkwort, Thorn Apple, Devil's Trumpet | This purple-stemmed, introduced species is found in every state in the United States except Alaska and Wyoming, and is also found in much of Canada, and indeed throughout warm and moderate regions of the entire world. It is a banned weed in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, and is listed as an invasive by authoritative sources in most of the United States. In addition to being invasive, it is toxic, with the level of toxicity varying from plant to plant, and even from day to day in the same plant. Ingestion can be fatal. Toxicity is a common feature of plants in the Solanaceae (Nightshade / Potato) family.
The name Jimsonweed, a variant of Jamestown weed, originated because British soldiers were drugged with it near Jamestown, Virginia in 1675 by local farmers during Bacon's Rebellion, an inauspicious page in North American history, about which I had no knowledge until researching this plant.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV |  |
| Joe Pye Weed | Eutrochium fistulosum*
(Native) | Hollow Joe Pye Weed, Trumpetweed, Tubular Thoroughwort, Hollow-stemmed Joe-pye-weed | There are several species that go by the common name Joe Pye Weed. All of them were previously classified in the Eupatorium genus (Thoroughworts); Hollow Joe Pye Weed was Eupatorium fistulosum However, three of the species have recently been reclassified into their own genus, Eupatoriadelphus. I'm sure there was good reason for this reclassification, but it certainly adds to the name confusion.
Hollow Joe Pye Weed is found in 30 of our eastern/southern states. There is much overlap between E. fistulosus and the other 2 species; E. dubius is found on the eastern seaboard, and E. maculatus (Spotted Joe Pye Weed) is the most widespread species, found in 36 states and most of Canada.
Maine – Special Concern; Michigan – Threatened; New Hampshire – Endangered. Some consider it to be a weed. |  |
| Joe Pye Weed | Eutrochium maculatum*
(Native) | Spotted Joe Pye Weed, Purple Boneset, Spotted Trumpetweed | There are several species that go by the common name Joe Pye Weed. All of them were previously classified in the Eupatorium genus (Thoroughworts); Spotted Joe Pye Weed was Eupatorium maculatum. However, three of the species were relatively recently been reclassified into their own genus, Eupatoriadelphus, which has more recently been renamed Eutrochium and had two more species added. I'm sure there was good reason for this reclassification, but it certainly adds to the name confusion.
Spotted Joe Pye weed is the most widespread of the Eutrochium species, being found in 36 states (BONAP shows only 35.) (E. steelie is the least widespread, found only in 4 states.)
Found in:
AZ, CO, CT, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Kittentails | Synthyris missurica*
(Native) | Tailed Kittentails, Mountain Kittentails, Mountain Kittentoes | Synthyris species are found only in eight northwestern states, in Alaska, and in northwestern Canada. There are three subspecies of Synthyris missurica - ssp. hirsuta, found only in Oregon, ssp. stellata, found in Oregon and Washington, and the one presented here, ssp. missurica, found in those two states as well as northern California, Idaho, and Montana. It should be noted that ITIS lists a major subspecies, and does not accept the hirsuta subspecies. In the southern end of its range Synthyris missurica is found only in higher elevations. It is an early blooming plant, shortly following snow melt, or even while some snow is still on the ground.
Synthyris missurica is one of many species that have been moved out of the Scrophulariaceae family (figworts.) It has been moved to family Plantaginaceae (Plantains,) one of several families receiving species from the disintegrating Figwort family.
Found in:
CA, ID, MT, OR, WA |  |
| Knapweed | Centaurea cyanus*
(Introduced) | Bachelor’s Button, Bluebottle, Cornflower, Garden Cornflower | This introduced species was brought over to North America as an ornamental by immigrants from Europe, and is commonly cultivated. It is now found wild in every state except Alaska, and is also found in most of Canada. It is considered weedy or invasive by some authorities.
In its native southern Europe, this flower grows among the grainfield, giving it the "Cornflower" common name.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Kudzu | Pueraria montana*
(Introduced) | Kudzu | Originally imported from Japan in 1876 in a effort to fight erosion, this plant is one of our earlier ecological nightmares, especially in the southeastern United States. Up until the early 1950s farmers were encouraged to plant Kudzu as a ground cover in area subject to erosion. Due to its extremely invasive nature, It is now recognized and officially listed as a noxious weed in many states. |  |
| Ladyslipper | Cypripedium acaule*
(Native) | Pink Ladyslipper, Moccasin Flower
| This member of the orchid family has a solitary blossom on a hairy stem arising from two or sometimes three elliptical glossy, dark green, ribbed, hairy basal leaves. The "acaule" species epithet refers to the fact that there are no stem leaves - all other Ladyslipper species have stem - cauline - leaves. |  |
| Larkspur | Delphinium tricorne*
(Native) | Dwarf Larkspur, Spring Larkspur | Delphinium tricorne is a woodland wildflower of mid to late spring. The plant will usually be 18 to 30 inches tall, unlike some of its cousins which might be up to six feet tall. The spurred blossoms are blue, white, or both blue and white.
All of the larkspurs are poisonous. |  |
| Laurel | Kalmia latifolia
(Native) | Mountain Laurel | Mountain Laurel is a shrub found in most states east of the Mississippi River. |  |
| Leafcup | Polymnia canadensis
(Native) | Whiteflower Leafcup | aka Smallflower Leafcup. The Pocket at Pigeon Mountain, Walker County, GA 06/06/2009 |  |
| Leafcup | Smallanthus uvedalius*
(Native) | Hairy Leafcup, Bear's Foot, Yellow Leafcup, Uvedalia | Tall leafy plant with VERY large leaves and yellow flowers with typical aster family structure - ray flowers and disk flowers. Leaves are opposing. The occasional branches seem to arise from the leaf axils.
Synonym: Polymnia uvedalia, which seems to be in more common use than what is now the new classification, Smallanthus uvedalius. This is the only species in the the Smallanthus genus listed in the USDA Plants Database, although the Missouri Botanical Gardens TROPICOS database list 26 species in the genus. I suspect the other 25 species are not found in the United States.
Uvedalia has been used for medicinal purposes, including treatment of rheumatism and hair loss.
The species is listed as Endangered in New York and New Jersey, and as Threatened in Michigan, where it has legal protection. |  |
| Leather Flower | Clematis terniflora*
(Introduced) | Sweet Autumn Clematis, Sweet Autumn Virginsbower, Leatherleaf Clematis, Yam-leaved Clematis | Sweet Autumn Clematis is a non-native climbing vine with sweet-smelling white blossoms. Sweet Autumn Virginsbower is the USDA "national common name."
According to the Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council it can be weedy or invasive, and that is also my personal observation.
Found in:
AL, AR, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WV |  |
| Leather Flower | Clematis viorna*
(Native) | Leather Vasevine, Leather Flower, Vasevine | Clematis viorna is a vine that is grows to around 20 feet long. Primarily a southeastern species, it is listed as endangered in Illinois and Pennsylvania. |  |
| Leather Flower | Clematis ligusticifolia*
(Native) | Western Clematis, Western White Clematis, Western Virgin's Bower, Creek Clematis, Old Man's Beard, Pepper Vine | This is the Virgin's Bower found most frequently in the western parts of the U.S. and Canada, growing in a variety of habitats. The plant may be toxic if ingested, and can cause skin irritations. According to Flora of North America, "Infusions prepared from the plants of Clematis ligusticifolia were used medicinally by Native Americans as a wash for skin eruptions, a lotion for backaches or swollen limbs, and a lotion to protect one against witches; stems and leaves were chewed to treat colds and sore throats; decoctions of leaves were also used as a wash and for stomachaches and cramps; and lathers of leaves were used to treat boils on humans and on animals (D. E. Moerman 1986)."
Found in:
AZ, CA, CO, ID, KS, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, PA, SD, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Leather Flower | Clematis hirsutissima*
(Native) | Vase-flower, Sugarbowl, Leather-flower, Hairy Clematis | When I saw this flower in the campground at Ponderosa State Park I immediately thought of Clematis viorna due to the shape of the flower, except that unlike C. viorna this plant is not a vine - all my prior Clematis experience - and it is hairy - the blossom of C. viorna is smooth and leathery. I then thought maybe this is Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum), but a quick look in my copy of Idaho Mountain Wildflowers - A. Scott Earle confirmed the Clematis connection - Clematis hirsutissima. There are two varieties of this species - var. hirsutissima and var. scottii. The one presented here is var. hirsutissima.
Found in:
AZ, CO, ID, MT, NE, NM, OK, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Leather Flower | Clematis occidentalis*
(Native) | Western Virgin’s Bower, Western Blue Virginsbower, Mountain Clematis, Purple Clematis, Purple Virgin's-bower | Clematis occidentalis is a viny plant which carries its violet blue to purple (occasionally white) blossoms between mid spring and early summer. It is one of two species in the Atragene subgenus of Clematis, the other being Clematis columbiana. It seems the primary visual difference between the species is the trifoliate leaf form, with C. columbiana being 2-3 ternate, while C. occidentalis is 1-ternate. Also the margins of C. columbiana are usually serrate, while those of C. occidentalis are either entire or may be toothed. These small differences result in what is apparently a frequent incorrect identification in the western states where the ranges of the two species overlap. Of course, it is possible that I have incorrectly identified it here.
There are three varieties of Clematis occidentalis: var. grosseserrata is found only in the western U.S. and Canada, var. occidentalis is found only in tje eastern U.S. and Canada, and var. dissecta which is found only in Washington state. Var. occidentalis is pretty rare, and is listed in the following Illinois (Endangered), Maine (Special Concern), Maryland (Endangered), Massachusetts (Special Concern), Ohio (Presumed Extirpated), and Rhode Island (Endangered.)
Found in:
CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IL, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Lespedeza | Lespedeza cuneata
(Introduced) | Sericea Lespedeza | There are native lespedeza species in the United States, but L. cuneata is an introduced species. |  |
| Lettuce | Lactuca canadensis*
(Native) | Wild Lettuce, Canada Lettuce | Tall plant with milky sap and yellow flowers. Leaves usually lobed, especially the lower leaves, but that is not always the case. Some authorities recognize multiple varieties, primarily based on leaf shape. Similar to non-native species Lactuca serrata, but that plant has prickles on the foliage.
Akin to garden lettuce, the young leaves are edible either in salads or cooked; slightly bitter. |  |
| Lettuce | Lactuca floridana
(Native) | Woodland Lettuce, Florida Blue Lettuce, False Lettuce | Branching plant with loose cluster of small blue flowers. Lower leaves lobed, alternate; upper leaves lanceolate, entire or toothed.
Officially listed as Threatened in Michigan and as Endangered in New York, the New York City Wildflower Week reports to me that in New York it is found in a single site in the Bronx Borough. |  |
| Lettuce | Lactuca serriola*
(Introduced) | Prickly Lettuce, China Lettuce | A species introduced from Eurasia, this plant has established itself in every state except for Alaska |  |
| Lily of the Valley | Convallaria majuscula*
(Native) | American Lily of the Valley | Lily of the Valley - American. Off Big Frog Trail on Chimneytop, Polk County TN.
This plant is considered poisonous, but it is reported to contain cardio glycosides, compounds that will strengthen the heart under carefully controlled dosing. |  |
| Lionsheart | Physostegia virginiana*
(Native) | Obedient Plant, False Dragonhead, Obedience | Physostegia virginiana is found in moist sunny areas in much of the eastern and central United States, as well as eastern Canada. It is protected in Rhode Island (Special Concern) and Vermont (Threatened.)
The attractive blossoms last well when cut. They have been used in flower arrangements and stay in position when moved, resulting in the Obedient Plant common name. They bloom in mid to late summer.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| | | | Advert:
| |
| Lobelia | Lobelia puberula*
(Native) | Downy Lobelia | Downy Lobelia |  |
| Lobelia | Lobelia cardinalis*
(Native) | Cardinal Flower, Scarlet Lobelia | This is the showiest of our Lobelia species with the bright red blossoms. I originally thought the "Cardinal" name came from the bird, but according to Wildflowers Of Tennessee, The Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians, the name comes from the robes which Catholic Cardinals wear, which are this same color of crimson. |  |
| Lobelia | Lobelia inflata*
(Native) | Inflated Lobelia, Indian Tobacco | Small plant with tiny 1/4-inch flowers white to bluish flowers. While the common name Indian Tobacco implies that it was used for smoking, there are reports that the plant should be considered toxic. However, according to Guido Mase of The Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism,it is an "important remedy: allays spasm, anti-asthmatic, useful to quit tobacco." I assume that this information from Guido implies a specific knowledge of how to properly use the herb. |  |
| Lobelia | Lobelia siphilitica*
(Native) | Great Blue Lobelia | The species epithet is because at one time it was believed the plant was used by native American to treat syphilis. Ingestion of the root can cause vomiting. It should be considered poisonous.
References:
* Wildflowers of Tennesse by Jack B. Carman
* National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers Eastern |  |
| Lobelia | Lobelia spicata*
(Native) | Palespike Lobelia | Found in most states except the far west, Palespike Lobelia grows 1 to 4 feet tall, with alternating lanceolate leaves that are short relative to the height of the plant. |  |
| Lousewort | Pedicularis canadensis
(Native) | Wood Betony; Canadian Lousewort | Canadian Lousewort is found throughout the eastern 2/3 of the United States and Canada, all the way down into northern Florida. It has long been considered as having medicinal properties. |  |
| Maidenhair Fern | Adiantum pedatum
(Native) | Northern Maidenhair, Five-Fingered Maidenhair Fern | While not a flowering plant, the beauty of Maidenhair Fern warrants a place on this website. There are 28 species of Adiantum - Maidenhair Fern - in the United States (200 worldwide,) but only 3 with wide distribution - A. aleucitum - a western species (sometimes classified as a subspecies of A. pedatum), A. Adiantum capillus-veneris - found mostly in the southern part of the United States, and this species, A. pedatum - Northern Maidenhair Fern, which is found in most of the eastern 2/3 of the country. |  |
| Maple | Acer rubrum
(Native) | Red Maple, Swamp Maple, Soft Maple | There are 129 species in the Acer genus, but less than 20 are native to North America. Red Maple is found in 33 states across the eastern half of the United States. This tree can get to be 60 feet tall, and has beautiful red flowers in late winter or early spring, and beautiful yellow, red, or red & yellow leaves in the fall. |  |
| Mariposa Lily | Calochortus bruneaunis*
(Native) | Bruneau Mariposa Lily, Pinyon Mariposa | (I had previously identified this as Calochortus eurycarpus, White Mariposa Lily. Upon further research I have decided it is Calochortus bruneaunis, Bruneau Mariposa Lily.)
Bruneau Mariposa Lily has a striking flower with 3 showy petals and 3 white sepals which are shorter than the petals. The flower is atop a 12 to 18 inch stem. The leaves are basal, linear, and usually wither by the time the plant blooms. |  |
| Mayapple | Podophyllum peltatum*
(Native) | Mayapple | Mayapple |  |
| Mayflower | Maianthemum racemosum*
(Native) | False Solomon's Seal, Feathery False Lily of the Valley, Solomon's Plume | Smilacina racemosa is a synonym of Maianthemum racemosum (L.) Link ssp. racemosum (eastern variety), according to USDA Plants Database, which also lists 'Feathery False Lily of the Valley' as the common name. I think the False Solomons Seal name is more appropriate due to the similarity of the plant to Solomon's Seal, and I also think it is in more common use, at least in the Southeastern U.S.
