Home Field and Swamp: Animals and Their Habitats

        

A Virtual Wildflower Garden Across Time

This and its companion page, Wildflowers sorted by taxonomic classifications, present information that may help identify wildflowers.   This page is meant for visitors who know what a certain plant looks like and when and where it bloomed and want to know the genus and species name; plants are sorted by date of appearance (day and month) within the dominant color of their flowers, fruits and/or false leaves, whichever is most prominent.  For example, the Asiatic Dayflower (Commelina communis), has tiny yellow flowers, but its large blue fake petals are actually its dominant feature and so determine the species' color category assignment.

Plants with no clearly dominant color are each placed in multiple categories.  Members of the same species seen on different dates will still be sorted by date. 

These Latin names were checked against the Integrated Taxonomic Information System for validity.

White    Yellow    Orange or Yellow-orange   Red   Pink or Purplish-pink    Purple or Blue    Green    Black

White

         
Pennsylvania Bittercress (Cardamine pensylvanica), Durham, NC, 1/26/12 Rockcress, Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 2/21/11 Rockcress, Durham, NC, 2/21/11 Common Chickweed, Durham, NC, 3/1/10  Rockcress, probably Arabis genus, Durham, NC,  3/1/10 Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 3/6/10          


           
Field Pansy (Viola bicolor), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 3/11/09 Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 3/11/09 Toothwort (Cardamine concatenata or Dentaria laciniata), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 3/14/07.  This is one of the favorite plants of Falcate Orangetip butterflies. Bloodroot (Sanguin-aria canadensis, Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC,  3/14/07 Early Saxifrage (Saxifraga virginiensis), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 3/19/09.  Mottled leaf is part of a Trout Lily.  ID thanks to Joan Carr of South Williamson,  Kentucky. Cutleaf Toothwort, showing variation in leaf shape, Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 3/23/11            

 

         
Chocolate Vine (Akebia quinata).  A vine with five leaves coming from one stem.  These are young leaves.  Durham, NC, 3/24/09.  ID thanks to Will Cook, who says it's an "exotic species."  USDA info on Chocolate Vine.  This vine escaped from someone's backyard but might not be capable of making it through the winter. Rue Anemone (Thalictrom thalictoides), Eno River State Park, Orange County, NC, 3/24/11 Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 3/24/10 Giant Chickweed (Stellaria pubera), Eno River State Park, Old Cole Mill Road access, Orange County, NC, 3/24/11 Blueberry (Vaccinium genus)flowers, Durham, NC, 3/28/09.           

 

         
Rue Anemone (Thalictrom thalictoides), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 3/31/09 Common Chickweed (Stellaria media), Durham, NC, 4/3/09. White clover (Trifolium repens, var. repens), Durham, NC, 4/3/09 Lyre-leaved Rock Cress (Arabis lyrata), Durham, NC, 4/5/09 Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis), Durham, NC, 4/5/11          

 

         
Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), 4/5/06 Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), Occoneechee Mountain Natural Area, Orange County, NC, 4/5/09.  Blue object is a plastic marker. Large-flowered Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 4/6/09 Giant Chickweed (Stellaria pubera), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 4/6/09. Heartleaf Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), Duke Gardens, 4/6/09          

 

 
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria ruscaceae), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 4/6/09 Giant Chickweed (Stellaria pubera), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 4/6/09. Trailing Arbutus (Epigaea repens), Occoneechee Mountain Natural Area, Orange County, NC  4/6/14 Possumhaw Virburnum (Viburnum nudum), Durham, NC, 4/8/09 Witch Alder (Fothergilla major), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 Heartleaf Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 Blueberry (Vaccinium genus) flowers, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC 4/10/09 Common Cornsalad (Valerianella locusta), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 4/12/09 Vetch, American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 4/13/09.  


 
Chokecherry (Prunus virginia), American Tobacco Trail (miles 4-6), Durham, NC, 4/13/09 Blackberry (Rubus genus), American Tobacco Trail (miles 4-6), Durham, NC, 4/13/09 Bedstraw or Stickywilly (Galium aparine), Durham, NC, 4/14/09 Violet, Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 4/18/09 Mayapple (Podophyllum pentatum), Durham, 4/20/06.  Photo by Karl D. Gottschalk  


             
Atamasco Lily (Zethyranthes atamasco), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 4/20/07 Mayapple, Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 4/22/09 Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus), Durham, NC, 4/22/10 Chive (Allium schoenoprasum), Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh, NC, 4/23/09 Woodland Stonecrop (Sedum ternatum), Eno River State Park, Orange County, NC, 4/24/10 Sweet White Violet (Viola blanda), Montreat, Buncombe County, NC  4/28/14 Daisy Fleabane (Erigon strigosus), Durham, NC, 4/28/09 Squawroot (Conopholis americana), Swannanoa Trail, Warren Wilson College, Buncombe County, NC  4/28/14              


     
Mayapple (Podophyllum pentatum) blooms, Swannanoa Trail, Warren Wilson College, Buncombe County, NC  4/28/14, Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca), Swannanoa Trail, Warren Wilson College, Buncombe County, NC  4/28/14 Large-flowered Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum), Montreat, Buncombe County, NC, 4/29/14 Serviceberry (Amelanchier genus), Montreat, Buncombe County, NC, 4/29/14 False Garlic (looks like Nothoscordum borbonicum, but only N. bivalve has been reported inland), Santee, Orangeburg County, SC, 4/29/11 Blooming Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens), Congaree National Park, Richland County, 4/30/11 Broadleaf Toothwort (Dentaria diphylla), Montreat, Bumcombe County, NC, 4/30/14      


         
Slender Toothwort (Dentaria heterophylla), Montreat, Bumcombe County, NC, 4/30/14 White Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium albidum), Durham, NC, 5/1/09 Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 5/1/09.  Introduced from China, Japan and/or Korea. American Holly, Durham, NC, 5/8/09 Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), Durham, NC, 5/10/10.  Photo by Peter C. Charles. Penstemon multiflora, Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 5/11/12 White-bracted Sedge or Whitetop Sedge or Sandswamp Whitetop (Rhynchospora latifolia), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/11/09          



