Wildflowers by Color and Time of Appearance
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    Brown and Black

White

         
Pennsylvania Bittercress (Cardamine pensylvanica), Durham, NC, 1/26/12 Pennsylvania Bittercress, Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 2/21/11 Pennsylvania Bittercress, Durham, NC, 2/21/11 Pennsylvania Bittercress (Cardamine pensylvanica), Durham, NC, 2/21/18          

Virginia Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica), Durham, NC, 2/21/18 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 Cutleaf 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 (Sanguinaria canadensis), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC,  3/14/07  

 

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 3/15/15 Bloodroot (Sanguinara canadensis), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, Orange County, NC, 3/16/18 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 basal leaves, Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 3/23/11

 

 

   
Chocolate Vine (Akebia quinata).  An introduced (from Asia) vine with five leaves coming from one stem.  These are young leaves.  Durham, NC, 3/24/09.  ID thanks to Will Cook. 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 (Thalictrum thalictroides), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 3/28/18

 

 

         
Common Mouse-ear Chickweed (Cerastium fontanum or nutans?), Durham, NC, 3/30/18 Rue Anemone (Thalictrom thalictoides), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 3/31/09 Spring Beauty (Claytonia genus), Durham, NC, 4/2/18 Fully unfolded Field Pansy (Viola bicolor), Durham, NC, 4/2/18 Common Chickweed (Stellaria media), Durham, NC, 4/3/09.          

 

White clover (Trifolium repens, var. repens), Durham, NC, 4/3/09 Cornsalad (Valerianella locusta), Durham, NC, 4/4/16 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), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 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 Viburnum (Viburnum nudum), Durham, NC, 4/8/09 Atamasco Lily (Zephyranthes atamasca) 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 Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia) variation, Durham, NC, 4/12/18

 



 
Vetch (Vicia genus), 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 Giant Chickweed (Mysoton aquaticum) flowers, Eno River State Park (Cole Mill Rd.), Durham/Orange County, NC 4/14/16 Violet, Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 4/18/09 Mayapple (Podophyllum pentatum), Durham, NC, 4/20/06.  Photo by Karl D. Gottschalk

 



Atamasco Lily (Zethyranthes atamasco), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 4/20/07 Allium genus, Ocracoke Island, Hyde County, NC, 4/21/16 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 (Nothoscordum bivalve), 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 Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron annuus), Durham, NC, 5/18/18 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 Eastern Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron annuus), Swan Quarter, Hyde County, NC, 5/20/18 False Garlic (Nothoscordum bivalve), Swan Quarter, Hyde County, NC, 5/20/18 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. White-topped Sedge flower (Rhynchospora colorata), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/21/17 Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), (Rhododendron minus), Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes County, NC, 5/22/08 White-topped Sedge (Rhynchospora colorata), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/22/18 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 Lanceleaf Fogfruit (Phyla lanceolata), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/25/18  

 

White Prickly Poppy (Argemone albiflora) with 3 beetles and 5 tiny bees. Riverside Nature Center, Kerrville, Kerr County, TX, 5/27/10 Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), Durham, NC, 5/27/09 Ladies tresses orchid (Spiranthes genus), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/27/17 American Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), an introduced species, Durham, NC, 5/29/18 Indian Pipes (Monotropa uniflora), 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 Striped Wintergreen (Chimapila maculata), in full bloom, 5/31/09


         
Moth Mullein (Verbascum blattaria), Sandy Creek Park, Durham, NC, 5/31/11 Water Hemlock (Cicuta douglasii), Durham, NC, 5/31/18 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 Some water lilies up close, Moses Cone Memorial Park, Watauga County, NC, 6/6/17 Bowman's Root (Gillenia trifoliata), Moses Cone Memorial Park, Watauga County, NC, 6/6/17 Partridgeberry blooms (Mitchella repens), Julian Price Park, Watauga County, NC, 6/7/18 Moth Mullein (Verbascum blattaria, an introduced plant), Occoneechee Mountain Natural Area, Orange County, NC, 6/13/09 Tall Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 6/13/18 Wild Quinine (Parthenium integrifolium) with bee, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 6/13/18  

 



     
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, Roanoke County, VA, 6/15/11 Virginia Hoverfly on a Common Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), Jordan Lake, Chatham County, NC, 6/15/18 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    

 

White Cornflower (Centaurea genus), 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 Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) flowers near swamp, Durham, NC, 6/23/17 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. Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 6/24/09 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 Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 6/28/17 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!  