The members of the Smilacina genus were reclassified into the genus Maianthemum in the late 20th century, based on work by LaFrankie, published in 1986. There is some evidence that there has been some effort to move Maianthemum from the Lily family into the Butcher's Broom family, but it appears that has not been widely accepted. |  |
| Mayflower | Maianthemum stellatum*
(Native) | Starry False Solomon’s Seal, Starry False Lily of the Valley, Starflower False Solomon's Seal Star-flowered Solomon’s Plume | Maianthemum stellatum is officially listed as Endangered or otherwise protected in Arizona, Kentucky, Maryland, and Tennessee. It is found throughout the United States except in the Southeast and in Hawaii, being based in Georgia I had never seen it before a spring visit to Idaho. The most widespread of the five U.S. Maianthemum species (there are 30 worldwide) is M. racemosum, which is found in every state except Hawaii. Some authorities place this plant (along with 3 other Maianthemum) in the Smilacina genus.
Found in:
AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Mayweed | Anthemis cotula
(Introduced) | Mayweed, Stinking Chamomile, Dog Fennel | Anthemis cotula is an introduced species which is now found in every state in the United States in in most of Canada. It can be invasive, and is officially listed as a noxious weed in Colorado and Nevada. |  |
| Mayweed | Matricaria discoidea*
(Introduced) | Pineapple Weed, Wild Chamomile, Rayless Chamomile, Disc Mayweed | Don’t be fooled by the USDA Plants Database map to the right which shows Matricaria discoidea as an introduced plant throughout its range the United States and Canada. That’s because the USDA uses a single classification for the lower 48 states, and in true democratic fashion, the majority has won. This plant is native to the northwestern states (as well as parts of Asia) but after the opening of the west (and discovery of the species) by the Lewis and Clark expedition, has spread outward from those states, and is now found in almost every state in the United States as well as much of Canada.
The plant gets its Pineapple Weed common name comes from the strong scent, when crushed reminiscent of Pineapple. It is reported to be an acceptable plant for making chamomile tea, although another species in the genus, Matricaria chamomilla, is the most commonly used plant for chamomile tea.
Found in:
AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Meadow Beauty | Rhexia mariana
(Native) | Maryland Meadow Beauty, Pale Meadow Beauty | One of our beautiful summer wildflowers. |  |
| Meadow Parsnip | Thaspium barbinode*
(Native) | Hairyjoint Meadow Parsnip | Hairy Meadow Parsnip. Named from stiff hairs at the stem branches on most plants.
Found in:
AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV |  |
| Meadow-rue | Thalictrum thalictroides*
(Native) | Rue Anemone | Low-growing spring wildflower less than a foot tall. Blossoms are pink to pure white with distinctively-shape pistils. |  |
| Meadow-rue | Thalictrum occidentale
(Native) | Western Meadow-rue, Western Meadowrue, Meadow Rue | Thalictrum occidentale is a western species of Meadow Rue, and is found at elevations up to about 10,000 feet.
There is much disagreement over the classification of the species within the Thalictrum genus, as well as difficulty differentiating between some of the species. The plant represented here might be Thalictrum venulosum rather than Thalictrum occidentale - it is difficult to tell without inspecting the seed pods. Some authorities consider Thalictrum confine to be a variety of Thalictrum venulosum, while most currently classify them as separate species.
Found in:
AK, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY |  |
| Melothria | Melothria pendula*
(Native) | Creeping Cucumber, Guadeloupe Cucumber, Squirting Cucumber | While there are about 12 worldwide, there is only 1 species in the Melothria genus in the United States - Melothria pendula. The Cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae) is primarily a family of tropical and subtropical species. Melothria pendula is one of the rare temperate ones, growing in the eastern half of the United States as far north as Illinois, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. It is Threatened in Illinois, Endangered in Maryland, and believed Extirpated in Indiana.
Found in:
AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA |  |
| Milkweed | Asclepias quadrifolia*
(Native) | Fourleaf Milkweed | Fourleaf Milkweed |  |
| Milkweed | Asclepias verticillata*
(Native) | Whorled Milkweed | Asclepias verticillata has the typical milkweed blossom shape, but has very narrow leaves in whorls of 3 to 6 up the stem. The plant is normally erect; this specimen was hanging horizontally over a road bank. |  |
| Milkweed | Asclepias tuberosa*
(Native) | Butterfly Milkweed, Butterfly Weed, Pleurisy Root, Orange Milkweed | Beautiful milkweed with blossoms ranging from red thru orange to yellow. It is threatened/endangered in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. |  |
| Milkweed | Asclepias variegata*
(Native) | White Milkweed, Redring Milkweed, Variegated Milkweed | White Milkweed is a native plant found in much of the eastern half of the United States outside of New England. It is listed as endangered in Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania |  |
| Milkweed | Asclepias syriaca*
(Native) | Common Milkweed, Silkweed | This native milkweed is found in 38 of our 50 states and in much of Canada. It is listed in several weedy or invasive lists, so consider the impact on your area before propagation. In my opinion, it should be allowed to grow unles there is an overriding reason to destroy a plant's population, since milkweed is an important part of the ecosystem, providing food and habitat for many insects.
The milky white, sticky sap is reported to be toxic, but with appropriate preparation, several parts of the plant are reported to be edible, according to Wildflowers Of Tennessee, The Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians
. |  |
| Mimosa | Albizia julibrissin
(Introduced) | Silk Tree, Mimosa | Mimosa tree, backyard Walker County GA 06/03/2004 |  |
| Mimosa | Mimosa microphylla *
(Native) | Sensitive Briar, Littleleaf Sensitive-briar | Thumbnail size flower. Allan Ihrer has suggested that this might be M. nuttallii. USDA, however, does not list that species in Tennessee. I originally identified this as M. quadrivalvis, which is listed both as a synonym of M. nuttallii and M. microphylla, and subsequent investigation indicates M. microphylla is likely the correct identification. |  |
| Mistflower | Conoclinium coelestinum*
(Native) | Blue Mistflower, Wild Ageratum, Mistflower | Branching Aster 1' to 3' tall with opposite, almost triangle-shaped toothed leaves. Blue disk flowers but no ray flowers.
Synonym Eupatorium coelestinum. |  |
| Miterwort | Mitella diphylla
(Native) | Miterwort, Bishop's Cap | The Pocket at Pigeon Mountain, Walker County, GA |  |
| Miterwort | Mitella stauropetala
(Native) | Smallflower Miterwort, Side-flowered miterwort | Smallflower Miterwort is found in 7 northwestern states (CO, ID, MT, OR, UT, WA, WY.) It has basal leaves with unique white blossoms in a raceme thinly populating one side of a stalk that may rise to 30 inches high. |  |
| Mock Orange | Philadelphus lewisii
(Native) | Lewis’ Mock Orange, Indian Arrowhead, Syringa | Syringa (Lewis Mock Orange) is one of 37 species in the Philadelphus - Mock Orange – genus in the U.S. While it is not a true Syringa (the genus name for lilacs,) that name is the one most commonly used name for the plant in Idaho, where it is the state flower. It is a bushy deciduous shrub that can grow more 10 feet high, and is covered with blossoms in spring. |  |
| Monkeyflower | Mimulus guttatus
(Native) | Yellow Monkeyflower, Common Monkeyflower, Seep Monkeyflower | According to the USDA Plants Database, there are 18 subspecies or varieties of Mimulus guttatus, a highly variable plant. This can make it difficult to distinguish from some of the other species, but I’m fairly confident of this identification. It is found throughout much of the western half of the United States, along with a few disjunct populations back east. It grows along streams and in wet areas, even seasonally wet, which gives it the common name “Seep Monkeyflower.”
Found in:
AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, ID, MI, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, NY, OR, PA, SD, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Monkeyflower | Mimulus nanus*
(Native) | Dwarf Purple Mimulus, Dwarf Purple Monkeyflower | Formerly considered monotypic (single species in the family,) in current classifications Phrymaceae is a small plant family with under 200 species (compare to Asteraceae with over 22,000.) Within the past 10 years, based on research by Beardsley & Olmstead (2002), Mimulus and several other genera were placed in Phrymaceae.
Similar species - Mimulus lewisii is much taller and more leafy, with a more elongated corolla tube.
Found in:
CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY |  |
| Morning Glory | Calystegia sepium*
(Native) | Hedge Bindweed, Hedge False Bindweed | Common morning glory found in ditches, fencelines, roadsides. White to pinkish blossom. Elongated arrowhead-shaped leaf.
Note that there are several subspecies of this plant found in the United States, one of which is non-native. I have not identified this to the subspecies, so there is a possibility that this is a non-native rather than native species. Regardless of native or non-native status, several states list Calystegia sepium as a noxious weed.
|  |
| Morning Glory | Ipomoea pandurata*
(Native) | Wild Potato Vine, Man of the Earth, Wild Sweet Potato, Bigroot Morning Glory | This member of the morning glory family, like its cousin the sweet potato, has an edible root - but research it yourself before eating it, and don't eat it raw. |  |
| Morning Glory | Ipomoea coccinea
(Introduced) | Small Red Morning Glory, Redstar, Starflower, Scarlet Morningglory | Twining vine with cordate leaves to 3 inches and small red/scarlet flowers with a red-orange center to the blossom where the petals meet the corolla tube.
As with many species, there is some disagreement in classification. Floridata calls this a native to the eastern United States, while both the USDA and EFlora list it as an introduced species. In either case, it is listed as a noxious weed in Arizona and Arkansas. It is prohibited to cultivate it in Arizona.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV |  |
| Mountain Mint | Pycnanthemum incanum*
(Native) | Hoary Mountain Mint | Upper leaves have whitish tops. Dense flower clusters have coarse hairs making the cluster seem to be matted. Whitish flowers with purple spots. Crushed leaves have a very strong mint aroma. |  |
| Mule Ears | Wyethia helianthoides*
(Native) | White Mule's Ears, White Wyethia, White-rayed Wyethia | The plants of the Wyethia (Mule-ears) genus is found in the western part of the United States. There are 10 classified species, of which two are hybrids. Only three of these are found in Idaho, where these photos are taken. Two of the pure species, Wyethia amplexicaulis and this one, W. Helianthoides, hybridize to form the third classified species found in Idaho, W. Xcusickii.
While White Mule's Ears is a relatively low-growing plant, usually less than 24 inches tall, with the long leaves for which the genus gets its common name being up to 16 inches long. |  |
| Mullein | Verbascum thapsus*
(Introduced) | Common Mullein, Great Mullein | Tall plant with woolly leaves diminishing in size as they alternately rise up the sturdy stem-stalk, which is terminated by a tight cluster of showy yellow flowers. |  |
| Mullein | Verbascum blattaria
(Introduced) | Moth Mullein | Another mullein with showy yellow flowers that you'll frequently see along roadsides throughout most of the United States. |  |
| Mullein Foxglove | Dasistoma macrophylla*
(Native) | Mullein Foxglove, Mullein Seymeria | This is the only species in the Dasistoma genus. It is hemiparasitic – it will attach its roots to the roots of an oak tree and suck moisture and possibly nutrients from the oak. The common name comes from the similarity of the blossom to Mullein and to False Foxglove. The Mullein similarity is what started me looking in the Figwort family for the identification of the plant after I photographed it in Walker County, Georgia. That is the only county in Georgia where the USDA Plants Database has it ilisted. It has a fairly broad distribution, being found in 22 states. It is officially listed as Threatened in Michigan, and of Special Concern in Georgia and Wisconsin.
Synonym: Seymeria macrophylla
Update 07/22/2012: This is another of the species which has been moved from Scrophulariaceae – the Figwort family - into Orobanchaceae – the Broom-rape family. All parasitic members of Scrophulariaceae have been so moved.
Found in:
AL, AR, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, MS, NE, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV |  |
| Nightshade | Solanum carolinense
(Native) | Carolina Horse Nettle, Bull Nettle, Devil's Tomato | Not a true nettle, this is a member of the nightshade genus which includes the garden tomato. The Solanaceae family includes the Irish potato. In spite of the edible cousins, do not eat any part of this plant; as with most nightshades it is highly poisonous.
In spite of being a native plant, the deep-rooted and persistent Solanum carolinense is listed as a noxious weed in 7 of the 44 states where it is found. |  |
| Nightshade | Solanum dulcamara*
(Introduced) | Climbing Nightshade, BIttersweet Nightshade, Woody Nightshade, European Bittersweet, Fellenwort, Blue Nightshade | Introduced from Europe, this plant is now found in much of the United States. It is a member of the Solanaceae family, which contains many edible plants, such as the potato, the tomato, and some peppers, but also includes some quite poisonous plants such as Belladonna (Atropa belladonna.) The Solanum genus itself (the Nightshades) contains potato and tomato, and some parts most plants in the genus (the potato included) are poisonous at different times in their life-cycle. The leaves and unripened berries of Solanum dulcamara are said to be somewhat poisonous, although the bright red, ripened berry is reported to be edible in small quantities - but don’t eat any part of this plant based on my say-so!
Found in:
CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Onion | Allium canadense
(Native) | Wild Garlic, Meadow Garlic | Walker County, GA 05/10/2009 |  |
| Onion | Allium simillimum*
(Native) | Simil Onion, Dwarf Onion | Allium simillimum is not a widely distributed plant, being found only in about half of Idaho and only in a few locations in Montana. I observed only at elevations above 5,000 feet, but I don't know if it is purely a plant of higher elevations or not.
Similar species: - Allium brandegeei - Brandegee's Onion, which has a longer stem and shorter leaves
- Allium parvum - Small Onion, which has a flatter stems and leaves
- Allium tomiei - Many-flowered Onion has much longer, more sharply pointed tepals.
|  |
| Onion | Allium acuminatum*
(Native) | Tapertip Onion, Hooker’s Onion | This is one of the western species in the Allium genus, being found in the 11 westernmost of the lower 48 states. It grows in dry areas at moderate elevations, typically blooming in April thru July. These were photographed along the lower sections of the Kleinschmidt Grade in Idaho.
Found in:
AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Onion | Allium stellatum*
(Native) | Glade Onion, Prairie Onion, Cliff Onion, Autumn Onion, Lady's Leek, Wild Onion | The USDA still lists Allium in the Liliaceae family, although some recent classification efforts have moved it into the Amaryllidaceae – Amaryllis - family. Since ITIS lists the genus in Amaryllidaceae, I have included the Allium species in that family here as well.
Glade Onion grows in thin soils over limestone; frequently found in cedar glades. It is also found in rocky prairie soils, and thus in some areas carries the common name Prairie Onion.
Allium stellatum is Endangered in Tennessee, and is not even listed by the USDA as being found in Georgia, although that is where these photographs were taken. The plant was shown to me by Jay Clark, at what is likely the easternmost extent of its range.
Similar Allium Species:
- Allium canadense – Bulbils present in inflorescence.
- Allium cernuum – Nodding inflorescence vs the upright inflorescence in A. stellatum.
- Allium vineale – Bulbils form after or during anthesis. Leaves are round in cross-section.