   
Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium genus), with small flowers (~5 mm long), Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 5/12/10 Fetterbush Lyonia (Lyonia lucida), with larger flowers (~10 mm long).  These were very common in this park.  Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 5/12/10 Queen Anne's Lace or Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 5/19/09 Horse Nettle (Solanum carolinense), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 5/19/09 Wild Onion, Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 5/20/09 Milkweed, Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 5/20/09    

       
  Large Houstonia (Houstonia purpurea), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 5/20/09 Penstemon multiflorus, Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 5/21/09.  Looks like Multiflora Penstemon (Penstemon multiflorus), but is outside that species' natural range, i.e., hardiness zones 8-10. Part of a huge field of what are apparently Multiflora Penstemon (Penstemon multiflorus).  Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 5/21/09. Their blooming time was about 2 weeks. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), (Rhododendron minus), Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes County, NC, 5/22/08 Tread-softly (Cnidoscolus stimulosus), a member of the spurge family.  It has stinging hairs.  Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 5/23/11 White Prickly Poppy (Argemone albiflora) with 3 beetles and 5 tiny bees. Riverside Nature Center, Kerrville, Kerr County, TX, 5/27/10      



   
Indian Pipes (Monotropa uniflora), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 5/30/09 Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), Durham, NC, 5/27/09 Striped Wintergreen (Chimapila maculata), in full bloom, 5/31/09 Moth Mullein (Verbascum blattaria), Sandy Creek Park, Durham, NC, 5/31/11 Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Haw River State Park, 5/31/08, with Zebra Longhorn Beetle Lizard's Tail (Saururus cernuus), Durham, NC, 6/1/09 Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica), Durham, NC, 6/3/09    

         
Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Haw River State Park, 5/31/08, with Zebra Longhorn Beetle Lizard's Tail (Saururus cernuus), Durham, NC, 6/1/09 Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica), Durham, NC, 6/3/09 Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), Durham, NC, 6/3/09.  The stalks are turning pink, but the flowers are still white. Dogbane or Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 6/6/10 Common Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) blossoms, Third Fork Trail, Durham, NC, 6/6/11          



         
Moth Mullein (Verbascum blattaria, an introduced plant), Occoneechee Mountain Natural Area, Orange County, NC, 6/13/09 Striped Wintergreen  (Chimapila maculata)with fruit, Durham, NC,  6/15/09 Silvery Nailwort or Silverling (Paronychia agyrocoma), seen on ledge at the McAfee's Knob summit (Roanoke County, VA, 6/15/11), about 2 inches high. Striped Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata), McAfee's Knob, Roanoake County, VA, 6/15/11 Galax (Galax urceolata), Tanawha Trail, Watauga County, NC  6/16/15 Lizard's Tail (Saururus cernuus), Durham, NC, 6/18/10 Great Laurel (Rhododendron maximum), Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes County, NC, 6/18/09 Tall Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 Centaurea genus maybe, NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09          



     
Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 6/21/10 Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 Tall Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana), which has a very long stem with basal leaves.  Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 6/24/09 Tall Thimbleweed leaf of flower on left. Common Wild Quinine (Parthenium integrifolium), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC (~Mile 5), 6/24/10 Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 6/25/09, a very poisonous plant, found in Siler's Bog.    


Blueberries (Vaccinium genus), Durham, NC, 6/26/09 Man-of-the-earth or Wild Potato Vine (Ipomoea pandurata), a kind of morning glory.  American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 6/29/09 Sericea Lespedeza or Chinese Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 6/29/09. Queen Anne's Lace flowers (close-up), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 6/29/09 Moth Mullein (Verbascum blattaria), Boone Greenway Trail, Watauga County, NC, 6/30/10


         
Chicory (Cichorium intybus), including one albino (on Blowing Rock Rd. corner), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 6/30/10.  The chances are seeing a white Chicory flower are very small, of course! Bee-balm (Monarda fistulosa), Linn Cove Viaduct, Avery County, NC, 7/1/10 Budding Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera pubescens).  Thumbnail went sideways.  Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 7/2/11 American Water Willow (Justicia americana) flowers, with sweat bee inside one.  On Eno River bank.  West Point on the Eno, Durham, NC, 7/4/09 Water Hemlock, Peaks of Otter Recreational Area, Bedford County, VA, 7/9/09.  About the same elevation as the Visitors Center (2550 feet).          



           
Blooming Rattlesnake Plantain Orchid (Goodyera pubescens), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 7/15/11 Sweet Everlasting (Pseudoganafalium obtusifolium) flower close-up, American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 7/16/09 Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), one of hundreds blooming at the Flat River Impoundment on 7/17/11 Rattlesnake Master, NC Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 7/17/09 Sericea Lespedeza  or Chinese Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Durham, NC, 8/2/10 Lanceleaf Fogfruit (Phyla lanceolata), Carolina Beach, New Hanover County, NC, 8/3/09 Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora), Macon County, NC  8/9/05.  This view of a flower shows that it has the normal reproductive organs, in contrast to widespread belief that it is not actually a plant, but a fungus.  This plant produces no chlorophyll, obtaining its nutrients from the soil. Tread-softly (Cnidoscolus stimulosus), Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 8/12/11 Indian Pipes, Moses Cone Memorial Park, Watauga County, NC, 8/12/09  Virgin's Bower (Clematis virginiana), Boone Gardens, Watauga County, NC, 8/12/09            


     
  Horse Nettle (Solanum carolinense), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/12/12 Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Mt. Jefferson State Park, Ashe County, NC, 8/13/09  Sericea lespedeza or Chinese Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/21/09 Horse Nettle (Solanum carolinense), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/21/09 Sagittaria genus, Carolina Beach, New Hanover County, NC, 8/29/12 Wild Onion (Allium canadensis?), Durham, NC, 9/2/09    

         
Virgin's Bower (Clematis virginiana), near the woodland nature trail at the Jordan Lake Dam area, Chatham County, NC, 9/3/11 Little whitish morning glory (Ipomoea lacunosa), Jordan Lake Dam area, Chatham County, NC, 9/3/11 Morning glories.  White ones are likely to be Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium, an introduced species).  Jordan Lake Dam area, Chatham County, NC, 9/3/11 Pokeweed: still some blooming!  Durham, NC, 9/5/09          