 

 
Tarnished Plant bug and Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron annuus), Durham, NC, 6/30/17 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  

 




 
Striped Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata), Tanawha Trail (near Linn Cove Viaduct Visitor Center), Avery County, NC, 7/8/16 Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Chapel Hill, NC, 7/8/18 Water Hemlock, Peaks of Otter Recreational Area, Bedford County, VA, 7/9/09.  About the same elevation as the Visitor 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 Wild Potato Vine (Ipomoea pandurata) 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

 


         
Horse Nettle (Solanum carolinensis), 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 carolinensis), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/21/09          

 

Mystery wildflower, Sandy Creek Park, Durham, NC, 8/25/14 Arrowhead (Sagittaria genus), Carolina Beach, New Hanover County, NC, 8/29/12 Ambush bug on Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 8/29/14

 



         
Carpenter bee on Wild Onion (Allium canadense), North Carolina Botanical Garden, 8/29/14 Wild Onion (Allium canadense), 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 Looper moth visiting Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) flowers, Durham, NC, 9/7/12 White Morning Glory (Ipomoea lacunosa), Durham, NC, 9/12/17          

 

Same bee on Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum), Raleigh, Wake County, NC, 9/14/12 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. Maryland Meadow Beauty (Rhexis mariana), Piney Woods Park, Durham, NC, 9/23/17 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 (Ipomoea 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. Yellow-collared Scape Moth on White Heath Aster, Durham, NC, 11/2/16 White Heath Aster (Symphyotricum pilosum), with an American Lady, Durham, NC, 11/05/12 White Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) flower, Durham, NC, 11/19/16 White Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides), Durham, NC, 11/25/17          


Yellow

American Witch-hazel (Hamamelis vernalis) flower, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 2/2/11 American Witch-hazel (Hamamelis vernalis), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 2/15/18 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

 

   
(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.   Witchhazel (Hamamelis vernalis), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 3/11/15    

 

Daffodils (Narcissus genus), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 3/15/15 Trout Lily (Erythonium americanum), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 3/15/15 Trout Lilies (Erythonium americanum), Durham, NC, 3/15/18

 

Lesser Celandine, Sandy Creek Park, 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

 

Mock Strawberry (Duchesnea indica), Durham, NC, 3/30/18 Yellow Buckeye (Aesculus flava), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 3/31/09 Yellow Fumewort (Corydalis flavula), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 3/30/10 Mock Strawberry flower (Duchesnea indica), Durham, NC, 4/2/18 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 Wood-Sorrel (Oxalis stricta), Durham, NC, 4/5/09 Winter cress (Barbarea verna), Durham, NC, 4/5/09 Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) male flowers, Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, Moore County, NC, 4/6/18 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 St. Anthony's Turnip (Ranunculus bulbosus), Durham, NC, 4/12/18 Creeping/Yellow Wood-Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata), Durham, NC, 4/12/18

 

         
Hawkweed (Hieracium genus), Durham, NC, 4/12/18 Winter Cress (Barbarea verna), American Tobacco Trail (Miles 4-6), Durham, NC, 4/13/09 St. Anthony's Turnip (Ranunculus bulbosus), a kind of buttercup, Durham, NC, 4/14/18 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 Birdfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) with some faded (fertilized?) flowers, Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 4/22/16 Evening Primrose (Oenoethera biennis), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 4/22/16  St. Anthony's Turnip (Ranunculus bulbosus), Durham, NC, 4/26/16 Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus Corniculatus), Larkspur, Marin County, CA, 4/26/18    

 