Found in:
AR, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, OK, SD, TN, TX, WI, WY |  |
| Parsley | Erigenia bulbosa
(Native) | Harbinger-of-Spring, Pepper and Salt | aka Pepper and Salt due to contrast between dark anthers and white petals. The Pocket, Walker County Ga, Feb 7, 2009
Found in:
AL, AR, DC, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NY, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, WI, WV |  |
| Partridge Pea | Chamaecrista fasciculata*
(Native) | Partridge Pea, Sleepingplant | Bright summer flower whose blossoms arise from the axils of the pinnately-compound leaves, which fold together when touched. Plant to 3 feet tall. |  |
| Partridge Pea | Chamaecrista nictitans*
(Native) | Sensitive Partridge Pea, Wild Sensitive Plant, Sensitive Pea | Low-growing pea with yellow flowers and pinnately-divided leaves. The leaves will sometime fold up when touched. There is a tiny gland on the petiole near the plant stem.
Chamaecrista nictitans is a highly variable species, with 2 subspecies, nictitans and patellaria. Only nictitans is found in the continental US, and that subspecies has 5 varieties. The variety presented here, nictitans, is the most widespread variety. |  |
| Partridgeberry | Mitchella repens*
(Native) | Partridgeberry, Partridge Berry, Sqaw Vine, Eyeberry | An evergreen; the red berries and green foliage of Partridgeberry form appealing mats that grace forest floors, even in winter. The creeping stems of the plant are the source of the species epithet repens.
Mitchella repens is listed as Threatened in Iowa. |  |
| Passion Flower | Passiflora incarnata*
(Native) | Purple Passionflower, Maypop | According to unconfirmed information on Wikipedia, the Cherokees called this Ocoee and therefore the Ocoee River is named after this plant, which is the Tennessee State wildflower. Walker County, Ga - June 23, 2009 |  |
| Pea | Lathyrus latifolius
(Introduced) | Perennial Pea, Sweet Pea, Everlasting Pea | Vine to 6 feet long with winged stems, petioles, and peduncles which uses petiole-terminating tendrils to climb. One to several pink to magenta butterfly-like blossoms on smooth, unwinged pedicels.
This is a non-native species that can be weedy and invasive, as is indicated by its spread to almost every state in the United States. If you are looking to plant, there are better choices which are native to the United States, such as the Butterfly Pea.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Pearly Everlasting | Anaphalis margaritacea*
(Native) | Pearly Everlasting, Western Pearly Everlasting | Pearly Everlasting is an attractive plant, and is probably not native to all of its range in the United States, more likely being introduced in many areas as an ornamental. It is native to part of the United States and Canada, and is reported in most states other than those in the deep south.
Found in:
AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Pennywort | Obolaria virginica
(Native) | Pennywort, Virginia Pennywort | A native of the eastern part of the United States, this small woodland plant is the only member of the genus Obolaria. |  |
| Peony | Paeonia brownii*
(Native) | Western Peony | Paeonia brownii is one of two peonies native to the United States. The other one is Paeonia californica and is found only in California. Paeonia brownii, named for English botanist Robert Brown (1773-1858), is found in that state as well as the 7 northwestern states. There are a couple of non-native Paeonia species that have naturalized in a few eastern states. Paeonia is the only genus in the family Paeoniaceae.
Found in:
CA, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Perilla, Beefsteak Plant | Perilla frutescens*
(Introduced) | Beefsteak Plant, Beefsteak Mint, Perilla Mint | Perilla frutescens is a monotypic species native to Asia, which has been used as an ornamental and is naturalized in most of the eastern United States. In the west, it is found in the wild in one county in Washington state.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WV |  |
| Periwinkle | Vinca major
(Introduced) | Bigleaf Periwinkle, Large Periwinkle, Greater Periwinkle | Periwinkle, both Vinca major and Vinca minor are introduced species which escaped from gardens and have become fairly widely naturalized. V. major has larger leaves than V. minor as well as a larger blossom. V. Minor blossom is usually an inch across or smaller, while V. major may be 1.5 to 2 inches wide. |  |
| Periwinkle | Vinca minor*
(Introduced) | Small Periwinkle, Common Periwinkle, Dwarf Periwinkle, Lesser Periwinkle, Creeping Myrtle | This plant, introduced from central and southern Europe, can be weedy or invasive. It is an an attractive groundcover, which is the reason it made its way to the United States and is so widespread.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV |  |
| Petunia | Ruellia caroliniensis*
(Native) | Carolina Wild Petunia | Hairy, long-pointed calyx lobes helps identify this wild petunia species. Walker County, 06/07/2009 |  |
| Phacelia | Phacelia bipinnatifida*
(Native) | Purple Phacelia, Fernleaf Phacelia |
Found in:
AL, AR, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MD, MO, MS, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV |  |
| Phacelia | Phacelia hastata*
(Native) | Silverleaf Phacelia, Timberline Phacelia, Mountain Phacelia | Phacelia hastata may grow to 3 feet tall, although it is sometimes decumbent – the stems lying along the ground. It is a plant of mid to alpine elevations. These were photographed at 3,000' or higher.
Note: I have some doubt about this identification - these photos may be of Phacelia heterophylla (Varileaf Phacelia.) |  |
| Phacelia | Phacelia linearis*
(Native) | Threadleaf Phacelia, Narrow Leaved Phacelia, Carson’s Phacelia, Threadleaf Scorpionweed | The USDA Plants Database lists 159 species of Phacelia in the United States, with the genus being absent only in 5 states. Most of the species are found in the western half of the country, and Phacelia linearis is among them, being found in the northwestern quadrant as far south as Utah, Nevada, and northern California. Its easternmost range is a single county (Pennington) in South Dakota. I suspect the disjunct populations in Connecticut and Maine are not native. It is found in sagebrush scrub and dry, open woods (not your typical Connecticut or Maine habitats.)
Found in:
CA, CT, ID, ME, MT, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Phlox | Phlox pilosa
(Native) | Downy Phlox | Downy Phlox, Chilhowee Mountain, Polk County, TN 05/08/2004 |  |
| Phlox | Phlox paniculata
(Native) | Fall Phlox; Garden phlox | Near Big Frog Mountain on FR221, Polk County, TN 06/13/2004 |  |
| Phlox | Phlox amoena*
(Native) | Hairy Phlox, Chalice Phlox | Phlox species are difficult to differentiate. Not only do several species share similar shapes in both the flower and the leaves, but the color ranges are broad and similar. An identifying characteristic for this species is the hairy calyx, but glabrous corolla tube.
Phlox amoena is a plant of dry forests, roadsides, and hills. It blooms from April thru July, depending on the part of the range. It is found in the southeastern states.
Found in:
AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN |  |
| Phlox | Phlox divaricata
(Native) | Wild Blue Phlox | aka Woodland Phlox. The Pocket, Walker County GA 03/18/2009 |  |
| Phlox | Phlox glaberrima*
(Native) | Smooth Phlox | The Pocket at Pigeon Mountain, Walker County, GA 05/04/2009 |  |
| Phlox | Phlox diffusa*
(Native) | Spreading Phlox | The Phlox family - Polemoniaceae is primarily a family of the Americas. The Phlox genus has 71 species listed in the USDA plants database. Phlox diffusa has four subspecies listed in the USDA Plants Database, implying significant variation within the species. You have to look at details to differentiate between many of the plants in this genus. Phlox diffusa (the species presented here) and Phlox hoodii (Hood’s Phlox) are similar plants with overlapping ranges and habitats. Here are a few differences, based on what I’ve derived from several descriptions:
- P. hoodii may be more common at lower elevations; P. diffusa at higher elevations.
- P. hoodii mounds rarely grow higher than 4 inches above the ground; P. diffusa may be as high as 8 inches.
- P. hoodii is a somewhat later blooming species, usually starting in late spring.
- P. hoodii is more densely hairy, having woolly stems and leaf bases. The calyx of P. diffusa is smooth; that may not be the case with P. hoodii.
- P. diffusa will have solitary blossoms at the end of the branchlets. P. hoodii may have up to three flowers at the end of a branchlet.
Found in:
AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NE, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Pigeonwings | Clitoria mariana
(Native) | Butterfly Pea, Atlantic pigeonwings | July 12, 2007 Grundy County TN |  |
| Pincushion | Chaenactis douglasii*
(Native) | Dusty Maidens, Douglas' Dustymaiden, Chaenactis, Douglas False Yarrow | This is a member of the Asteraceae family which has no ray flowers, growing in the western part of the United States and Canada.
Medicinal: According to the Malheur Agricultural Experiment Station, Oregon State University: “Infusion of the plant is used as a wash for chapped hands, insect bites, boils, tumors, and swellings by the Okanagon, and Thompson. A strong decoction of the plants were applied to snakebites by the Thompson, Okanagon, and Paiute”
Found in:
AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, ND, NM, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Pink | Dianthus armeria*
(Introduced) | Deptford Pink, Mountain Pink | Some authorities consider this plant, a European native, to be weedy or invasive. This is supported by the fact that this introduced species is now found in the wild in all but three states (not known in Arizona, Alaska, or North Dakota) as well as much of Canada. Deptford is a town in the south of England where the plant grew in such abundance that it became the source of the common name.
Similar to Maiden Pink.
The Mountain Pink common name is more commonly used for the species Centaurium beyrichii. |  |
| Pinkroot | Spigelia marilandica*
(Native) | Indian Pink, Woodland Pinkroot, Worm grass | Indian Pink is an attractive plant, and by the color and shape of the flower, you could guess correctly that it is popular with hummingbirds. It has a number of medicinal properties, and is said to be an effective anti-worming agent (thus the Worm Grass name, presumably.) However, as with many plants used for medicinal purposes, it can be toxic and deadly if ingested improperly. |  |
| Pitcherplant | Sarracenia oreophila*
(Native) | Green Pitcher Plant | This plant is critically endangered due to habitat destruction, both by development and agricultural use, and by plant collection by carnivorous plant enthusiasts and commercial dealers. There are about 35 known populations now: 5 counties in Alabama, 1 county in Georgia and 1 county in North Carolina. Formerly it was found in 7 additional counties in GA & AL. It was also known in one county in Tennessee, which is why the distribution on the USDA map includes TN. The Nature Conservancy has acquired three sites, the single Georgia location, a site in North Carolina, and one other site.
S. oreophila grows from a rhizome which may produce multiple pitchers, flowers, and leaves. While rhizomes are the principal mode of reproduction, it also produces seeds from its interesting flower.
Reference: Recovery Plan Green Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia oreophila) - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, Atlanta, Georgia |  |
| Plantain | Plantago lanceolata
(Introduced) | Narrowleaf Plantain, English Plantain, Buckhorn, Lanceleaf Plantain | One of several true plantains (genus Plantago) in the NW Georgia area. |  |
| Plantain | Plantago virginica*
(Native) | Virginia Plantain, Dwarf Plantain, Southern Plantain, Hoary Plantain, Paleseed Indianwheat | Plantago virginica is a native plantain found in 38 of the 50 states, although it is naturalized rather than native in parts of its range, probably the western part, and is also non-native in its Canadian distribution. While it can be weedy in sandy or gravelly soils (this example was photographed on the verge of a driveway), it usually is not as much of a week problem as some of the other similar plantains, such as P. major and P. lanceolata, neither of which are hairy, and also have narrower leaves. P. aristata, P. patagonica, and P. pusilla are hairy, but have narrower leaves.
Virginia Plantain is listed of “special concern” in Connecticut.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV |  |
| Plum | Prunus virginiana*
(Native) | Chokecherry, Western Chokecherry, Black Chokecherry | There are three varieties of Prunus virginiana in the United States - P. Virginia var. virginiana (Common Chokecherry) is found in the eastern part of the country, and both P. virginiana var. melanocarpa (Black Chokecherry) and P. virginiana var. demissa (Western Chokecherry) are found in the western part. One variety or another is found in every state except Louisiana, Alabana, Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina, and Hawaii. Chokecherry is also found in most Canadian provinces.
There are minor differences between the varieties. Among other differences, var. melanocarpa has black fruit while the others have red or purple fruit. The fruit is edible, but use caution – as with many drupes (fruits with skin, pulp, and hard middle seed) the pit can be poisonous if consumed in large enough quantities (note that this is also true of peach, cherry, and plum pits,) and children have reportedly died from eating a large quantity of chokecherries with pits.
My initial identification of this plant was made using Idaho Mountain Wildflowers
.
Although it is a useful wildlife food, it is considered weedy or invasive in the Northeast by some authorities, so use some discrimination in determining whether to propagate the plant. |  |
| Plum | Prunus americana*
(Native) | American Plum, Wild Plum | Threatened in New Hampshire and Vermont.
Shrub to small tree growing up to 25' tall, and can be nearly as wide. It has low branches and thorns up to 3” long, so in the wild it can be part of a nearly impenetrable thicket.
The fleshy fruit is edible. The plum fruit is usually around an inch in diameter.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Plumeless Thistle | Carduus nutans*
(Introduced) | Bristle Thistle, Musk Thistle, Nodding Thistle, Nodding Plumeless Thistle | Carduus nutans is not native to the United States, but has spread to nearly every state as well as to most of Canada. It is on the official noxious weed list in at least 25 states. Feel free to pull it up and discard it, but use gloves!
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Poison Oak | Toxicodendron radicans*
(Native) | Eastern Poison Ivy | The eastern species of Poison Ivy, Toxicodendron radicans, is found throughout most of the eastern two-thirds of the US and in eastern Canada. It has much overlap with Western Poison Ivy, Toxicodendron rydbergii, especially in the northern climes. Poison Ivy is well-named, both for its climbing ivy-like vine, and the nature of its oils, to which most people have some degree of allergic reaction. This should be one of the first plants you teach your children to identify since it is so widespread and commonly found. It is classified as a Prohibited Noxious Weed in Minnesota.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Poison Oak | Toxicodendron rydbergii*
(Native) | Western Poison Ivy, Northern Poison Ivy | The genus Toxicodendron has 5 species native to the United States- two poison oaks, two poison ivys, and poison sumac. All produce oils which are a significant skin irritant to most people. The oil seems to be harmful only to humans, but animals who have come into contact with the plant may carry the oil to their human companions - watch out where your dog has been rolling.
While it is usually called Western Poison Ivy, it grows throughout southern Canada and the lower 48 United States, except in California and several southeastern states. In the eastern parts of the country it may be known by the common name Northern Poison Ivy.
It is classified as Endangered in Ohio.
Found in:
AZ, CO, CT, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Pokeweed | Phytolacca americana*
(Native) | American Pokeweed, Pokeberry, Inkberry, Poke Sallet | Famously edible leaves for Poke Sallet (Poke Salad), but careful - other plant parts, including the mature leaves, are poisonous. The berries also stain, and can be used to make an ink. While there are many rumors on the Internet that the original U.S. constitution was written in pokeberry ink, and I have not yet found any truly authoritative source of information, the best information I can find implies that this is not the case; the constitution was written with iron-gall ink. However, more likely are the reports that many letters written home during the U.S. Civil War were indeed written with pokeberry ink.
American Pokeweed can be weedy (Twitter friend @kevinsonger even attributes - jokingly, I presume - spontaneous generation to the plant) and is listed officially as such by several authoritative sources, such as the Southern Weed Science Society.