         
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), Durham, NC, 9/7/09 Smartweed flowers (close-up), Durham, NC, 9/16/09.  Although the buds are pink, the flowers themselves are white with the slightest touch of pink. Cardiospermum corindum, Pitt County Arboretum, Greenville, NC, 9/26/14. This plant is native to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and was introduced to Arizona, Texas and Florida, so it's not a true wildflower where I saw it. Moonflower (Ipomea alba), Gulfport, Harrison County, MS, 10/20/13 Little Bluestem (Andropogon scoparius), Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, Moore County, NC, 11/2/13 Dog Fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County, NC, 11/2/11.  The tiny flowers are white.  White Heath Aster (Symphyotricum pilosum), with an American Lady, Durham, NC, 11/05/12 Striped Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata), Durham, NC, 11/27/08.  The flowers are white. Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica) berries, Sandhills Horticultural Garden, Pinehurst, Moore County, NC, 11/28/09          


Yellow
         
Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Durham, NC, 2/16/10 Hop Clover (Trifolium genus), Fort Fisher Recreational Area, New Hanover County, NC, 3/9/10.  This is a composite of maybe ten typical pea family flowers. Buttercup?  Durham, NC, 3/9/11 Black Willow (Salix nigra) male catkin, Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 3/11/09.  These flowers lack petals and sepals.  Note the fly at the base of the blossom. Field Mustard or Wild Turnip (Brassica rapa), Durham, NC, 3/11/12 Trout Lily (Erythonium americanum) Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 3/13/08.  These ephemera show up in early spring and die back to the ground when new leaves on the trees cut off the sunlight to the understory.  They are common in wooded areas around here.            

 
Lesser Celandines, Sandy Creek Park, Durham, NC, 3/20/11 Winter Cress (Barbarea verna), Durham, NC, 3/26/11.  It first appeared on 3/24/11 Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Durham, NC, 3/27/09 Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), Durham, NC, 3/30/09 Yellow Fumewort (Corydalis flavula), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 3/30/10 Yellow Buckeye (Aesculus flava), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 3/31/09 Indian Strawberry or Mock Strawberry(Duchesnea indica), Durham, NC, 4/3/09 Downy Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 4/4/09


         
Common Yellow Wood-sorrel (Oxalis stricta), Durham, NC, 4/5/09 Winter cress (Barbarea verna), Durham, NC, 4/5/09 Green-and-gold (Chrysogonum virginianum), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 Carolina Buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09          
       

 
St. Anthony's Turnip (Ranunculus bulbosus), Durham, NC, 4/11/09.  A kind of buttercup. Halberd-leaved (Yellow) Violet (Viola hastata).  Seen at the same elevation as the lake (about 1200 feet), Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes County, NC, 4/11/10 Dwarf Dandelion (Krigia genus), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 4/12/09 Winter Cress (Barbarea verna), American Tobacco Trail (Miles 4-6), Durham, NC, 4/13/09 Hop Clover (Trifolium campestre?), Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County, NC, 4/16/09 Green-and-gold, Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 4/22/09 Golden Alexander (Zizea aurea), Swannanoa Trail, Warren Wilson College, Asheville, NC, 4/28/14 Bellwort (Uvularia genus), Montreat, Buncombe County, NC, 4/29/14  

           
Downy Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens), Montreat, Buncombe County, NC, 4/29/14 Halberd-leaved Violet, Montreat, Buncombe County, NC, 4/29/14 Yellow Mandarin (Prosartes lanuginosa), Montreat, Buncombe County, NC, 4/29/14 Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum), Montreat, Buncombe County, NC, 4/29/14 Hop Clover (Trifolium campestre?), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 5/1/09            

         
Hearts-a-bustin' or American Strawberry Bush (Euonymus americanus), Durham, NC, 5/6/09 Common Evening Primrose (Oenoethera biennis), Ocracoke, 5/11/09.  Taken at 8:24 am, DST. Sundrops (Calylophus genus), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 5/11/12 Birdfoot Trefoil or Birdfoot Deer-vetch (Lotus corniculatus), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/11/09 Hearts-a-Bustin' or American Strawberry Bush (Euonymus americanus), Durham, NC, 5/18/08 Sulfur Cinquefoil (Potentilla recta), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 5/19/09 Sundrop or Evening Primrose (Oenothera genus), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 5/19/09          



   
Small's Ragwort (Packera anonyma), Durham, NC, 5/20/09 Prickly Pear (Opuntia genus) flower with flower longhorn beetle.  The beetle finally got out of the flower after some struggling.  Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 5/23/11  Prickly Pear (Opuntia genus) flower with Katydid, Ft. Fisher Basin Trail, New Hanover County, NC, 5/24/11 Hop Clover (Trifolium agrarium), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, 5/30/09 Common Goldstar (Hypoxis hirsuta), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 5/30/09 Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Haw River State Park, 5/31/08, with Zebra Longhorn Beetle Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Durham, NC, 6/11/11 Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia genus), Duke Gardens, Durham County, NC, 6/12/09    

         
Indian Cucumber Root (Medeola virginiana) flower and bud, War Spur Loop, Giles County, VA, 6/15/11 Whorled Loosestrife (Lysimachia quadrifolia), War Spur Loop, Giles County, VA, 6/16/11 St. John's Wort (Hypericum calycinum ?), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09.  Yellow Sweet Clover (Melilotus officinalis), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09          

             
Seedbox (Ludwigia alternifolia, Onagraceae family), Durham, NC, 6/26/09 Whorled Tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata), Durham, NC, 6/27/09 Four-flower Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia quadriflora), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 6/27/14 St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum?), Linn Cove Viaduct (roadside), Avery County, NC, 7/1/10 St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum?), Boone Greenway Trail, Watauga County, NC, 7/2/10 Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), West Point on the Eno, Durham, NC, 7/4/09 Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 7/6/11              


         
Cutleaf Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata), Linn Cove Viaduct Visitors Center trail, 7/8/11 Mullein Foxglove (Dasistoma macrophylla), North Carolina Botanical Garden (woodland trail), Orange County, NC, 7/16/15 False Dandelion (Pyrrhopappus carolinianus), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 7/16/11 Goldenrod (Solidago genus, Asteraceae family), with weevil and beetle, NC Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 7/17/09 Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), with a sideways thumbnail problem.  Flat River Impoundment, Durham County, NC, 7/17/11 Partridge Pea (Chaemaecrista fasciculata), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC,  7/26/09          