         
Golden Alexander (Zizea aurea), Swannanoa Trail, Warren Wilson College, Asheville, NC, 4/28/14 Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus), Larkspur, Marin County, CA, 4/28/18 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 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          


         
False Dandelion (Hypochaeris radicata), Durham, NC, 5/10/18 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 Sea Oxeye Daisy (Borrichia frutescens), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/21/18 Prickly Pear (Opuntia genus), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/22/18 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 Floating Primrose-Willow (Ludwigia peploides), Durham, NC, 6/5/18 Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), Durham, NC, 6/5/18              

 

St. John's Wort (Hypericum genus), Moses Cone Memorial Park, Watauga County, NC, 6/6/17 Golden Tickseed (Coreopsis tinctoria), Durham, NC, 6/7/18 False Dandelion (Hypochaeris radicata), Durham, NC, 6/9/18 Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Durham, NC, 6/11/11

 


         
Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia genus), Duke Gardens, Durham County, NC, 6/12/09 Green-and-Gold (Chrysogonum virginianum), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 6/13/18 Indian Cucumber Root (Medeola virginiana) flower and bud, War Spur Loop, Giles County, VA, 6/15/11 Wildflower on vine, Jordan Lake, Chatham County, NC, 6/15/18 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 Spotted Loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata), Boone Gardens, Watauga County, NC, 7/2/18          



         
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 American Lotus flower (Nelumbo lutea), Estuarium, Washington, Beaufort County, NC, 7/13/18 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 Firewheel (Gaillardia pulchella), Pitt County Arboretum, Greenville, NC, 7/28/17 Pea plants in grass, Greenville Greenway, Pitt County, NC, 7/28/17          


 
Bushy Sea Oxeye Daisy or Bushy Seaside Tansy (Borrichia frutescens), Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 8/3/09 St. Andrew's Cross (Hypericum hypericoides), Durham, NC, 8/3/14 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 Yellow-eyed Grass (Xyris fimbriata), Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 8/7/18 Aster?  Notably missing from the guidebooks.  Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 8/7/18  

 

         
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 Yellow Bladderwort (Utricularia macrorhiza), Prairie Ridge Ecostation, Raleigh, Wake County, NC, 8/10/17 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   Goldenrod (Solidago genus), Durham, NC, 8/13/18 Bearded Beggarticks (Bidens aristosa), Durham, NC, 8/13/18 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 Seedbox flower (Ludwigia alternifolia), Durham, NC, 8/30/17 Green Lynx Spider on goldenrod (Solidago genus), Durham, NC, 9/7/17 Margined Leatherwing Beetle on a Bearded Beggarticks (Bidens aristosa), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 9/9/12

 

         
Pearl Crescent on aster (Bidens aristosa), Durham, NC, 9/15/12 Spotted Cucumber Beetle on aster (Bidens aristosa), Durham, NC, 9/19/12 Moth (and much smaller insect on the right) on goldenrod (Salidago genus), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 9/26/12 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 Beggarticks or Common Sunflowers (Bidens aristosa), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 10/5/08          

 

         
Blooming Water Primrose, Jordan Lake, Chatham County, NC, 10/28/17 Showy Rattlebox (Crotalaria spectabilis), Greenville, NC, 11/10/10 Bearded Beggarticks or Common Sunflowers (Bidens aristosa), Durham, NC, 11/15/16 Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), Durham, NC, 12/4/09 Firewheel (Gaillardia pulchella), Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, New Hanover County, NC, 12/19/17 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 Hoary Puccoon (Lithospermum canescens), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/23/15 Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus), Larkspur, Marin County, CA, 4/28/18 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. Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), Durham, NC, 6/5/18 Orange Daylily or Tiger Daylily (Hemerocallis fulva), near Old Salem, Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, NC, 6/7/09 Flame Azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum), Tanawha Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC, 6/7/17 Daylily (Hemerocallis fulva), Durham, NC, 6/7/18 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  

 

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 6/13/18 Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 6/13/18 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 Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) flower, Durham, NC, 9/17/17 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 Red Maple buds, Durham, NC, 1/23/18 Ruby-crowned Kinglet, eating Red Maple flower buds, Durham, NC, 2/1/18          