Herbalist Guido Mase of the Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism tweeted this about the plant: "Root toxic, low-dose lymphatic, cancer / infection support. Berry juice=solar panel." The solar panel reference is about the juice being used in an experimental solar panel to produce electricity, as reported at newsobserver.com.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV |  |
| Pond-lily | Nuphar lutea*
(Native) | Yellow Pond Lily, Cowlily, Spatterdock | There seems to be some debate in the scientific community as to the appropriate names for Yellow Pond Lily. There are apparently 8 subspecies of this native plant, or maybe that's 8 separate species, depending on who you ask. I typically use the USDA classification, so for these purposes this is one of the subspecies of Nuphar lutea. One or more subspecies is found in every state in the United States except Hawaii, and in every Canadian province.
Yellow Pond Lily is an aquatic species which has a history of medical and food use. |  |
| Porteranthus | Porteranthus trifoliatus
(Native) | Bowman's Root, False Ipecac | Bowman's root has been reclassified from Porteranthus trifoliatus to Gillenia trifoliata.
Generally smooth-stemmed, branched, to about 3 feet tall. Leaves have three lanceolate, toothed leaflets that are 2-3 inches long, with a pair of narrow, untoothed stipules that fall off before the plant blooms. Similar species Gillenia stipulata (syn: Porteranthus stipulatus) retains its large, toothed stipules during flowering.
Found in: AL, AR, DC, DE, GA, IL, KY, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, WV (USDA) |  |
| Prairie Coneflower | Ratibida pinnata*
(Native) | Pinnate Prairie Coneflower, Yellow Coneflower, Grayhead Coneflower | Ratibida is a genus of 4 species. Ratibida pinnata is found in prairies, along the borders of woodlands where full sun is available, and in forest openings and limestone outcrops which also receive much sun. The example here was photographed along a roadside.
Distribution is from the prairie states eastward except for a few of the eastern seaboard states, south into a couple of northern Florida counties, although distribution in the east and south is pretty sporadic.
Synonym: Rudbeckia pinnata - The relationship to the Rudbeckia species, such as Rudbeckia laciniata, is clear, and Pinnate Prairie Coneflower has been classified in Rudbeckia in the past.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Prairie Coneflower | Ratibida columnifera*
(Native) | Mexican Hat, Long-Headed Coneflower, Red Coneflower, Upright Prairie Coneflower, Thimbleflower | Ratibida is a genus of four species in the United States. While Ratibida columnifera is native to the United states, many of the populations in the United States are probably the result of naturalization of garden escapees. USDA Plants Database has it only in Davidson County in Tennessee, so these Meigs County photos are likely from a cultivated colony or escapees. It flowers between March and November, growing in prairies and other prairie-like habitats.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Primrose-willow | Ludwigia alternifolia*
(Native) | Seedbox, Smooth Seedbox, Bushy Seedbox, Rattle-box, Square-pod Water-primrose | Ludwidigia alternifolia is a plant found in swamps and other moist areas throughout much of the eastern United States and on west into Colorado. It grows to three or four feet tall, although it may have a tendency to recline on other plants, blooming from mid- to late summer.
Thanks to Twitter friend @PineLilyFNPS for the tip that Ludwigia species are larval hosts for the Banded Sphinx Moth - Eumorpha fasciatus fasciatus
Found in:
AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Purple Coneflower | Echinacea purpurea*
(Native) | Eastern Purple Coneflower, Purple Coneflower | There are nine species of Echinacea found in the United State, with every state except for our 9 western-most states having at least one species. This species, Echinacea purpurea, is found in more of our states (28) than any of the other species.
Echinacea purpurea is a plant that grows to about 3 feet tall, with single terminal composite blossoms having pinkish-purple rays.
Eastern Purple Coneflower is listed as Endangered in Florida, and as Probably Extirpated in Michigan. |  |
| Pussytoes | Antennaria plantaginifolia*
(Native) | Plantain-leaf Pussytoes, Woman's Tobacco | The USDA Plants Database lists 40 species of Antennaria in the United States and Canada, and there is at least one species in every state except Hawaii. Antennaria plantaginifolia is one of only six species found east of the Mississippi River, being present in every state east of that geographic boundary as well as in the 5 other Mississippi River bordering states.
Plantain-leaf Pussytoes is stoloniferous – growing from a runner along the ground, and dioecious – male and female flowers are on different plants. |  |
| Queen Anne's Lace | Daucus carota*
(Introduced) | Queen Anne's Lace, Wild Carrot | While the root of Queen Anne's Lace is edible, use caution! This plant, as with all members of the carrot family, looks quite similar to poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), the deadly plant believed to be the source of the poison that killed Socrates.
From the website "Plantllife": There are several stories as to why the wild version is named 'Queen Anne's lace'. Most revolve around King James I's consort - the Queen Anne in question - who is said to have pricked her finger and stained some lace with a drop of blood. Wild carrot's single red flower surrounded by frothy white blossom is quite evocative of this tale. |  |
| Ragweed | Ambrosia trifida*
(Native) | Great Ragweed, Buffalo Weed, Horseweed, Giant Ragweed, Tall Ambrosia | Ambrosia – the nectar of the gods. An unlikely name for the genus of 24 species native to the United States which causes so much discomfort to us mere humans. At least one of these species is found in every state; Ambrosia trifida is found in all but 3 – Alaska, Hawaii, and Nevada. It is the tallest of the Ambrosia species, sometimes growing to more than 10 feet tall.
The ragweeds generally cause much hayfever, allergic reaction, and asthma exacerbation due to their tiny airborne pollen, which can drift and be inhaled far from the source plant. In addition, this highly persistent plant is considered a noxious weed farmers. According to Wikipedia, it can reduce corn and soybean crop yields by more than 50%. |  |
| Ragweed | Ambrosia artemisiifolia*
(Native) | Common Ragweed, Annual Ragweed, Small Ragweed, Roman Wormwood | The leaves and stem of Common Ragweed are hairy. The leaves are deeply lobed and quite ragged. The inflorescence is a slender, almost candle-like cluster at the end of the stems. The upper flowers are usually male; the lower flowers female.
The ragweeds generally cause much hayfever, allergic reaction, and asthma exacerbation due to their tiny airborne pollen, which can drift and be inhaled far from the source plant. Because of this, other plants which bloom at the same time, such as Goldenrod, frequently get blamed for ragweed-caused hayfever.
Common ragweed is found in every state in the United States except for Alaska, and is found in most of Canada. While it is an introduced species in Hawaii, it is native to continental North America. Two varieties of the plant are native to the eastern United States; a variety found in the all but a few southeastern states is native to Canada but not to the United States, according to the USDA Plants Database. It is officially listed as a noxious weed in Illinois, Michigan, and Oregon, and is thus legally controlled. It is considered a weed due to agricultural considerations in much of the United States.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Ragwort | Packera glabella*
(Native) | Butterweed, Yellowtop, Cressleaf Groundsel, Floodplain Ragwort | Packera was separated from the Senecio genus and contains what were categorized as the aureoid senecios (I assume this means "golden ragworts") by Asa Gray. The separation was partially based on genetic studies.
There are 64 species of Packera recognized worldwide as of this writing (April 2012), over 50 of which are found in the United States. More than half of the species are glabrous (without hairs) or mostly glabrous, having hairs only in the joints - axils of leaves, and the bases of the flower heads and stems. The epithet for this species, glabella, references the usuallyy glabrous nature of the plant, although it may occasionally have a few hairs in the leaf axils. Packera glabella is found in damp to quite wet soils.
The genus is named for Canadian botanist John G. Packer, the author of Flora of Alberta and Professor Emeritus at the University of Alberta.
It is a weedy plant, and is classified as a Prohibited noxious weed in Ohio
Found in:
AL, AR, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NE, OH, OK, SC, SD, TN, TX |  |
| Rattlesnake Plantain | Goodyera pubescens*
(Native) | Downy Rattlesnake Plantain, Downy Rattlesnake Orchid, Adder’s Violet, Net-leaf Plantain | Downy Rattlesnake Plantain is one of the most commonly found orchids in the eastern United States, and is also one of the most widely distributed, being found in 31 states and in the eastern half of Canada. It is, however, Endangered in Florida at the southern end of its range, and is protected in New York as well.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Rattlesnakeroot | Prenanthes serpentaria*
(Native) | Cankerweed, Lion's Foot, Snakeweed, Earthgall, Butterweed | Found on the eastern seaboard and Appalachian Mountain states as far south as Florida and as far west as Mississippi, Prenanthes serpentaria is Endangered in Massachusetts and a species of Special Concern in Rhode Island. The species epithet serpentaria and the genus common name Rattlesnakeroot come from the use of a tonic historically made from the roots or the milky juice of the stem as an antidote for the poison of snake bites.
There are similar Prenanthes species found in Haywood County, North Carolina, where these photos were taken. I discounted P. trifoliolata because that species has more angular leaves and fewer heads in each inflorescence. I discounted P. altissima because of the general appearance of the plant vis-a-vis photos at the USDA Plants Database, and the number of phyllaries in that species - normally five, not more than 6.
Found in:
AL, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, KY, MA, MD, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WV |  |
| Redbud | Cercis canadensis*
(Native) | Eastern Redbud | The Eastern Redbud adds a pink hue to the forest edges in early spring. |  |
| Rhododendron | Rhododendron calendulaceum
(Native) | Flame Azalea | Flame Azalea is Endangered in Ohio, and has been Extirpated in Pennsylvania.
Found in:
AL, CT, GA, KY, MD, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV
This example from Polk County, TN |  |
| Rhododendron | Rhododendron catawbiense
(Native) | Catawba Rhododendron, Mountain Rosebay,Purple Rhododendron | |  |
| Rhododendron | Rhododendron maximum
(Native) | Rosebay Rhododendron, Great Laurel, White Laurel | Mid-June in the Smokies |  |
| Rhododendron | Rhododendron canescens
(Native) | Florida Pinxter, Mountain Azalea, Pink Azalea, Hoary Azalea | This plant is Endangered in Kentucky, and Commercially Exploited in Florida.
Grundy County TN 04/26 |  |
| Rhododendron | Rhododendron periclymenoides*
(Native) | Pink Azalea; Pinxter Flower | Officially listed in these states:
New Hampshire - Endangered
New York - Exploitably Vulnerable
Ohio - Threatened
Rhode Island - Special Concern
Synonym: Rhododendron nudiflorum
Found in:
AL, CT, DC, DE, GA, IL, KY, MA, MD, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WV |  |
| | | | Advert:
| |
| Rose | Rosa multiflora*
(Introduced) | Multiflora Rose | Rosa multiflora is an invasive, weedy species with thorny, arching branches and fragrant blossoms in the late spring. While it can be attractive while in bloom, I know from personal experience this is not a plant you want want to propagate. |  |
| Rose | Rosa woodsii*
(Native) | Woods Rose, Common Wild Rose, Mountain Rose | While it's pretty easy to identify a wild rose, I am usually reluctant to call a specific species identification because there is usually significant variation within species, and significant similarities between species. For example this plant, Woods Rose (Rosa woodsii) and Nootka Rose (Rosa nutkana) are very similar except for size, and the Nootka Rose generally grows at higher elevations than the Woods' Rose. This time, however, I was walking the 3 mile long Hull's Gulch National Recreation Trail in the Boise Foothills, and there was a sign along the way mentioning some of the plants, among which Woods' Rose was listed.
There are four currently recognized varieties of Woods' Rose. One variety is found only in California (var. glabrata), and one only in California and Nevada (var. gratissima.) Var. ultramontana is the more widespread western variety, and var. woodsii is found through the central part of the United States and Canada, and in eastern Canada – primarily east of the Rockies. Montana and New Mexico have both varieties.
Rosa Woodsii is a species widely distributed across much of western and middle America and prefers moist conditions, but can adapt to an extremely wide variety of soils. Primary thicket growth is by rhizome.
Woods' Rose is a shrub that grows to 6 or 7 feet tall, with many red, thorny canes forming what may be almost impenetrable thickets, a good cover for birds and small animals. The thorns are straight or slightly curved, covering primarily the lower portion of the stems.
Found in:
AK, AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, KS, MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI, WY |  |
| Rose Gentian | Sabatia angularis*
(Native) | Rose Pink | Upright plant 2' to 3' tall, opposite mostly ovate leaves that appear to be sessile. 5-petaled blossom with distinct yellow-green pentagonal center, which is has a red outline. |  |
| Rose Gentian | Sabatia capitata*
(Native) | Appalachian Rose Gentian, Cumberland Rose Gentian | Found in only 4 states (AL, GA, NC, TN), Sabatia capitata is legally protected, listed as Rare in Georgia, where it is known in 7 counties, and listed as Endangered in Tennessee, where it is known only in 2 counties – Hamilton and Sequatchie. It is listed as "S2" - some level of endangered - in Alabama. The research that I've done so far implies that it is likely extinct in North Carolina. |  |
| Rosinweed | Silphium pinnatifidum*
(Native) | Cutleaf Rosinweed, Cutleaf Prairie Dock, Tansy Rosinweed | Rosinweeds look very similar to sunflowers, but the seeds form from the ray flowers in rosinweeds, and from the disk flowers in sunflowers. Silphium pinnatifidum can be to 10' tall, and has numerous heads on branching, nearly leafless stems. S. pinnatifidum is considered by some botanists to be a variety of S. terebinthinaceum, with the primary difference being the deeply lobed (almost to the central vein) leaves in S. pinnatifidum. The basal floret of leaves in S. terebinthinaceum are spade-like. |  |
| Rosinweed | Silphium mohrii*
(Native) | Mohr's Rosinweed, Shaggy Rosinweed | Description: Very hairy plant to 6 feet tall, found in only a few counties in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. |  |
| Rosinweed | Silphium trifoliatum*
(Native) | Whorled Rosinweed, Three-leaved Rosinweed | Silphium triofliatum is listed as a variety of S. asteriscus in Flora of North America, but ITIS continues to list it separately, although no longer with varieties, formerly var. trifoliatum and var. latifolium. Var. latifolium has opposite rather than whorled leaves. I expect that when all the updating is done, S. trifoliatum will be gone, and listed only as varieties of S. asteriscus.
Endangered in Illinois
Found in:
AL, DC, GA, IL, IN, KY, MD, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV |  |
| Sage | Salvia lyrata*
(Native) | Lyreleaf Sage | Lyreleaf Sage is a member of the mint family. Leaves are primarily basal, are oblong and deeply pinnately lobed. The plant is 1 to 2 feet tall, and blossoms in late spring or early summer. It can dominate open fields during its blooming season. The genus name Salvia implies the many medicinal purposes for which many of the 95 species in the genus are used. |  |
| Sea Purslane | Sesuvium portulacastrum*
(Native) | Sea Purslane, Sea Pickle, Shoreline Seapurslane | This is a prostrate, succulent herbaceous plant of dunes and beaches along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern Atlantic Coast. The stems and leaves are edible, and have a salty pickel-like flavor, giving it the alternate common name of Sea Pickle.