         
Bushy Sea Oxeye Daisy or Bushy Seaside Tansy (Borrichia frutescens), Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 8/3/09 Pale Jewelweed (Impatiens palida), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/4/08 Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), Flat River Impoundment, Durham County, NC, 8/5/11 Yellow-eyed Grass (Xyris fimbriata), Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 8/4/09 Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/9/09 St. Andrew's Cross (Hypericum hypericoides), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/9/09 Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/9/09          


       
      Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Moses Cone  Memorial Park, Watauga County, NC, 8/12/09.  This flower was alone. Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, 8/12/12   Bitter Sneezeweed (Helenium amarum), Flat River Impoundment, Durham, NC, 8/15/10 False Dandelion (Pyrrhopappus carolinianus),  Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 8/15/12 Pale Jewelweed or Pale Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens pallida), Tanawha Trail (Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 304), NC, 8/17/15 Common Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia), Durham, NC, 8/17/12  


       
Common Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/21/09 Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) flower, among buds, Geitner Park, Hickory, Catawba County, NC, 9/29/09.  A typical mature Common Ragweed plant has thousands of flowers. Bearded Beggartick (Bidens aristosa), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 10/5/08 Showy Rattlebox (Crotalaria spectabilis), Greenville, NC, 11/10/10 Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), Durham, NC, 12/4/09 Common Dandelion, American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 12/29/09.  A cold day.        

Orange or Yellowish Orange

           
Early Witch Hazel (Hamamelis vernalis) flower, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 2/2/11 Red Maple (Acer rubrum) male flowers, Durham, NC, 2/26/09 Florida Azalea (Rhododendron austrinum), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 Japanese Mazus (Mazus pumilus or Mazus japonicus), Durham, NC, 4/13/11 Birdfoot Trefoil or Birdfoot Deer-vetch (Lotus corniculatus), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/11/09            

 

 
Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), Durham, NC, 5/17/06.  These flowers are usually not seen until they fall from these tall trees. Orange Daylily or Tiger Daylily (Hemerocallis fulva), near Old Salem, Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, NC, 6/7/09 Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 6/10/10 Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 6/13/09 Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans), Occoneechee Mountain, Orange County, NC, 6/13/09  

 

         
    Gray's Lily flower (Lilium grayi), Tanawha Trail, Watauga County, NC, 6/16/15 Sunflower, with Honey Bee, Durham, NC, 8/1/08.  Photo by Karl D. Gottschalk. Turk's Cap Lily (Lilium superbum), Daniel Boone Gardens, Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/5/08 Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), with tiny Tarnished Plant Bug, Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/6/08 Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/9/09      


         
Turk's Cap Lily (Lilium superbum), seen near the Mt. Jefferson summit, Ashe County, NC, 8/13/09.  Yellow-fringed Orchid (Platanthera ciliaris), Bear Den Campground, Mitchell County, NC, 8/19/14 Red Morning Glory (Ipomoea coccinea), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 9/11/09 Redstars (Ipomoea coccinea), Jordan Lake Dam, Chatham County, NC, 9/20/10 Touch Me Not or Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) seeds and burst pod, Geitner Park, Hickory, Catawba County, NC, 9/25/09.  Touching a ripe pod, which has a slender convex shape, causes it to split at the seams, freeing the seeds.          

Red

         
Male Red Maple flowers, Third Fork Creek Trail, Durham, NC, 1/10/13 Witch Hazel (Hamamelis genus) flower, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 2/2/11 Male Red Maple flowers, fallen from a tree, Durham, NC, 2/19/11 Male Red Maple (Acer rubrum) flowers, Ebenezer Church Recreational Area, Chatham County, NC, 2/20/11 Male Red Maple (Acer rubrum) flower, Durham, NC, 2/21/11 Male Red Maple (Acer rubrum) male flowers, Durham, NC, 2/26/09 Female Red Maple flowers.  This tree seemed to have nothing but, while another Red Maple next to it had nothing but male flowers.  Durham, NC, 2/26/11.          

 

         
Female Red Maple flowers, Durham, NC, 3/2/11 Male Red Maple (Acer rubrum) flowers, fallen out of a tree, Durham, NC, 3/6/10  Red Maple (Acer rubrum) fruit, lying where it fell, Durham, NC, 3/10/11 Male Red Maple (Acer rubrum) tree in full bloom, Durham, NC, 3/16/10          

 

             
Winged Elm (Ulmus alata) flowers, just starting to develop fruit.  Durham, NC, 3/24/10 Female Red Maple (Acer rubrum)  flowers, with some producing fruit.  Durham, NC 3/24/10 Female Red Maple flowers, some with forming fruit.  Durham, NC, 3/28/10 Winged Elm flowers and fruit. Sandy Creek Park, Durham, NC, 3/30/10 Wake Robin (Trillium erectum), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 4/6/09 Florida Azalea (Rhododendron austrinum), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09              

 

   
Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 Cross Vine (Bignonia capreolata), Durham, NC, 4/17/10 Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum), North Carolina Museum of Art nature trail, 4/23/09 Poppy (Papaver dubium), Durham, NC, 4/23/09    

Eastern Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), Swannanoa Trail, Warren Wilson College, Asheville, NC, 4/28/14 Wake Robin (Trillium erectum), Montreat, Buncombe County, 4/29/14 Little Sweet Betsy (Trillium cuneatum), Montreat, Buncombe County, NC, 4/30 Cross Vine (Bignonia capreolata), Durham, NC, 5/4/09          

       
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonacera sempervirens), Eno River State Park, Orange County, 5/8/07 Hearts-a-bustin' (Euonymus americanus), NC Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 5/9/10 Bristly Mallow (Modiola caroliniana), in a wild section off the parking lot, NC Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 5/9/10 Firewheel (Gaillardia pulchella),Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/11/09 Mock Strawberry or Indian Strawberry (Duchesnea indica), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange Bounty, NC, 5/11/12 Fire Pink (Silene virginica), Haw River State Park, Rockingham County, 5/30/08        


         
Scarlet Bee-balm (Monarda didyma), Salem College, Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, NC, 6/7/09 Bristly-mallow (Modiola caroliniana), Winston-Salem, NC, 6/7/09 Fire Pink (Silene virginica), Mountain Lake Conservancy, Giles County, VA, 6/13/11 Fire Pink (Silene virginica), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 6/19/10 Watershield (Brasenia schreberi), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 6/27/11 Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Sharp Top Mountain, Peaks of Otter Recreational Area, Bedford County, VA, 7/10/09          

