Prickley Pear (Opuntia humifusa)

The Prickly Pear is found on gravelly soils, rock outcrops, sand dunes, and cedar glades. They produce showy yellow & red flowers in Summer. Bloom time May - June. This photo was taken in late April before the pear had a time to produce its flower.

Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis)

Description: This fern species is one of the first species to begin growing in wetlands after flooding or a natural disturbance. It can be identified by the wavy leaflets on the sterile fronds and by the brown spikes of the fertile fronds. Leaves: The sterile fronds are light green in color and grow to up 3 feet tall. On each frond there are up to 12 opposite paired leaflets that have wavy edges and netlike veins. The fertile fronds are 1 foot long with dark brown spike of hard spherical spores. They appear July to August and persist through the winter. Seeds: The sori located on the fertile ferns are round and covered by a hard dry outer shell. Stem: The stems of the fronds are robust and erect. Branching Pattern: palmate Height: up to 3 feet tall Conditions/Habitat/Kind of Forest: They can be found in wet meadows, wooded swamps and along road sides. They are tolerant of sun and shade and can grow in slightly acidic soil requires. However, they need wet or moist soil to survive. Known Wildlife Interactions: When growing in dense groups they serve as a hiding place for small animals and the fertile fronds serve as food throughout the winter for birds and animals. Range: It is found in North America east of the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic Coast. It is also found in Asia Conservation Status-US/ World Wide: Not threatened in the U.S. or globally. Uses (Human): None known

Wild Comfrey (Cynoglossum virginianum)

A hairy perennial from 16-32" tall. Found in upland woods, these pale blue flowers are just 0.3-0.6" wide and bloom May thru June.

Common Cinquefoil (Potentilla simplex)

A low, coarse perennial that can grow to 12" tall. The flowers are from 0.4 - 0.6" wide are yellow with 5 rounded petals. Look for these pretty plants in fields, dry woods, and waste places. Blooming April thru June.

Fire Pink (Silene virginica)

A truly gorgeous, yet short-lived perennial that can be 8 to 32"tall. The red flowers are 1.5" wide and have 5 narrow notched petals with pretty yellow stamens that extend past the center. Look for this common wildflower in rich woods, open woodlands and rocky slopes. Blooming April thru June.

Oxeye Daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum)

The Oxeye Daisy is just a gorgeous, simple wildflower. Quite common in fields and roadsides, blooming May thru October. This plant is a perennial herb that can reach 12-30" tall. The flower can have 15-35 ray flowers (0.5-0.8" long). The Oxeye Daisy is part of the Aster or Sunflower family. Infusion of the petals and leaves were made into wine and medicine, except in Italy, where this flower is associated with the dead and funerals.

Wild Columbine (Aguilegia canadensis)

This beautiful red and yellow flower can be 1-4" tall. It's pollinated by Hummingbirds. This lovely plant can be found in dry woods, limestone bluffs and limestone glades March thru May. This photo was taken at the Couchville Glades in Wilson County.