Found in:
AL, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, NC, PA, SC, TX |  |
| Selfheal | Prunella vulgaris*
(Native) | Heal-All, Common Selfheal | North Georgia, Oct 2004. Used as herbal remedy for throat ailments |  |
| Senna | Senna marilandica*
(Native) | Southern Wild Senna | Member of the pea family with pinnate leaf structure and dense flower clusters in the leaf axils in the upper part of the plant. |  |
| Senna | Senna obtusifolia*
(Native) | Sicklepod, Sicklepod Senna, Java Bean, Blunt-leaf Senna, Chinese Senna, Arsenic Weed | Synonym: Cassia obtusifolia
ITIS and USDA list Senna obtusifolia as native to much of the eastern United States, especially the southern part, and is introduced in Hawaii as well as in California, where it is found only in Riverside County. It is classified as a Rare plant in Indiana, but is considered weedy or invasive in other parts of the country, including California, where it is classified as a Noxious Weed. It is also found in South America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Wikipedia indicates that it is native to China. The USDA Plants Database indicates that 59 species of Senna are found in North America; most of those in the continental United States are in the southwest (including the area around Texas in that categorization.)
Found in:
AL, AR, CA, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV |  |
| Serviceberry, Juneberry, Shadbush | Amelanchier laevis*
(Native) | Allegheny Serviceberry, Smooth Serviceberry | The taxonomy of Amelanchier is a very confusing, not only to me but also to professionals. The genus has been divided into as few as 6 species and as many as 33. The USDA Plants Database currently lists 20 species with 28 total taxa. The University of Maine Department of Biological Sciences has excellent information about Amelanchier where they list 16 species and and 19 total taxa. ITIS lists 19 species.
Several Amelanchier are shrubs which do not achieve tree status, but A. laevis can be found as a shrub or a tree up to 25 feet tall. Most species are more or less hairy in their inflorescence and leaves, but A. laevis earns its Smooth Serviceberry common name (and its laevis species epithet) by being mostly hairless in those features. Another differentiator among species is petal length, width, and shape. This species has fairly long petals which are a bit broader relative to their length than most other regional serviceberries, and are normally oblong in shape.
Found in:
AL, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Serviceberry, Juneberry, Shadbush | Amelanchier utahensis*
(Native) | Utah Serviceberry, Pale Serviceberry, Western Serviceberry | The taxonomy of Amelanchier is a very confusing, not only to me but also to professionals. The genus has been divided into as few as 6 species and as many as 33. The USDA Plants Database currently lists 20 species with 28 total taxa. The University of Maine Department of Biological Sciences has excellent information about Amelanchier where they list 16 species and and 19 total taxa. ITIS lists 19 species.
While the USDA lists four species of Amelanchier in Idaho, where these photos were taken, ITIS and the University of Maine have one of those classified as a A. alnifolia var. pumila, and another as a synonym of A. utahensis. Both of these species are relatively short and will usually have multiple stems, so most consider these to be shrubs rather than trees. A. utahensis -Utah Serviceberry - can be up to 15 feet tall. It will have 2 to 5 styles (A. alnifolia - Dwarf Shadbush - will have 4 or 5), 10 to 18 stamens (Dwarf Shadbush has 12 to 15), and the twigs are hairy at flowering and frequently so after flowering, while those of Dwarf Shadbush are usually without hairs at flowering. The final characteristic that swayed me to Utah Serviceberry for this identification are the number of lateral veins in the leaves. Utah Serviceberry has 7 to 13 (or more), while Dwarf shadbush will have 7 to 9.
The fruit of Utah Serviceberry is edible, and is an important food for wildlife, as are the leaves. The foliage of this species shows up earlier than many other plants, providing browse early relatively early in the year.
Found in:
AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Sherardia | Sherardia arvensis
(Introduced) | Field Madder, blue fieldmadder, Spurwort | This is the only species in the Sherardia genus found in the United States. While the USDA Plants database does not list it as an invasive species, that is probably because of relatively low economic impact; it is clearly spreading.
The plant grows 4 to 16 inches tall, but will sprawl and form mats with the flowers only a few inches above the ground.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV |  |
| Silverbell | Halesia tetraptera*
(Native) | Mountain Silverbell, Carolina Silverbell, 4-wing Silverbell | Halesia tetraptera is a tree with white bell-shaped flowers that persist for about a week in the springtime. Depending on your choice of authority, there are two or three species of Halesia. H. tetraptera, H. carolina, and H. diptera are recognized by the USDA and , but most authorities seem to now classify what was H. Carolina as a subspecies of H. tetraptera. H. diptera, according to an article at Virginia Tech, is not a mountain species and is not found in North Georgia.
I'm breaking with my normal stance of considering ITIS to be authoritative on the valid classification because the following (and others) have chosen to classify H. carolina as a synonym of H. tetraptera. - Vanderbilt University
- NC State University
- Ohio State University
- Virginia Tech
- Richard Ware of the Georgia Botanical Society
H. tetraptera var tetraptera is a smaller tree to 35'. H. tetraptera var monticola can be over 100'. The tree we photographed was a small tree, but since it was clearly a young tree, the height was not indicative of the particular subspecies. |  |
| Skullcap | Scutellaria ovata*
(Native) | Heartleaf skullcap | Hairy, square-stemmed plant with blue to violet blossom with white corolla base. Leaves have cordate base attached to long petiole. |  |
| Skullcap | Scutellaria pseudoserrata*
(Native) | Southern Showy Skullcap, Falseteeth skullcap | There are 45 species of Scutellaria found in United States, 42 of which are native. At least one Scutellaria species is found in every state except Hawaii. S. pseudoserrata is found in 5 southern states – Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Similar species are S. elliptica, which has blue to violet flowers with white markings and hairy leaves, S. montana, which is almost entirely white with a lavender lower lip, and S. serrata, which may not have the distinct dark lavender lines exhibited by S. Pseudoserrata near the center of the lower lip. |  |
| Skullcap | Scutellaria integrifolia*
(Native) | Helmet Flower, Hissopleaf Skullcap, Helmet Skullcap, Hyssop Skullcap | Scutellaria integrifolia is an early summer wildflower found in fields and open woods. It is usually between 9 inches and 2 feet tall, and may have a branch or two in the stem. The stem and branches are terminated with clusters of blue, pink, or occasionally white flowers.
Endangered in Connecticut and New York, it is found in 23 of our eastern states |  |
| Skullcap | Scutellaria angustifolia*
(Native) | Narrowleaf Skullcap, Small-flowered Skullcap | I had difficulty identifying this species of Scutellaria. It was clearly a Skullcap based on the ridge atop the calyx - quite distinct in all the photos. There are five species of Scutellaria in Idaho, but three were quickly eliminated due to leaf structure and flower color. That left me with Scutellaria angustifolia - Narrowleaf Skullcap - and the very similar Scutellaria antirrhinoides - Snapdragon Skullcap. Both species are known in Adams County where I found these plants. S. antirrhinoides is a smaller plant with a shorter corolla, but that’s difficult without a side by side comparison or measurements. In addition, S. angustifolia ssp. micrantha is smaller than ssp. angustifolia, the one I believe this to be. S. antirrhinoides also has more, longer hairs in a throat that is almost closed. The feature that made me decide this must be S. angustifolia is the lighter patch on the lower lip. In the photos and descriptions I’ve found that is a much more pronounced white in S. antirrhinoides, perhaps with some mottling, while in S. angustifolia the lighter coloration is more likely to be a pair of lighter blue streaks rather than distinctly white. I haven’t found confirmation of the consistency of those characteristics.
Found in:
ID, NV, OR, UT, WA |  |
| Smartweed | Persicaria amphibia*
(Native) | Water Knotweed, Swamp Smartweed, Water Smartweed | The Polygonum genus has recently been split into multiple genera, with about 30 species being reclassified in the genus Persicaria. I am following the lead of others in changing this from Polygonum amphibium to Persicaria amphibia. The genus common name for Persicaria is now "Smartweed"; Polygonum had been "Knotweed". The text imbedded in the photos will continue to reflect the old classification.
There are aquatic and terrestrial varieties of Persicaria amphibia; the aquatic variety is more widespread than the terrestrial variety than the terrestrial variety, with the terrestrial variety not generally being found in the Southeast. Leaves are alternate and lanceolate. |  |
| Smartweed | Persicaria virginiana*
(Native) | Virginia Knotweed, Jumpseed | The Polygonum genus has recently been split into multiple genera, with about 30 species being reclassified in the genus Persicaria. I am following the lead of others in changing this from Polygonum virginianum to Persicaria virginiana. The genus common name for Persicaria is now "Smartweed"; Polygonum had been "Knotweed". The text imbedded in the photos will continue to reflect the old classification.
Persicaria virginiana is a late summer plant mostly of most woodlands, found in most of the eastern half of the United States. |  |
| Smartweed | Persicaria punctata*
(Native) | Dotted Smartweed, Dotted Knotweed, Water Smartweed |
The USDA Plants Database lists 80 species of Polygonum in the United States. However, this genus has recently had 30 species split off into the new Persicaria genus, and several other species moved into Fallopia. Persicaria punctata (Polygonum punctatum) is one of the species of Perisicaria native to the United States, although it is introduced rather than native in several states - Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Hawaii. The only states where it is not found Nevada and Alaska. (The USDA Plants Database map does not show it in Utah, but BONAP, which is likely more current, does show it there. However Flora of North America does not list it Utah, so that presence remains questionable in my mind. It is found in much of Canada.
A key identification feature are the punctate dots or dotted glands on various parts of the inflorescence and perhaps the stem. Most Persicaria species do not have these. A similar species with these punctate dots is Persicaria hydropiper (Polygonum hydropiper) - Marsh-pepper Smartweed - a species introduced from Europe. It must have been an early introduction, because there are reports of its use by native Americans both as a drug for certain ailments and as a food. P. hydropiper has reddish stems vs green for P. punctata, and the achenes of the introduced plant are reported to be dull and roughened versus the smooth, shiny achenes of the native P. punctata.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Sneezeweed | Helenium amarum*
(Native) | Bitterweed, Bitter Sneezeweed, Yellowdicks | Common weed found in meadows, along roadsides, and other disturbed areas. Some authorities consider it to be weedy or invasive. If cows eat them their milk will have a bitter taste. This plant is a native of the United States.
Found in:
AL, AR, CA, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI |  |
| Sneezeweed | Helenium flexuosum*
(Native) | Purple-headed Sneezeweed, Purplehead Sneezeweed | Native to a large part of the United States, Helenium flexuosum has been introduced to and naturalized in parts of eastern Canada. It is a plant growing in damp areas up to about 3 feet tall, branching in the upper part of the plant. The blossoms terminate these stems.
Synonym: Helenium nudiflorum
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Snow-wreath | Neviusia alabamensis*
(Native) | Alabama Snow-wreath | Alabama Snow-wreath is a rare decidous shrub with a blackberry-like stem, but the snow-wreath is thornless. It's a native plant found only in 6 states, and is listed as Threatened in its namesake Alabama, in Tennessee, and in Georgia, where it is found only in Walker County. |  |
| Snowberry | Symphoricarpos albus*
(Native) | Common Snowberry, Upright Snowberry | Symphoricarpos albus has two varieties - var. albus and var. laevigatus. Var. albus is more widely distributed, being found in most of the northern half of the United States and in the Rocky Mountains south to New Mexico, as well as most of Canada. Var. laevigatus is found in a subset of those states, plus California and Idaho. The plant is Endangered or Threatened in Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, and Massachusetts, and is Extirpated in Ohio.
The white fruits, from which the common name is derived, are larger than the blossoms; unfortunately I don’t have photos of the fruit, but you can view some at Turner Photographics as well as other places on the Internet.
Found in:
AK, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Soapwort | Vaccaria hispanica*
(Introduced) | Cowcockle, Cow Soapwort, Cowherb | Vaccaria hispanica is either the only species in the genus, and has four subspecies, or, as some authorities say, is one of four species in the Vaccaria genus. In either case, it is a European import, and has been historically found in all but two states - Georgia and North Carolina. However, it is apparently in decline and may now be extirpated in several states. It has an affinity to open fields and waste areas. It grows in pastures, and reportedly was used as fodder, giving the cow reference both in the common name, and in the genus name - vacca being Latin for cow. My further speculation - the Chinese have used its seeds medicinally to promote lactation; that could be a boon to those with a dairy cow; it may have been used in their fodder.
Vaccaria has been included in the genus Saponaria by some authorities.
Found in:
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Solomon's Seal | Polygonatum biflorum*
(Native) | Smooth Solomon's Seal | Smooth Solomon's seal (P. biflorum) is 1 to 4 feet tall, arching, and is found in rich moist forests thoughout the eastern two-thirds of the United States and Canada. Similar species Hairy Solomon's seal (P. pubescens), has hairy veins on the underside of the leaf.
The name Solomon's Seal references the circular scars on the rhizome left by each year's flower stalk. I have not personally observed this, nor do I know what the seal of King Solomon looked like. |  |
| Speedwell | Veronica persica*
(Introduced) | Bird's Eye Speedwell, Persian Speedwell, Birdeye Speedwell, Winter Speedwell | May be V. arvensis, but longer flower pedicels imply V. persica, although USDA Plants Database doesn't list V. persica in Walker County, GA as of 03/28/2009. It is a weedy plant, although it apparently is not invasive enough to be restricted in any state.
See Speedwell identification for more information on my identification process for this species.
Found in:
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Speedwell | Veronica anagallis-aquatica*
(Introduced) | Water Speedwell, Sessile Water-speedwell, Brook-pimpernell, Blue Water Speedwell | This is a widely distributed Speedwell, being recorded in all but 5 states. It is also found in most of Canada. It is protected as Endangered or Threatened in Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Tennessee.
There is some disagreement as to whether or not V. anagallis-aquatica is native to North America - USDA Plants Database lists it as native in the lower 48 and Canada, but introduced in Alaska. Calflora lists it as introduced in California and widely so in North America - native to Europe. USDA GRIN lists it as native to Europe, Asia, and South America, but not to North America. Flora of Missouri lists it as Introduced.
In addition to native status, the classification of plants included in this genus is debated. There are about 15 synonyms of Veronica anagallis-aquatica. Some experts, including the USDA Plants Database, consider Veronica catenata to be a separate species, while others consider it to be part of Veronica anagallis-aquatica. Veronica catenata is widely considered a native species, and my guess is that is why some also consider V. anagallis-aquatica to be a native plant. Those that consider V. catenata to be a separate species likely classify V. anagallis-aquatica as Introduced. However, some authorities question the native status of V. catenata as well (USDA Germplasm Resources Information Network). I am listing this plant as Introduced, but the USDA map shown on this site will show it as Native to the lower 48.
The Endangered status in three states is based on inclusion of V. catenata within V. anagallis-aquatica.
Found in:
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Spicebush | Lindera benzoin*
(Native) | Northern Spicebush, Wild Allspice, Common Spicebush | Lindera benzoin is a shrub of moist forest understories, growing to 15-20 feet tall. You can make tea from the aromatic leaves and twigs. |  |
| Spiderwort | Tradescantia subaspera*
(Native) | Zigzag Spiderwort, Wideleaf Spiderwort | While spiderworts are found in all but 5 states, Tradescantia subaspera is found only in 18 states in the eastern half of the United States. The lovely 3-petaled blossoms melt away when the sun gets on them. According to a quote from 1894 wildflower author George Iles, found at Arthur Lee Jacobson's website, the "Spiderwort" name comes from the ability to draw the sun-melted blossoms out into long threads like a spider's web.
|  |
| Spiderwort | Tradescantia virginiana
(Native) | Virginia Spiderwort | Virginia Spiderwort |  |
| Spindletree | Euonymus americanus*
(Native) | Bursting Heart, Hearts-a-bustin', Strawberry Bush. | E. americanus is a shrub with thin stems and opposing, shallowly serrated leaves. The bush grows from 4 to 6 feet tall. Fruit is a red 4-lobed capsule. Each lobe splits open in the autumn, giving the name Bursting Heart.