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Third Fork Creek Trail, Durham,  NC, 7/17/11 Typical Firewheels (Gaillardia pulchella), Battle Acre, Ft. Fisher Recreation Area, New Hanover County, NC, 8/10/11 American Groundnut (Apios americana), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/16/15 Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/21/09 Kudzu flowers(Pueraria  montana), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 8/25/09 Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Durham, NC, 9/1/08

         
Redstar (Ipomoea coccinea), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 9/2/08 Redstars (Ipomoea coccinea), Jordan Lake Dam, Chatham County, NC, 9/3/08 Cardinal Flower, taken at the Third Fork Trail, Durham, NC, 9/4/11 Hearts-a-bustin', Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 9/17/10 Hearts-a-bustin' fruit.  Flowers are generally yellow, green or pink.  Riverbend Park, Catawba County, NC, 9/24/09 Firewheel (Gaillardia pulchella), Carolina Beach, NC, 12/22/09          

Pink or Purplish-pink

           
Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), Durham, NC, 2/20/10 Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), Durham, NC, 2/21/11 Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum), Durham, NC, 3/2/11 Purple Dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum), Carolina Beach, New Hanover County, NC, 3/9/10 Common Vetch (Vicia sativa), Fort Fisher Recreational Area, New Hanover County, NC, 3/9/10 Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 3/11/09 Spring Beauties, Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 3/18/10            

         
Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), Durham, 3/19/09.  This is a common plant with tiny flowers, one of the first flowers to appear, usually in late winter. A rather unusual Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 3/22/11 Cutleaf Toothwort (Cardamine concatenata), Eno River State Park, Old Cole Mill Road access, Orange County, NC, 3/24/11 Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea), Eno River State Park, Old Cole Mill Road access, Orange County, NC, 3/24/11 Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Durham, NC, 3/29/09 Showy Milkwort (Polygala grandiflora), South Lido Park, Sarasota, FL, 4/1/12          

         
Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), Durham, 4/3/09 Purple Dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum), Durham, NC, 4/3/09 Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 4/6/09 Virginia Bluebell (Mertensia vrginica), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 4/6/09.  See Virginia Bluebells USDA Page. Sweet William (Dianthus caryophyllus), Durham,
NC, 4/9/09		 Fringed Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 Common Vetch, Durham, NC, 4/11/15 Pinxter Flower (Rhododendron periclymenoides), Oconoeechee Mountain Natural Area, Orange County, NC, 4/14/11, appeared deep in the woods.          



         
Bashful Wake Robin (Trillium catesbaei).  North Carolina Botanical Garden, 4/18/09. Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 4/22/09 Cow Vetch (Vicia cracca), Camden County, NC, 4/27/09 (near downtown Elizabeth City) Wild Roses (genus Rosa), Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County, NC, 4/27/09 Pink Wood-sorrel (Oxalis violaceae), Pettigrew State Park, Washington County, NC, 4/28/09 Carolina Spring Beauty (Claytonia caroliniana), Swannanoa Trail, Warren Wilson College, Buncombe County, NC  4/28/14 Wild Onion (Allium genus?), Durham, NC, 4/30/09        

 

     
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense), Southern Village, Chapel Hill, Orange County, NC, 5/7/09 Venus' Looking-Glass (Triodanis perfoliata), Pedmont Wildlife Center, Durham,
NC, 5/8/10 		Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius), Flat River Waterfowl Impoundment, Durham County, NC, 5/10/12 Unidentified plant, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Dare County, NC, 5/10/09 Venus' Looking-Glass (Triodanis perfoliata), Durham, NC, 5/11/11 Eastern Gray Beardtongue (Penstemon canescens), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 5/11/12 Venus' Looking Glass (Triodanis perfoliata), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 5/11/12      


         
  Venus' Looking Glass (Triodanis perfoliata), Durham, NC, 5/18/09 Queen Anne's Lace or Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 5/19/09.  Young (composite) flower. Deptford Pink (Dianthus armeria), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 5/19/09 Bristly Locust flower (Robinia hispida), Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes County, NC, 5/22/08 Rabbit's Foot Clover (Trifolium arvense), Flat River Waterfowl Impoundment, Durham County, NC, 5/22/15        

 

Carolina Rhododendron (Rhododendron minus), Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes County, NC, 5/22/08 Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), (Rhododendron minus), Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes County, NC, 5/22/08 Pink Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium  acaule, Orchidaceae family), Falling Creek Camp, Tuxedo, Henderson County, NC, 5/23/03 Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh, NC, 5/22/09 Rose Mallow (Pavonia lasiopetala), San Antonio Botanical Garden, Bexar County, TX, 5/26/10 Red Clover blossom (Trifolium pratense), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 5/27/11 Deptford Pink (Dianthus ameria), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 5/30/09


         
Carolina Rose (Rosa carolina), Flat River Impoundment, Durham County, NC, 6/3/11 Smooth Coneflower (Echinacea laevigata), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 6/4/06. This is an officially endangered species according to the US Fish & Wildlife Service and North Carolina Ecological Services according to their Smooth Coneflower Page. Smooth Coneflowers (Echinacea laevigata), members of a federally-listed (endangered) species, Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 6/6/10 Silktree (Albizia julibrissin), Durham, NC, 6/8/09 Deptford Pink (Dianthus ameria), Mountain Lake Conservancy, Giles County, VA, 6/12/11 Seems to be a struggling Common Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea).  Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 6/12/09          

 

 
Wild Onion (Allium genus), Occoneechee Mountain Natural Area, Orange County, NC, 6/13/09 Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), Occoneechee Mountain, Orange County, NC, 6/13/09 Deptford pink (Dianthus armeria), Blue Ridge Parkway, Watauga County, NC, 6/16/15 Leather Flower (Clematis viorna), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 6/19/10 Bergamot or Lavender Bee-balm (Monarda fistulosa), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 New England Aster (Symphyatrichum novae-angliae), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 Naked Tick Trefoil (Desmodium nudiflorum) flowers, seen on the woodland trail (not part of the official exhibit) at the North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 6/27/11  

 