A similar but taller and more northern species is Euonymous atropurpureus - Burningbush.
Thanks to @scgardeningnews for tweeting the South Carolina Native Plant Society Plant Identification website where I saw a photo that made this identification for me. |  |
| Spindletree | Euonymus atropurpureus*
(Native) | Burningbush, Eastern Wahoo, Spindle Tree, Indian Arrow-Wood | While Burningbush is the common name listed by the USDA, it is probably more commonly known as Eastern Wahoo. It grows as a shrub or small tree found throughout the eastern and central United States except for Vermont. It is found as far west as Montana. Synonyms are E. carolinensis & E. latifolius.
Wahoo Bark is an herbal medicine that is used for constipation and gall bladder problems, according to Mercy Hospitals. |  |
| Spleenwort | Asplenium rhizophyllum*
(Native) | Walking Fern, American Walking Fern | There are 28 Spleenworts - the species in the Asplenium genus - found in the United States. Most of these have pinnatifid leaves. Asplenium rhizophyllum is one of the 3 species without those pinnatifid leaves. It is unique in the United States and with an Asian sister plant (A. ruprechtii) are distinctive in the genus in that the leaftips will root, forming sometimes dense clonal patches of the plant. This feature has led some authorities to classify those two species in their own genus, Camptosorus, so a synonym for this plant is Camptosorus rhizophyllus. The plant typically grows in shady areas on mossy boulders and ledges.
This plant is considered rare in much of its range, and enjoys protection in several states (MI, NH, NY, RI, and, I think, NC.) It is protected and possibly extirpate in Maine.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Spring Beauty | Claytonia caroliniana*
(Native) | Carolina Spring Beauty, Wide-leaved Spring Beauty | Spring Beauty is one of the early wildflowers, normally blooming March through early May, although you may catch a blossom opening in late February in some locations.
Carolina Spring Beauty - Claytonia caroliniana has a pair of stem leaves which are lanceolate-ovate on a distinct petiole. Similar Virginia Spring Beauty - C. virginiana - has narrow, grass-like leaves narrowing into an indistinct petiole. |  |
| Spring Beauty | Claytonia virginica*
(Native) | Virginia Spring Beauty, Narrow-leaved Spring Beauty | Early spring wildflower that can be 4 to 12 inches tall. Very similar to Carolina Spring Beauty - C. caroliniana - with the primary differentiator being the leaf shape.
It is protected in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Rhode Island as an endangered or historical species, according to the USDA Plants Database. |  |
| Spring Beauty | Claytonia perfoliata*
(Native) | Miner’s Lettuce, Indian Lettuce, Winter Purslane | One or more of the 28 North American species of Claytonia (Spring Beauty) are found in every state except Florida, Hawaii, and North Dakota. This species, Claytonia perfoliata, is primarily a western species, although disjunct populations have been reported in New Hampshire and Georgia. The USDA Plants Database shows it as introduced to Alaska and native to Georgia and New Hampshire, although I'm going to guess that it is likely an introduced species in those states as well. There are three subspecies of C. perfoliata - intermontana, mexicana, and perfoliata. Since ssp. perfoliata is the only one the USDA lists as being found in Idaho, where these photos were taken, it seems likely that these are ssp. perfoliata :-).
Found in:
AK, AZ, CA, CO, GA, ID, MT, NH, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Spring Beauty | Claytonia lanceolata*
(Native) | Lanceleaf Spring Beauty, Western Spring Beauty | Claytonia lanceolata is a small, pretty white, pink, or even orange or yellow wildflower of early spring in the western United States, especially in somewhat higher elevations. A similar species is Claytonia multiscapa - also known as Lanceleaf Spring Beauty. C. multiscapa is not as widely distributed, and is a slightly larger plant with narrower leaves and smaller flowers. It won’t be found with pink petals, while C. lanceolata petals may be pink. C. multiscapa will have multiple bracts in the inflorescence, while C. lanceolata will usually have a single bract; sometimes 2. Some authorities have considered C. multiscapa to be part of C. lanceolata and others part of C. flava rather than a separate species. If part of C. flava it would expand the range of that species notably.
Found in:
CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Spurge | Euphorbia mercurialina*
(Native) | Cumberland Spurge, Mercury Spurge | The Pocket at Pigeon Mountain, Walker County, GA 03/21/2009 |  |
| Spurge | Euphorbia corollata*
(Native) | Flowering Spurge, Blooming Spurge, Emetic Root | I have just a slight doubt as to whether this is Euphorbia corollata (Flowering Spurge) or E. pubentissima (False Flowering Spurge,) both of which look almost identical in the photographs I've found, and I have not found a description of E. pubentissima sufficiently detailed to allow me to make a feature by feature comparison. The one observation I had that seemed a possible difference is that many of the site which seemed more authoritative showed E. pubentissima with fewer blossoms terminating the stems; occasionally only one. That, plus the fact that I couldn't find anything that indicates that this is not E. corollata has led me to make the call that this is Flowering Spurge. If anyone can point me to good information on differentiation of these two species, I would greatly appreciate it – email me.
The common name Spurge for members of the Euphorbia species is reported to come from the French word meaning purge – this plant has some strong medicinal and potentially poisonous properties, so do not ingest it. Further, the milky white sap is reported to be highly irritating to the skin, possibly even causing blistering. So carefully inspect it closely; it is an interesting plant. |  |
| Spurge | Euphorbia cyathophora
(Native) | Wild Poinsettia, Mexican Fireplant, Fire on the Mountain, Painted Euphorbia, Desert Poinsettia | This plant is one of a few Euphorbias called “Wild Poinsettia” as a common name – the well-known Christmas Poinsettia is also a Euphorbia species (E. pulcherimma.) While researching for the species name, I came away confused, but after finding this in the online Flora of China, I understood that confusion: “There has been much confusion in the literature between this and the following species, Euphorbia heterophylla.” Based on the Flora of China description, Euphorbia heterophylla may have a pale green marking at the base of the upper leaves where Euphorbia cyathophora has the distinctive red markings which lead to the “Fire on the Mountain” common name. There may also be a color distinction between the glandular stipules on the leaves - brownish on E. cyahtophora, conspicuously purple on E. heterophylla.
This confusion between the two species apparently has led some publications to list Euphorbia heterophylla as a synonym of Euphorbia cyathophora and vice versa, and also to publish photos of one of the species as being the other. Of course, with all this confusion, Flora of China could be incorrect as well. Apparently at least one form or variety of Euphorbia heterophylla - var cyathophora - is what is now classified as the separate species Euphorbia cyathophora.
Euphorbia cyathophora can have either the violin-shaped and ovate leaves shown on the plant here, or long, linear leaves I've seen on other photos. I originally thought this was the easy differentiator between the two species, but from what I have found so far, that was an incorrect assumption.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NM, OH, OK, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI |  |
| Squawroot | Conopholis americana*
(Native) | Squawroot | Parisitic plant that makes it's living off the roots of oak trees. |  |
| St. John's Wort | Hypericum dolabriforme*
(Native) | Glade St. John's Wort; Straggling St. Johnswort | Some authorities continue to include the Hypericum genus in the plant family Clusiaceae (including the USDA Plants Database,) but relatively recent molecular studies have resulted in establishment of the Hypericaceae family, for which Hypericum is the type genus, although there are at least two other genera in that new classification. It should be noted that at least one of those, the genus Triadenum, is composed of species that have been classified in the genus Hypericum at one time or another, so perhaps the new family Hypericaceae is comprised of what was the Hypericum genus, which is now further broken down into multiple genera.
Hypericum dolabriforme is found only in 5 states, unlike a similar species, Hypericum sphaerocarpum, which is found in 19 states throughout the central portion of the United States, as well as in Ontario, Canada. In addition to likely being less erect, some feature differences between H. dolabriforme and H. sphaerocarpum are noted in the photo descriptions below.
Found in:
AL, GA, IN, KY, TN |  |
| Star Grass | Hypoxis hirsuta*
(Native) | Yellow Star Grass, Common Goldstar | Yellow Star Grass - Recently moved from Liliaceae family to the Hypoxidaceae (African Potato) family. Many taxonomists don't recognize the Hypoxidaceae family |  |
| Starwort | Stellaria pubera*
(Native) | Star Chickweed | There is at least one Stellaria species found in every state in the United States, as well as in every territory in Canada. Stellaria pubera is a plant of the eastern half of the United States, found in every state east of the Mississippi River except Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. It is also found in a few states west of the Mississippi. It is Endangered in Illinois and New Jersey.
Found in:
AL, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MN, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, VT, WV |  |
| Starwort | Stellaria media*
(Introduced) | Common Chickweed | Common Chickweed is a non-native species which is now found in every state in the United States. It is low-growing, often found in mats of tangle plants in disturbed areas. It can be invasive. |  |
| Stonecrop | Sedum ternatum
(Native) | Woodland Stonecrop, Wild Stonecrop, Woods Stonecrop | The Pocket at Pigeon Mountain, Walker County, GA 04/04/2009 |  |
| Stonecrop | Sedum leibergii*
(Native) | Leiberg Stonecrop | The Sedum genus is in flux. USDA lists 72 taxa in the genus; many of those will be moved out of Sedum based on newer analysis of data which will include that from recent molecular studies.
Sedum leibergii is found only in four states - Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. It is found only in two counties in Montana (according to BONAP / USDA,) and is fairly rare in the 7 counties in Idaho where it’s found.
Found in:
ID, MT, OR, WA |  |
| Stonecrop | Sedum stenopetalum*
(Native) | Wormleaf Stonecrop, Narrow-leaved Sedum | There are two varieties of Sedum stenopetalum - var. monathum, which has a solitary flower in the inflorescence, and the one presented here, var. stenopetalum, which will have between 9 and 25 flowers in the inflorescence. Var. monathum is found only in Washington, Oregon, and northern California, while var. stenopetalum is found in those states as well as Idaho, western Montana, and in Alberta and British Columbia in Canada.
Found in:
CA, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY |  |
| Stonecrop | Sedum pulchellum*
(Native) | Widow's Cross, Glade Stonecrop, Widowscross, Lime Stonecrop, Pink Stonecrop | Sedum pulchellum is an attractive plant of thin soil on rocky limestone outcrops and glades. It blooms in late spring, to mid-summer in the northern end of its range. It is variably reported to be an annual, biennial, or perennial plant.
Found in:
AL, AR, GA, IL, KS, KY, MO, MS, OH, OK, TN, TX |  |
| Stoneseed | Lithospermum tuberosum*
(Native) | Southern Stoneseed, Tuberous Stoneseed, Tuberous Gromwell | A hairy plant growing from 1 to 2 feet tall in forests with underlying limestone rocks in the southeastern United States. While the genus name refers to the very hard seed, the species epithet refers to the tuber-like root. I photographed this plant after author Jay Clark pointed it out to me as we crossed a limestone outcropping on a deer trail we were walking in one of the few places in Georgia where it can be found.
Found in:
AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV |  |
| Stoneseed | Lithospermum ruderale*
(Native) | Western Stoneseed, Columbia Puccoon, Yellow Puccoon | I did not do a lot of species comparison on this, because this is the only Lithospermum species listed by USDA as being in Idaho, where I photographed this one. It is generally a fairly upright, hairy, leafy plant, growing up to about 2 feet tall, found in more or less open areas at altitudes of about 3500 to 5500 feet.
The genus name come from the very hard, small nutlets. The Stoneseed common name also references those hard nutlets (from Latin litho = stone, and spermum = seed.) The Puccoon common name comes from the Native American (one of the Algonquian languages) word for dye, since a red dye was made from the roots of these plants. Sanguinaria canadensis is another unrelated species to which the Puccoon name is applied; its roots were also used to produce a red dye. There is a report that Lithospermum ruderale produces a yellowish dye, and others that it, along with the other Stoneseed species, produces red dye; I don't know which is correct, or if processing differences might produce different colored dyes. There is some evidence to suggest the dyes made from an eastern Lithospermum species (L. canescens) was the origin of the term Redskin for Native Americans.
Found in:
CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Storksbill | Erodium cicutarium*
(Introduced) | Crane’s Bill Geranium, Redstem Stork's Bill, Storksbill, Redstem Filaree, Heron's Bill | Erodium cicutarium is a plant of eurasian origin but has now spread throughout the world. According to the USDA Plants Database (map shown to the right) the only states where it is not found are Mississippi and Florida. While more common at lower elevations, it can be found in the montane zone which generally extends up to around 7500'. This plant is classified as a noxious weed in Colorado. |  |
| Strawberry | Fragaria virginiana
(Native) | Virginia Strawberry, Wild Strawberry | This most widely-distributed wild strawberry, the Virginia Strawberry is found in every state in the United States except Hawaii. This United States native plant was one of the two species used to create the hybrid garden strawberry. |  |
| Sunflower | Helianthus angustifolius*
(Native) | Swamp Sunflower, Narrow-leaf Sunflower | aka Narrow-leaved Sunflower. Relatively easy sunflower to identify due to the narrow leaves, which are no longer than normal for a sunflower, but much narrower. The stem of Helianthus angustifolius has coarse hairs, especially on the lower part of the plant. The leaves also have hairs on the edge near the stem. Narrow-leaf sunflower has yellow ray flowers with darker disk flowers than many other sunflowers. |  |
| Sunflower | Helianthus atrorubens*
(Native) | Purpledisk sunflower, Appalachian sunflower | Multiple flower heads terminating a stem which is quite hairy in the lower half; glabrous to pubescent nearing the inflorescence. The leaves are opposite with leaf pairs in whorled pattern around the stem. The leaves are greatly reduced as they near the top. Several flowers each on an individual 3” pedicels. Ovate, veined leaves are hairy and rough on top; hairy on bottom. A similar species is H. silphioides; the reason I decided this species is H. atrorubens is that the USDA doesn't list H. silphioides as being found in Georgia. |  |
| Sunflower | Helianthus microcephalus*
(Native) | Small Woodland Sunflower, Small-headed Sunflower | This is one of just a few Helianthus species which normally has fewer than 10 ray florets (petals.) Both the rays and disk are yellow. This plant is native to the eastern part of the United States, mostly south and central. The stem is smooth, sometimes glaucous, and the opposing lanceolate leaves are quite rough on the upper surface.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV |  |
| Sunflower | Helianthus decapetalus*
(Native) | Thinleaf Sunflower, Ten-petal Sunflower, Forest Sunflower, Pale Sunflower | Helianthus decapetalus is an occasionally branching plant from 2 to 5 feet tall, with multiple flower heads on long stalks. It is a relatively leafy sunflower, with opposite leaves on the lower part of the plant and alternate leaves on the upper part of the plant. This is one of the sunflowers that may have green or reddish stems. The stems are smooth, occasionally glaucous, in the lower part, and may have short hairs in the upper area, usually so in the inflorescence. It blooms in late summer and well into fall.
Found in:
AL, CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Sunflower | Helianthus tuberosus*
(Native) | Jerusalem Artichoke, Jerusalem Sunflower, Sunchoke, Girasole | As with many members of Helianthus, Jerusalem Artichoke can be quite variable. One of the key features of this plant, the edible tubers, are underground and produced late in the season, so they aren't really a good identification feature (unless you want folks walking around pulling up the plants – I don't.)
This beautiful, showy sunflower is considered weedy or invasive by some authorities. It is found in all but 5 states, and also in much of Canada.
Found in:
AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Sunflower | Helianthus debilis*
(Native) | Dune Sunflower, Beach Sunflower, Cucumberleaf Sunflower, East Coast Dune Sunflower, Branching Sunflower | The USDA Common name is Cucumberleaf Sunflower, but Beach Sunflower and Dune Sunflower seem to be the most commonly used common names.
Until 1969, Helianthus debilis was considered to have 8 subspecies. In 1969, however, 3 of those subspecies found only in Texas were moved to the separate species Helianthus praecox (Texas Sunflower), leaving 5 subspecies in Helianthus debilis. Of these, Helianthus debilis ssp. silvestris is also found only in Texas. Subspecies debilis and vestitus are found only in Florida, and subspecies tardiflorus is found in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. Subspecies cucumerifolius is the most widespread subspecies, found 17 mostly coastal states.
Found in:
AL, CT, FL, GA, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MS, NC, NH, PA, RI, SC, TX, VA, VT, WV |  |
| Sweetclover | Melilotus officinalis*
(Introduced) | Yellow Sweetclover, Yellow Melilot, Common Melilot, Field Melilot, Cornilla Real, White Sweetclover | An invasive species introduced from Eurasia which is now found in every state in the United States and most of Canada, and even in Greenland. White Sweetclover is classified as the separate species Melilotus alba by some authorities, but most now consider it a white form of Melilotus officinalis. Melilotus indicus is another introduced yellow Sweetclover which is similar. Its flowers may be somewhat smaller, and it has a shorter pedicel - < 1mm. While it is still widely distributed in the United States, M. indicus is found only in 31 states, rather than in all 50 like M. officinalis.
It has a bitter taste but a sweet odor which is enhanced by drying.
Found in:
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Sweetroot | Osmorhiza longistylis
(Native) | Longstyle Sweetroot, Sweet Anise, Aniseroot | The leaves and stem when crushed will have a slight licorice smell; the root is anise-scented. This identification vs the very similar O. claytonii (Sweet Cicely) is based on the style of the flower, which is significantly longer than the 5 white petals. In O. claytonii, according to Wildflowers Of Tennessee, The Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians
the style is shorter than the petals. |  |
| Sweetshrub | Calycanthus floridus
(Native) | Eastern Sweetshrub, Sweet Shrub, Carolina Allspice, Strawberry Shrub | Eastern Sweetshrub is an attractive, woody shrub up to 10 feet tall. During late spring the plant will have many flowers each with many maroon to reddish brown sepals and petals. The flowers are pleasantly aromatic, especially when the petals are crushed.
Found in:
AL, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, KY, LA, MA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV |  |
| Sweetspire | Itea virginica*
(Native) | Virginia Sweetspire, Virginia Willow, Tassel-white | This plant grows on streambanks and other moist areas. It is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental not only for its blossoms, but also for the rich, long-lasting fall color of its foliage. lightly fragrant. To about 8 feet tall. |  |
| Tasselflower | Emilia fosbergii*
(Introduced) | Florida Tasselflower, Flora's Paintbrush, Florida Tassel Flower | There are three species of Tasselflower (Emilia) in the United States, none of which have very wide distribution. Lilac Tasseflower (Emilia sonchifolia) is the only native species of these three which are native (although Flora of North America disagrees with the native status of this species.) All three species are found in Florida, and Florida Tasselflower, the one presented here, is also found in Louisiana, Texas, California, and Hawaii.
E. sonchifolia is less frequent than Florida Tasselflower, and differs primarily in leaf attributes, although it usually has paler flowers.
The third species, Emilia coccinea is an ornamental that may occasionally escape but, accoring to the Flora of North America, does not persist in the wild. There is very little difference between E. coccinea and E. fosbergii (involucres are longer in fosbergii; the flower heads may be larger) but if you find it in the wild it is most likely E. fosbergii, Florida Tasselflower.
Tasselflowers do not have ray florets.
Found in:
CA, FL, HI, LA, TX |  |
| Thistle | Cirsium vulgare
(Introduced) | Bull Thistle, Spear Thistle | This is an introduced species which has spread to every state in the United States. It is listed as a noxious weed (and thus it is prohibited to propagate) in at least 10 states.
Found in:
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Thistle | Cirsium hookerianum*
(Native) | Hooker’s Thistle, White Thistle | This plant is thought to be monocarpic - it flowers and forms seeds only once, and then dies (although there is some question about that.) However, it is also considered perennial, because it may live for several years before flowering.
Similar species Cirsium longistylum is found only in Montana, and has long, fringed involucre bracts.
All Cirsium species are listed as noxious weeds in Arkansas and Iowa, although this particular species is not known outside of a few states in the U.S. northwest, and in Alberta and British Columbia in Canada.
Found in:
ID, MT, WA, WY |  |
| Tickseed | Coreopsis lanceolata*
(Native) | Lanceleaf Coreopsis | Lanceleaf Coreopsis is a late spring / early summer wildflower that is found in all but eight states in the United States. While it is native to the continental states, it is an introduced species in Hawaii. The plant grows to approximately 3 feet tall. |  |
| Tickseed | Coreopsis tripteris*
(Native) | Tall Coreopsis, Tall Tickseed | Coreopsis is a genus of 33 species native to the United States, with a species found in every state except Alaska, Nevada, and Utah. Coreopsis triperis is found in 27 states. It is Endangered in Maryland.
While most Coreopsis species are 3 feet tall or shorter, this plant can be 8 or more feet tall. The Tickseed part of the name is because the seed is hard, dark, and flat, looking like the namesake arachnid. |  |
| Tickseed | Coreopsis major*
(Native) | Greater Tickseed, Whorled Leaf Coreopsis, Forest Tickseed | Coreopsis major grows from 2 to 4 feet tall on roadsides and open forests. The blossom has both yellow ray and disk flowers and can be up to 2.5 inches wide.
Found in:
AL, FL, GA, IN, KY, LA, MA, MS, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV |  |
| Ticktrefoil | Desmodium ochroleucum*
(Native) | Cream-flowered Tick Trefoil, Cream Ticktrefoil, Tick Clover, Creamflowered Tick-Trefoil | According to the December 2006 edition of “Castanea”, the journal of the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society, there are 13 known populations of this species in 6 states – Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, and Tennessee. There are 5 other states within its historical range, but the populations have apparently been lost, presumably extirpated, in these states: New Jersey, Delaware, Virgina, North Carolina, and Missouri.
According to Linda G. Chafin's Field Guide to the Rare Plants of Georgia
there are fewer than 25 sites. Since 13 is less than 25 both of these publications are likely correct, with the difference likely being how recently the plant has been recorded at the various sites. For example, in Georgia there are 2 sites listed for this plant, one of them the Walker County location where these photographs were made. The other site is in Lee County, but the plant has not been seen there since the 1940s.
With those few sites where the plant is known, it is not a wonder that it is Endangered in Florida, Maryland, Tennessee, Threatened in Georgia.
I owe much appreciation to Jay Clark who pointed out these plants and their identity while we were looking for Shadow Witch Orchids.
Found in:
AL, DC, DE, FL, GA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NJ, TN, VA |  |
| Ticktrefoil | Desmodium nudiflorum*
(Native) | Nakedflower Ticktrefoil, Naked-Flowered Tick Trefoil, Naked-stemmed Tick Clover | The USDA Plants Database lists 75 US species in the Desmodium (Ticktrefoil) genus, although specific occurrence information seems to be unavailable for many of the species, so the presence of all of them is doubtful. At least one species is found in 41 states, with the far west missing out. Most of us are probably more familiar with the little sticky seeds that fasten themselves to our clothing than with the flowers, but these members of the Pea family do have attractive blossoms. Nakedflower Ticktrefoil is found in 34 states, and in much of eastern Canada.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Toadflax | Linaria dalmatica*
(Introduced) | Dalmation Toadflax, Broadleaf Toadflax | Dalmation Toadflax is a plant that was introduced from Europe in the 19th century as an ornamental, and is now classified as an invasive noxious weed in 12 states. It is now found throughout the lower 48 United States except in the southeast.
This is another of many plants undergoing relatively recent changes in classification, with the Linaria genus recently being placed in Plantaginaceae, the Plantain family, having been moved out of Scrophulariaceae – the Figwort family.
Similar species - Butter-and-Egg Plant - Linaria vulgaris, another introduced plant which has officially become a noxious weed. Linaria vulgaris is found throughout the United States, including the southeast. The easiest differentiator between L. vulgaris and L. dalmatica is that L. dalmatica has clasping leaves.
Found in:
AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MA, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY |  |
| Touch-me-not | Impatiens capensis*
(Native) | Jewelweed, Touch-me-not, Spotted jewelweed | Reported to be an antidote for poison ivy allergins, when crushed and the liquid rubbed on the area which was in contact with the poison ivy. |  |
| Touch-me-not | Impatiens pallida*
(Native) | Pale Touch-me-not, Pale Snapweed | Of the 10 Impatiens species found wild in the United States, 5 are native. This species, I. pallida is one of those natives, and it is found in 33 of our states. It is protected as a plant of Special Concern in Maine.
Pale Touch-me-not grows to 5 feet tall in moist areas, usually in dense colonies. |  |
| Trailing Arbutus | Epigaea repens*
(Native) | Trailing Arbutus, Ground Laurel, Mayflower, Plymouth Mayflower | Trailing Arbutus is a shrub in the Heath family. The stems grow along or near the ground, as indicated by the genus name: Epi is from the Greek for upon, and gaia is Greek for earth.
There are three species in the Epigaea genus, one in eastern Asia (E. asiatica), one in southwestern Asia (E. gaultherioides), and this one, Epigaea repens, which is native to the eastern United States and Canada. It is Endangered in Florida, where it is found in the panhandle. It is also protected in New York, and may be extirpated in Illinois. It is the state flower of Massachusetts, and is legally protected there as well.
Found in:
AL, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Tridax | Tridax procumbens*
(Introduced) | Coatbuttons, Tridax Daisy, Tridax, Cadillo Chisaca | This tropical plant is an invasive weed, listed federally and by 9 states. While the USDA lists it as found in the United States only in Florida and Hawaii (as well as in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands), 7 other states have it listed as an invasive or noxious weed, so presumably it is found in those states as well. Tridax procumbens is the only Tridax species found in the United States.
Found in:
AL, CA, FL, HI, MA, MN, NC, OR, SC, TX, VT |  |
| Trillium | Trillium catesbaei*
(Native) | Catesby's Trillium, Bashful Wakerobin, Rose Trillium | The yellow anthers make a quick differentiation with the nodding trillium (Trillium cernuum), which have pink anthers. |  |
| Trillium | Trillium simile*
(Native) | Sweet White Trillium, Jeweled Wakerobin, Confusing Trillium | Trillium simile is one of our rarer trilliums, being found only in certain mountain areas of Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. There is some doubt as to its presence in South Carolina.
Some authorities have classified it as Trillium vaseyi Harbison var. simile.
There are three similar Trillium species with the dark, nearly black ovaries - Trillium simile, Trillium erectum, and Trillium sulcatum. To further confuse, all may have red (maroon) or white petals (T. erectum may have yellowish or greenish petals as well.) White petals are the norm for T. simile, are uncommon but not real rare in T. erectum, and may occasionally occur in T. sulcatum. T. sulcatum flowers are smaller than the others and the petals are only slightly longer than the sepals. It is more difficult to tell the difference between T. simile and T. erectum. The sepals and petals of T. erectum will usually be “flatter” - more closely in the same plane - than T. simile. The petals of T. simile are wider relative to the sepals, usually twice as wide or more, and are more likely to be recurved near the tip than those of T. erectum. With those difficult differentiators, perhaps the easiest way to tell the difference is to remember these common names and use them in reference to the fragrance - T. simile is “Sweet White Trillium”, with a sweet fragrance similar to green apples, and T. erectum is “Stinking Benjamin”, with an unpleasant musty odor more like that of a wet dog.
Found in:
GA, NC, SC, TN |  |
| Trillium | Trillium sessile
(Native) | Toadshade Trillium | aka Little Sweet Betsy. One of the sessile trilliums, which have the "toadshade" designation. T. sessile is shorter, has smaller leaves, and a smaller blossom than T. cuneatum, which is easily and frequently confused with T. sessile. |  |
| Trillium | Trillium decumbens*
(Native) | Trailing Trillium | Trailing trillium is characterized by carrying its three leaves close to the ground. It has a lovely deep red blossom, starting to bloom in mid-March.
Found in:
AL, GA, TN |  |
| Trillium | Trillium flexipes*
(Native) | White Trillium, Nodding Wakerobin, Nodding Trillium | One of a number of white trilliums which carry their flowers on a pedicel. Those with pedicels are wakerobins, those without are toadshades.
Synonyms:
Trillium declinatum
Trillium erectum
Trillium gleasonii |  |
| Trillium | Trillium cuneatum*
(Native) | Little Sweet Betsy, Toadshade Trillium | The sessile, stalked trilliums are known as Toadshades. |  |
| Trillium | Trillium vaseyi*
(Native) | Vasey's Trillium, Sweet Wakerobin | Vaseys Trillium, as indicated by the Sweet Wakerobin name by which it is also known, is one of the trilliums whose flower is on a pedicel. The blossom nods below the leaves. |  |
| Trillium | Trillium grandiflorum*
(Native) | Large-Flowered Trillium, Great White Trillium, White Trillium | Trillium grandiflorum is one of the showiest and most common of our eastern Trilliums. It grows to about 2 feet tall, and can be found in large colonies.
Endangered in Maine; Exploitably Vulnerable in New York. |  |
| Trillium | Trillium lancifolium*
(Native) | Lanceleaf Trillium, Lanceleaf Wakerobin | Lanceleaf Trillium is a small trillium with a sessile maroon blossom. It is found only in six southeastern state – TN, MS, AL, GA, SC, and FL, and is endangered in Florida and Tennessee.
Lanceleaf Trillium is similar and closely related to Prairie Trillium (Trillium recurvatum.) Prairie Trillium has more strongly recurved sepals, is usually larger than T. Lancifolium, has broader leaves, and (key identifier) the leaves are on short petioles, whereas T. Lancifolium leaves narrow significantly at their base, but they are sessile. T. recurvatum also has a larger, more northern and western range. |  |
| Trillium | Trillium petiolatum*
(Native) | Idaho Trillium, Long-petioled Trillium, Purple Trillium, Round Leaf Trillium, Purple Wakerobin | An unusual trillium with plantain-like leaves found primarily in the region where the states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington come together. It may be 8 to 10 inches tall.
Found in:
ID, OR, WA |  |
| Trillium | Trillium luteum*
(Native) | Yellow Trillium, Yellow Wakerobin | Primarily a species of south of the Mason Dixon Line, Trillium luteum is also found in Michigan and Ontario, Canada.