               
Silktree (Albizia julibrissin, an introduced plant) flower, American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 6/29/09 Crown Vetch (Coronilla varia or Securigera varia, an introduced plant), Boone Greenway, Watauga County, NC, 7/7/11 Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius), on Cedar Creek Nature Trail, Natural Bridge, Rockbridge County, VA, 7/8/09   Deptford Pink flower (Dianthus ameria), in a meadow at Harkening Hill, Peaks of Otter Recreational Area, Bedford County, VA, 7/9/09   Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), Peaks of Otter Recreational Area, Bedford County, VA, 7/9/09 Bleeding Heart or Turkey Corn (Dicentra eximia), Sharp Top Mountain, Peaks of Otter Recreational Area, Bedford County, VA, 7/10/09.  Seen at about 3700 feet in elevation.  About 20 plants were seen in close proximity near a small rain forest. Purple-flowering Raspberry (Rubus odoratus), Sharp Top Mountain, Peaks of Otter Recreational Area, Bedford, VA, 7/10/09            

 

   
Carolina Wild Petunia (Ruellia carolinensis), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 7/15/11 Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), close up.  American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 7/16/11 Sensitive Brier or Sensitive Plant (Mimosa microphylla), NC Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 7/17/09 Wild onion (Allium genus), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 7/17/11 Bull Thistle (Cirsium vulgare), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 7/26/09 Maryland Meadow Beauty (Rhexia mariana), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 7/26/09 Sericea Lespedeza  or Chinese Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), Durham, NC, 8/2/10 Narrowleaf Rose Gentian or Rose Pink (Sabatia brachiata), Ft. Fisher Basin Trail, New Hanover County, NC, 8/3/09    


         
Mystery legume, Airlie Gardens, Wilmington, New Hanover County, NC, 8/5/09.  Not part of regular exhibit. Salt March Pink (Sabatia angularis), Ft. Fisher Recreational Area, New Hanover County, NC, 8/6/09 Ironweed (Vernonia altissima), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/9/09 Firewheels (Galliardia pulchella), Ft. Fisher Recreation Area, New Hanover County, NC, 8/10/11 Groundnut (Apios americana), Durham, NC, 8/11/08.  ID thanks to Janie Owens.          

 

           
Pinkweed (Polygonum pensylvaticum), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/11/09 Garden Phlox (maybe Phlox paniculata), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/11/09 Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/11/09 Salt Marsh Pink (Sabatia stellaris), Ft. Fisher Basin Trail, New Hanover County, NC, 8/12/11 New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae), Daniel Boone Gardens, Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/12/09 Spotted Bee-balm (Monarda punctata), Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 8/12/11 Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/12/09            

 

     
Green Lynx Spider on Tall Ironweed (Vernonia altissima), Third Fork Creek Trail, Durham, NC, 8/12/12 Rose Pink (Sabatia angularis), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/12/12 Purple-flowering Raspberry (Rubus Odoratus), with flower, Daniel Boone Gardens, Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/12/09 Purple-flowering Raspberry (Rubus Odoratus), with flower.  Mt. Jefferson State Park, Ashe County, NC, 8/13/09 Purple-flowering Raspberry (Rubus odoratus), with fruit.  Mt. Jefferson State Park, Ashe County, NC, 8/13/09 Narrowleaf Rose Gentian or Rose Pink (Sabatia angularis), Ft. Fisher Recreational Area, New Hanover County, NC, 8/15/09      


Pink Turtlehead (Chelone obliqua) buds, Tanawha Trail (Milepost 304), NC, 8/17/15 Virginia Meadow Beauty (Rhexia virginica), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/18/11 Groundnut (Apios americana).  Durham, NC, 8/20/10 Rose Gentians (Sabatia angularis), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/21/09 Kudzu flower (Pueraria montana), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/21/09 Hog Peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 8/23/09

 

 
  Paraguayan Purslane (Portulaca amilis), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 8/25/09.  Reputed to be an invasive weed, but not around here!  Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) flowers, American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 8/25/09 Lespedeza genus flowers, American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 9/1/09 Blooming Kudzu (Pueraria lobata), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 9/2/11 Paraguayan Purslane (Portulaca amilis), in the picnicking area of the Jordan Lake Dam area, Chatham County, NC, 9/3/11 Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana), NC Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 9/6/09

 

         
Ironweed flower (Vernonia novaboracensis)closeup, NC Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 9/6/09 Virginia Meadow Beauty (Rhexia virginica), NC Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 9/6/09 Pinkweed (Polygonum pennsylvanicum), Durham, NC, 9/7/09 Silktree (Albizia julibrissin), one of the last blooms this year.  American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 9/8/11 Paraguayan Purslane (Portulaca amilis), American Robacco Trail, Durham, NC, 9/11/09 Kudzu (Pueraria lobata), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 9/11/09          

 

     
  Butterfly Pea (Clitoria mariana), Falls Lake Dam area, 9/11/10 Trailing Wild Bean (Strophostyles helvola), with the different flower colors (due to age) characteristic of this species.  Durham, NC, 9/13/11 Purple False Foxglove, the fuzziest flower I know of!  Mason Farm Biological Reserve, 9/13/09 Paraguayan Purslane (Portulaca amilis)  Durham, NC, 9/14/12 Purple False Foxglove (Agalinis purpurea), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC  9/17/08.  Note the many tiny "hairs." Purple False Foxglove (Agalinis purpurea), Third Fork Trail, Durham, NC, 9/18/11    

 

Rosepink (Sabatia angularis).  A spider has connected two petals with its silk. Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 9/19/11 Salt-marsh Fleabane (Pluchea odorata), Goose Creek State Park, Washington County, NC, 9/21/08.  Also seen in rural Chatham County, NC. Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), Durham, NC, 10/12/12 New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae), 10/16/08 Sensitive Brier (Mimosa microphylla), Riverbend Park, Catawba County, NC, 9/24/09 Valley Redstem or Scarlet Tooth-cap (Ammannia coccinea): flowers, fruit and buds, Jordan Lake gameland, Chatham County, NC, 10/15/11


         
Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), Durham, NC, 11/14/09.  The temperature was in the 60s, and Tropical Storm Ida had just come through. Spider Flower (Cleome hassleriana), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 10/31/11.  Genus ID thanks to Laura Thomas. Henbit, American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 12/29/09.  One of about 5 blooming henbit flowers in all on this cold day.          