Recent classifications have moved the Trilliums, along with 9 other Liliaceae genera, into the family Melanthiaceae. Among the criteria for that change is the fact that Lilies have 6 tepals - sepals and petals which are almost identical - but Trilliums sepals are distinctly different from their petals. Unlike the Lilies, Trillium sepals persist longer than their petals. I have so far continued to leave Trillium in Liliaceae on USWildflowers.com.
Found in:
AL, DC, GA, KY, MD, MI, NC, SC, TN, VA |  |
| Trillium | Trillium ovatum*
(Native) | Western Trillium, Western White Trillium, Pacific Trillium, Oettinger’s Trillium | Trilliums are much more common in the east than they are in the west. In Idaho, where these photos were taken, there are only two Trillium species - the one presented here, Trillium ovatum, and the Idaho Trillium, Trillium petiolatum. There are two varieties of Trillium ovatum (some authorities considered these to be subspecies); var. ovatum (Pacific Trillium) and var oettingeri (Oettinger’s Trillium.) Var oettingeri blooms later, from spring into summer, and is known only in a small area in northern California. Var ovatum may start blooming in late winter and on into spring. The bracts (what we normally consider the leaves) of var. oettingeri are on short petioles; those of var. ovatum are sessile.
Flora of North America states that T. ovatum var ovatum blooms from late February through late April, but these photographs were taken at relatively high elevations (5,000’) in late May, and I have photographed another plant in the Wallowa National Forest as it was ending its bloom in early June.
Found in:
CA, CO, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY |  |
| Triplet-Lily | Triteleia grandiflora*
(Native) | Large-flowered Triplet-lily, Douglas’ Brodiaea, Wild Hyacinth | Triteleia grandiflora is found in eight of our western states (CA, CO, ID, MT, OR, UT, WA, WY.) It will be about 1 to 2 feet tall or a bit taller, growing in dry meadows, sagebrush, and pine forests. To us easterners, it has the appearance of an onion species with large flowers, but there was no detectable aroma. There are blue and white varieties.
Synonyms:
- Brodiaea douglasii
- Brodiaea howellii
- Triteleia bicolor
- Triteleia howellii
Found in:
CA, CO, ID, MT, OR, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Trumpet Creeper | Campsis radicans
(Native) | Trumpet Creeper | Walker County, Ga 06/26/2004 |  |
| Trumpet Flower | Collomia grandiflora*
(Native) | Large Flowered Collomia, Grand Collomia, Mountain Collomia | There are 13 species of Collomia in the United States, with all but 1 of them (Collomia linearis) being found exclusively in the western half of the United States. C. linearis is found in the west as well as the rest of the northern United States and most of Canada. The species presented here, C. grandiflora, found in 10 western states as well as in British Columbia (C. heterophylla and C. linearis are also found in British Columbia.)
Found in:
AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Trumpet Flower | Collomia linearis*
(Native) | Narrowleaf Collomia, Tiny Trumpet, Narrow-leaf Mountain Trumpet | There are 13 species of Collomia in the United States, with all but Collomia linearis, the species presented here, being found exclusively in the western half of the United States. C. linearis is found in the west as well as the rest of the northern United States and most of Canada. While it is native in Canada and the 32 of the lower 48 states where it is found, it is an introduced species in Hawaii and Alaska.
Found in:
AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY |  |
| Tuliptree | Liriodendron tulipifera*
(Native) | Tulip Poplar, Yellow Poplar, Tuliptree, Tulip Magnolia | Tulip Poplar is not a poplar, which includes the cottonwoods, true poplars, and willows, but rather a member of the magnolia family. The “tulip' name comes not only from the blossom, but also from the leaves, both of which are tulip-shaped. The leaves are an attractive yellow in the fall. It is a tall, fast-growing tree, reaching heights of 80 – 120 feet. It grows thoughout most of the eastern and southeastern United States except for Maine and New Hampshire. |  |
| Twinleaf | Jeffersonia diphylla*
(Native) | Twinleaf, Helmet Pod, Ground Squirrel Pea | The only other species in the genus is J. dubia, an Asian plant. Jeffersonia diphylla is a species native to parts of the United States and Canada. It is endangered or threatened in four states – Iowa, New Jersey, New York, and Georgia. In Georgia it is found only in a small area of Walker County. |  |
| Venus' Looking-glass | Triodanis perfoliata*
(Native) | Venus' Looking Glass, Clasping Bellwort, Clasping Venus' Looking Glass, Roundleaved Triodanis | Synonym: Specularia perfoliata. There are 7 species of Triodanis in the United States. T. perfoliata is the most widespread, being found in all states except Alaska, Hawaii, and Nevada, and in much of Canada. T. biflora, a more southern species, is found in 24 of the 50 states, and is not reported in Canada. Texas is the only state where all 7 species of Triodanis are found. This native plant is considered weedy or invasive by some authorities.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Vervain | Verbena simplex*
(Native) | Narrowleaf Vervain, Simple Verbena | The range of Narrowleaf Vervain is most of the eastern half of the United States. It is listed as “Special Concern” in Connecticut, and is Endangered in Massachusetts and New Jersey, but is a quite common dry meadow and roadside plant in much of its range. It is the larval host for the Common Buckeye butterfly.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| | | | Advert:
| |
| Vervain | Verbena urticifolia*
(Native) | White Vervain, Nettle-leaf Verbena | One or the other of the two varieties of Verbena urticifolia is found in every state east of the Rocky Mountains, with the exception of possibly Maine, where it is historical but might be extirpated. It can be weedy (to that I can attest personally,) and I personally find it interesting but not especially attractive.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Vetch | Coronilla varia*
(Introduced) | Crown Vetch, Purple Crown Vetch, Axseed, Hive Vine | Coronilla varia is a synonym for Securigera varia. Similarly to Kudzu, Crown Vetch was introduced into the United States for erosion control. Similarly to Kudzu, it now appears that was a mistake, and it is now present in every state except Alaska and North Dakota. Organizations in many states now consider this plant to be a significant threat to native plants.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY |  |
| Vetch | Vicia caroliniana*
(Native) | Wood Vetch, Carolina Vetch, Pale Vetch | Wood Vetch is an attractive mid-spring plant found in most of the eastern half of the United States except for New England. It grows up to about 2.5' tall, or you may call it long rather than tall, because as it grows it will sprawl along the ground or climb on other plants. It is endangered in New Jersey.
Found in:
AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV |  |
| Viburnum | Viburnum acerifolium*
(Native) | Maple Leaved Viburnum, Mapleleaf Viburnum | Mapleleaf Viburnum is a shurb that grows to 6 feet tall. It grows in forests and open woods.
Recent classification changes have moved the genus Viburnum, along with Sambucus, out of the Honeysuckle Family and into the Muskroot Family.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Viburnum | Viburnum dentatum
(Native) | Southern Arrowwood, Arrowwood Viburnum | Along Roaring Fork Creek in the GSMNP
Recent classification changes have moved the genus Viburnum, along with Sambucus, out of the Honeysuckle Family and into the Muskroot Family.
|  |
| Violet | Viola hastata*
(Native) | Halberdleaf Yellow Violet, Halberd Leaf Yellow Violet | The leaves of Halberleaf Yellow Violet are more or less arrowhead shaped, similar to that of a the working end of a halberd. |  |
| Violet | Viola sororia*
(Native) | Common Blue Violet | Common Blue Violet, Big Frog Trail, Polk County, TN 05/08/2004 |  |
| Violet | Viola canadensis*
(Native) | Canada Violet | One of our mid-spring wildflowers, Canada Violet grows to about 18" tall. Large colonies can carpet areas of open forests with their white blossoms. |  |
| Violet | Viola blanda*
(Native) | Sweet White Violet | This is a small white woodland violet. |  |
| Violet | Viola pedata*
(Native) | Bird's-foot violet | Bird's-foot or Crow-foot violet has one of the larger, showier blossoms of the wild violets. |  |
| Violet | Viola rostrata*
(Native) | Long-spurred violet | The Pocket at Pigeon Mountain, Walker County, GA 03/18/2009 |  |
| Violet | Viola rotundifolia
(Native) | Roundleaf yellow violet | One of several species of yellow violets found in the United States, Viola rotundifolia has ovate to cordate leaves. A key identifier for this species is, according to Wildflowers Of Tennessee, The Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians
is that this is the only yellow violet in eastern North America with the flowers and leaves on separate stalks.
Update 03/31/2013:
I now believe this to be an incorrect identification. I (finally!) took a closer look at the yellow violets in a couple of areas of The Pocket, including the area where the photo below was taken 3 years ago, and have found all to be Viola pubescens (or in some cases V. pensylvanica if you subscribe to the separation of those species.) In many cases the stem of the plant was covered in forest detritus, making it appear to be acaulescent, especially to one who didn't know to check closer. I suspect that would be the case with the photo below.
My apologies! |  |
| Violet | Viola palmata*
(Native) | Wood Violet, Early Blue Violet, Trilobed Violet | There seems to be some disagreement as to whether Viola triloba is a separate species or included among varieties of Viola palmata. It seems generally accepted that what was for a time classified as Viola triloba var dilatata is within Viola palmata, and some authorities list Viola triloba var triloba as a synonym of V. palmata var triloba. An exception is the USDA Plants Database, which lists V. palmata as a hybrid of other Violet species.
The distinction (or maybe disagreement) is naturally enough around the form of the leaves, but at the sites with the most recent updates it seems the direction is to roll V. triloba into V. palmata, and I'm inclined to join that crowd. Since I have taken that position (open to discussion!) the states I have for this species is a combination of the distribution listed by the USDA for both Viola triloba and Viola palmata. The map shown to the right is that for V. triloba. The states I am including in my list for V. palmata are these: AL, AR, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Violet | Viola tripartita
(Native) | Three-parted Yellow Violet, Threepart Violet, Wedge-leaf Yellow Violet | There are two varieties of this relatively rare violet - Viola tripartita var. tripartita and Viola tripartita var. glaberrima. It's historical range includes rich, wooded slopes in a dozen of the southeastern United States, as far north as southwestern Pennsylvania, where it is now believed to be extirpated, and southeastern Ohio, where var. tripartita is believed to be extirpated and the remaining population of var. glaberimma is protected with an official status of Endangered. It is also protected in Florida and Tennessee.
Found in:
AL, FL, GA, KY, MD, MS, NC, OH, PA, SC, TN, WV |  |
| Violet | Viola praemorsa*
(Native) | Upland Yellow Violet, Canary Violet, Astoria Violet, Prairie Violet, Yellow montane violet, Wavyleaf Violet | There has been some shuffling of the classification of some varieties of Viola praemorsa, with some publications indicating subspecies status for what other authorities consider a variety. Var. linguifolia was at one time classified as a separate species, Viola linguifolia.
This is a beautiful, small violet that adds a sprinkling of yellow in the mid to upper elevations of some of our western states.
Found in:
CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY |  |
| Violet | Viola bicolor*
(Native) | Field Pansy, Wild Pansy, Johnny Jump-up | Viola bicolor is still considered by some to be a variety of the European Viola kittaibeliana but most authorities now agree that it is a separate species native to the United States. It apparently was more common and originated in the western part of its current range, but due to its weedy nature it has spread eastward, and probably further westward than its original range as well.
Found in:
AL, AR, AZ, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WV |  |
| Waterleaf | Hydrophyllum canadense*
(Native) | Broad-leaf Waterleaf ; Bluntleaf Waterleaf, Maple-leaf Waterleaf | Broad-leaf Waterleaf is a woodland plant which grows from 1 to 2 feet tall, and blossoms in late spring. The maple-leaved plant is similar to H. appendiculatum – Appendaged Waterleaf, but the latter is a distinctly hairy plant, and is not usually found with white blossoms. |  |
| Waterleaf | Hydrophyllum capitatum
(Native) | Ballhead Waterleaf, Cat's Breeches, Dwarf Waterleaf | The Ballhead Waterleaf is found on moist mountain slopes and woodlands in 9 northwestern states (CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY.) The color seems to be generally bluish at lower elevations getting paler – to white – as the elevation gets higher, although you may find a mix at any altitude. This common, small, attractive plant may be up to about a foot tall. |  |
| Waterlily | Nymphaea odorata
(Native) | American White Water Lily, Fragrant Water Lily, White Water Lily | The American White Water Lily (waterlily) is a beautiful aquatic plant found in most states in the United States.
The species consists of two subspecies, Nymphaea odorata ssp. odorata and N. odorata ssp. tuberosa. The latter is usually has somewhat larger flowers, and the petals are somewhat blunter. The more widespread subspecies from which the species takes its epithet has a very sweet fragrance, reported to be missing from ssp. tuberosa. The unscented American White Water Lilies are not found in the west or southeast. |  |
| Waxweed | Cuphea viscosissima*
(Native) | Blue Waxweed, Clammy Cuphea, Tarweed | Cuphea viscosissima is native to the eastern United States, and has been introduced into Ontario, Canada. It is lists as a plant of Special Concern in Connecticut.
An oil derived from the seed of this plant (and others in the Cuphea genus) is used in some cosmetics and skin lotions, and its potential is being explored for nutrition and for biofuel.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MO, MS, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, VA, VT, WV |  |
| Witchhazel | Hamamelis virginiana
(Native) | American Witchhazel | There are two Witchhazel species found in the United States. Hamamelis vernalis - Ozark Witchhazel - is found in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. The species presented here, Hamamelis virginiana, is much more widespread, being found not only in those four states, but also every state east of the Mississippi River and every Mississippi River border state west of the river. It is also found in most of eastern Canada.
This small tree or shrub is unusual in that it blooms in the fall or even early winter rather than in warmer months. The seedpods open explosively, tossing the seeds up to 30 feet from the parent tree. Two years later the seed may germinate, adding to the dense understory Witchhazel helps create in its forest habitat.
Found in:
AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV |  |
| Wood Poppy | Stylophorum diphyllum*
(Native) | Wood Poppy, Celandine Poppy | A beautiful, yellow, early spring wildflower. |  |
| Wood Sorrel | Oxalis montana
(Native) | Mountain Wood Sorrel, Northern Wood Sorrel. | The "montana" epithet means "mountain". It is not found in the state of Montana. Synonym Oxalis acetosella |  |
| Wood Sorrel | Oxalis violacea*
(Native) | Violet Wood Sorrel | Gruetli-Laager, Grundy County, TN 04/26/2008 |  |
| Woodland-star | Lithophragma parviflorum
(Native) | Smallflower Woodland-star | Found in 11 western states, this small flower grabs attention as you walk the trails due to the lobed petals, giving it a star-like appearance. It is common, found usually at altitudes of close to 5,000 feet and higher. |  |
| Yarrow | Achillea millefolium*
(Native) | Common Yarrow, Milfoil | While this member of the aster family is native to much of the United States, it is an introduced species in Hawaii. |  |
| Yellow Loosestrife | Lysimachia quadrifolia*
(Native) | Whorled Loosestrife | While the species name for this plant implies that there are four leaves in the whorl, there can be 3 to 6 (some reports even 7.) This specimen found on Big Frog Trail near the trailhead in Polk County, TN has 5 leaves per whorl at the upper nodes, and 6 leaves in the lowest one photographed. The plant is generally 1 to 3 feet tall. |  |
| |
| |