Purple or Blue

Speedwell (Veronica persica), Durham, NC, 2/20/10 Speedwells (Veronica persica), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 2/21/11 Speedwells (Veronica persica), Durham, NC, 2/21/11 Field Pansy (Viola bicolor), North Carolina Museum of Art, 2/24/12 Speedwell (Veronica persica), North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh, Wake County, 2/24/12 Rosemary flowers (Rosmarinus genus), North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh, Wake County, 2/24/12 Little Periwinkle (Vinca minor), in the process of unfolding.  Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC,  3/6/10  Violet (Viola sororia), Durham, NC, 3/9/11 Speedwell (Veronica persica), Durham, 3/10/09.  This is a very common plant with tiny flowers, appearing early in the year.


         
Violet, Durham, NC, 3/10/11 Field Pansy (Viola bicolor), Durham, NC, 3/12/09 Round Lobed Hepatica (Hepatica americana), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 3/14/07.  Little Periwinkle (Vinca minor), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 3/19/09          

 

             
Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea), Durham, 3/19/09.  Grape Hyacinths (Muscari armeniacum), Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, NC, 3/21/11 Hepatica nobilis flowers and leaves, Uwharrie Trail, 3/25/10.  Photo taken by Karl D. Gottschalk Carpet Bugle or Ground Pine (Ajuga reptans), atypically tall: they're usually mowed down!  Durham, NC, 3/28/10   Violet (Viola genus), Durham, NC, 3/29/09 Grape Hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 3/31/09 Japanese Mazus (Mazus pumilus or Mazus japonicus) flower, Durham, NC, 4/5/10   Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 4/6/09.  See Virginia Bluebells USDA Page.          

 

         
Azure Bluet (Houstonia caerulia), Durham, NC, 4/7/09 Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Durham, NC, 4/8/09 Speedwell (Veronica pedunculata), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 Eastern Blue Phlox, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 Blue Toadflax (Linaria canadensis), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 4/12/09 Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 4/13/15 Mazus japonicus, Durham, NC, 4/13/11 Big Periwinkle (Vinca major), American Tobacco Trail (miles 4-6), Durham, NC, 4/13/09 Blue Toadflax (Linaria canadensis), Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County, NC, 4/16/09          

 

         
Carpet Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans, introduced from Eurasia),  about 3 feet high, just off Lake Crabtree trail on southern side of lake.  Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County, NC, 4/16/09.  Dwarf Iris (Iris reticulata), Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County, NC, 4/16/09 White Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium), Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County, NC, 4/16/09 Violet, Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 4/18/09.  A real maverick -- I may never get the species IDed! Violet (Viola brittoniana), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 4/22/09 Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 4/26/10 Crested Iris (Iris cristata), Montreat, Buncombe County, NC  4/27/14          

 

           
Ajuga reptans, Montreat, Buncombe County, NC, 4/29/14 Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), Montreat, Buncombe County, NC, 4/29/14 Wood Violet, Montreat, NC, 4/29/14 Flower fly (Toxomerus genus) on Blue-eyed Grass, 4/29/15 White Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium albidum), Durham, NC, 5/1/09.  Miami Mist (Phacelia purshii), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 5/2/10, one of many near the parking lot.  ID thanks to Bailey Winstead, who says they are common in the Smoky Mountains. They are not native this far east, according to Harry LeGrand, who confirmed the species ID.  These are similar the Fringed Phacelia, which has fewer flowers per stem. White Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium albidum), Piedmont Wildlife Center Trail, Durham, NC, 5/8/10 Fringed Phacelia, in the mountain garden section, NC Botanical Garden, 5/9/10 Phacelia bipinnatafida, in the mountain garden section, NC Botanical Garden, 5/9/10            


             
Asian Dayflower (Commelina communis), Brackenridge Park, San Antonio, Bexar County, TX, 5/28/10 Wild Onion, Durham, NC,  6/6/09 White Blue-eyed Grass(Sisyrinchium albidum), Durham, NC, 6/6/09.  Both flower and fruit are shown here.  Skullcap (Scutellaria integrifolia), Durham, NC, 6/6/09 Carolina Wild Petunia              

 

 
Carolina Dayflower (Commelina caroliniana), Durham, NC, 6/10/10 Helmet Skullcap (Scutellaria integrifolia), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 6/10/10 Katydid nymph on Horse Nettle (Solanum carolinense) flower, Durham, NC, 6/11/09 Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 6/12/09 White Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium albidum), Mountain Lake Conservancy, Giles County, VA, 6/12/11  


         
Stokes Aster (Stokesia laevis), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 6/12/09 Wild Onion (Allium genus), Occoneechee Mountain Natural Area, Orange County, NC, 6/13/09 Horse Nettle(Solanum carolinense), Occoneechee Mountain Natural Area, Orange County, NC, 6/13/09 Blueberries (Vaccinium genus), Durham, NC, 6/26/09 Chicory (Cichorium intybus), including one albino (on Blowing Rock Rd. corner), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 6/30/10          

 

     
Wild Onion, NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 Forget-me-nots (Myosotis genus), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 Carolina Wild Petunia (Ruellia carolinensis), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 Umbrella-leaf (Diphylleia cymosa), berries and leaf, Linn Cove Viaduct Access Trail, Avery County, NC, 7/1/10      


         
Carolina Wild Petunia (Ruellia carolinensis), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 7/2/11 Passion Vine with opening flower.  One of a few remaining after a large field was mowed.  Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 7/3/09 Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), Boone Greenway, Watauga County, NC, 7/6/11 Chicory (Cichorium intybus), seen in large groups along the sides of highways in the Natural Bridge area and nearby parts of Virginia, 7/8/09 Heal-All (Prunella vulgaris), Tanawha Trail, Avery County, NC, 7/8/11 Umbrella Leaf (Diphylleia cymosa), with mostly purple fruits, Linn Cove Viaduct Visitors Center, Avery County, NC, 7/8/11          

 

   
Blueberries, just starting to turn ripe at about 2700 feet in elevation on Sharp Top Mountain, Peaks of Otter, Bedford County, VA, 7/9/09. Ripe blueberries, Durham, NC, 7/15/09 Asiatic Dayflower (Commelina communis), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 7/15/11. Note that the tiny flowers are yellow, although the fake petals are blue. Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), partially opened.  Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 7/15/11 Virginia Spiderwort, NC Botanical Garden, 7/17/09 Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), Fort Macon State Park, Carteret County, NC, 7/21/08.  These are the preferred larval plants of Zebra Heliconian butterflies. Carolina Dayflower (Commelina caroliniana), Durham, NC, 7/25/09 New York Ironweed (Vernonia novaboracensis), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 7/30/09    

 

       
    Tall Bellflower (Campanula americana), Moses Cone Memorial Park, Watauga County, NC, 8/12/09.  Thanks to Janie Owens for ID. Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/12/09 Crab spider on Heal-All (Prunella vulgaris), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/12/12 Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), one of about 10 at the Flat River Impoundment, Durham, NC, 8/15/10 Spurred Butterfly Pea (Centrosema virginianum) flower, Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 8/18/06 Asiatic Dayflower (Commelina communis), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/18/11 Horse Nettle (Solanum carolinense), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/21/09 Kudzu flower (Pueraria montana), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/21/09    

 

           
      Hog Peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 8/23/09 Asiatic Dayflower (Commelina communis), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 8/23/09 Asiatic Dayflower (Commelina communis), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 8/25/09 Porcelainberry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata, an introduced plant), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 8/25/09 Carolina Dayflower (Commelina caroliniana).  Actually, it might be a Virginia Dayflower: the differences are far from obvious!  Durham, NC, 8/29/09. Waterpods (Hydrolea quadrivalvis) common in the formerly adjoining pond, Jordan Lake, Chatham County, NC, 8/30/15 ID thanks to Su Kim. Purple Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea), Jordan Lake Dam, Chatham County, NC, 9/3/11 Great Blue Lobelia, NC Botanical Garden, 9/6/09      

 

       
      Purple Passionflowers (Passiflora incarnata) at Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 9/10/11, the one on the left going to seed Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), Flat River Waterfowl Impoundment, Durham County, NC, 9/11/12 Asian Dayflower (Commelina communis), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 9/11/09 Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 9/11/09 Flossflower (Ageratum genus), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 9/11/09 Great Lobelia, Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 9/13/09 Virginia Dayflower (Commelina virginica), Third Fork Trail, Durham, NC, 9/15/11 Porcelainberry Vine (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata): blue and purple fruits only, Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 9/19/11 Morning glories (Ipomoea purpurea), Jordan Lake Dam, Chatham County, NC, 9/20/10  

 

          
Late Purple Aster (Symphyotrichum patens),  Geitner Park, Hickory, Catawba County, NC, 9/25/09 Virginia Dayflower (Commelina virginiana), Glen R. Hilton Park, Hickory, Catawba County, NC, 9/25/09.  Seen in deep woods. Carolina Dayflower, Durham, NC, 9/20/09 Forked Bluecurls (Trichostema dichotomum), 9/28/10.These wildflowers were common in the sand on the initial stretch of the Fort Fisher Basin Trail, New Hanover County, NC.  ID thanks to Janie Harmon Owens. Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), Carolina Beach, New Hanover County, NC, 10/16/09 Heal-All (Prunella vulgaris), Flat River Impoundment, Durham County, NC, 10/27/11          

Green

     
Winged Elm fruit, which landed on the ground, Durham, NC, 3/10/11 Eastern Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) flower, Durham, NC, 3/24/10 Winged Elm flowers and fruit. Sandy Creek Park, Durham, NC, 3/30/10 Spurge (Euphorbia genus), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 Sassafras (Sassafras albidum), American Tobacco Trail (miles 4-6), Durham, NC, 4/13/09 Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), Durham, NC, 4/14/09 White Oak (Quercus alba), Durham, NC, 4/15/09, fallen from tree Jack-in-the-Pulpit(Arisaema triphyllum), with spathe, Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County, NC, 4/16/09      

 

           
Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra), Durham, NC, 4/20/09 Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), Montreat, Buncombe County, NC, 4/28/14 Mayapple (Podophyllum pentatum) stunted by fallen leaf, Swannanoa Trail, Warren Wilson College, Buncombe County, NC,  4/28/14 Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) spathe, Congaree National Park, Richland County, SC, 4/30/11 Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), Durham, NC, 5/4/09 American Holly, Durham, NC, 5/8/09 White-bracted Sedge or Whitetop Sedge or Sandswamp Whitetop (Rhynchospora latifolia), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/11/09 Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), Durham, NC, 5/17/06.  These flowers are usually not seen until they fall from these tall trees.            

 

Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) spathe, NC Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 5/21/06 Blooming Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle umbellata), Ft. Fisher Recreation Area (Battery Buchanan Tour Stop), New Hanover County, NC, 5/23/11 Eastern Hophornbeam fruit (Ostrya virginiana), Durham, NC, 6/8/09 Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 Blueberries (Vaccinium genus), Durham, NC, 6/26/09 Wild Peppergrass (Lepidium virginicum, Brassicaceae family), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 6/29/09


           
Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), with green seedheads, NC Botanical Garden, 7/17/09.  Two plants are seen here. Angelica genus, Moses Cone Memorial Park, Watauga County, NC, 8/12/09 Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), with red seedheads, Durham, NC, 9/16/09 Cardiospermum corindum, Pitt County Arboretum, Greenville, NC, 9/26/14. This plant is native to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and was introduced to Arizona, Texas and Florida, so it's not a true wildflower where I saw it. Dog Fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County, NC, 11/2/11          

Black

       
Spikelets of Common Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis); the anthers and styles are black. Durham, NC, 7/15/09        

 Copyright © 2005-2017 Dorothy E. Pugh

References

Bowers, N., R. Bowers and S. Tekiela (2008) Wildflowers of the Carolinas.  Cambridge, MN: Adventure Publications

Justice, W., C.R. Bell and A.H. Lindsey (2005) Wild Flowers of North Carolina, 2nd ed.  Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press.

Newcomb, L. (1977) Newcomb's Wildflower Guide.  NY:Little, Brown & Co.

USDA, NRCS. 2009. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 9 November 2009). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.

Southern Illinois University College of Science (2011). Elements of Plant Systematics. Retrieved 28 July 2011 from http://www.plantbiology.siu.edu/PLB304/Lecture26Poales/Poaceae.html