 

Witch-hazel (Hamamelis vernalis) flower, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 2/2/11 American Witch-hazel (Hamamelis vernalis), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 2/15/18 Male Red Maple (Acer rubrum) flowers, Durham, NC, 2/16/18

 

 

         
Male Red Maple (Acer rubrum) 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 (Acer rubrum) 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 (Female) Red Maple (Acer rubrum) seed pods, Durham, NC, 3/3/18 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 flowers (Acer rubrum), Durham, NC, 3/10/15 Male Red Maple (Acer rubrum) tree in full bloom, Durham, NC, 3/16/10 Little Sweet Betsy (Trilliam cuneatum), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, Orange County, NC, 3/16/18              

 

 
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 The last Trout Lily in that field, Durham, NC, 3/26/18 Female Red Maple flowers, some with forming fruit.  Durham, NC, 3/28/10 Little Sweet Betsy (Trillium cuneatum), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 3/28/18 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

 
Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia), Eno River State Park (Cole Mill Rd.), Durham/Orange County, NC 4/14/16 Little Sweet Betsy (Trillium cuneatum), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/14/16   Red Columbines (Aquilegia canadensis), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/14/16 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, 4/30/14 Mock Strawberry, Durham, NC, 5/3/18 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 Same Watershield flower (Brasenia schreberi), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, Orange County, NC, 5/18/17 The USDA calls this a "rattlebox" (Sesbania punicea). It's a kind of locust tree, a member of the pea family (Fabaceae) and is native to South America.  It's considered to be invasive and a noxious weed in Florida and California, but North Carolina's chilly winters keep it in check. Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/21/17 Firewheel (Gaillardia pulchella), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/21/18 Fire Pink (Silene virginica), Haw River State Park, Rockingham County, NC, 5/30/08 Fire Pink (Silene virginica), Moses Cone Memorial Park, Watauga County, NC, 6/6/17 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 Gray's Lily (Lilium grayi), Tanawha Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC, 6/7/17 Another Gray's Lily (Lilium grayi), Tanawha Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC, 6/7/17 Golden Tickseed (Coreopsis tinctoria), Durham, NC, 6/7/18 Wild Onion (Allium canadense), Durham, NC, 6/10/18 Fire Pink (Silene virginica), Mountain Lake Conservancy, Giles County, VA, 6/13/11 Watershield (Brasenia schreberi), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 6/13/18 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 Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans), Boone Gardens, Watauga County, NC, 7/2/18 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 Water Fern (Azolla caroliniana), Goose Creek State Park, Washington, Beaufort County, NC, 7/27/17 Variegated Fritillary on Firewheel, Pitt County Arboretum, Greenville, NC, 7/28/17 Firewheels (Gaillardia pulchella), Battle Acre, Ft. Fisher Recreation Area, New Hanover County, NC, 8/10/11  

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Durham, NC, 8/13/18 Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 8/14/14 American Groundnut (Apios americana), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/16/15

         
Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), Linville Falls, Mitchell County, NC, 8/19/14 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 Hearts-a-bustin' (Euonymus americanus), Durham, NC, 9/1/12          

 

         
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          

 

Same juvie Ruby-throated Hummingbird, at Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 9/7/17 Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), with red seedheads, Durham, NC, 9/16/09 Hearts-a-bustin', Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 9/17/10

 

 

         
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 9/21/17 Hearts-a-bustin' fruit.  Flowers are generally yellow, green or pink.  Riverbend Park, Catawba County, NC, 9/24/09 Wild Poinsettia or Fire on the Mountain (Euphorbia cyathophorbia), Carolina Beach, New Hanover County, NC, 9/25/17 Firewheel (Gaillardia pulchella), Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 9/26/17          

 

Valley Redstem (Ammannia coccinea), Jordan Lake, Chatham County, NC,  10/28/17 Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica) berries, Sandhills Horticultural Garden, Pinehurst, Moore County, NC, 11/28/09 Firewheel (Gaillardia pulchella), Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, New Hanover County, NC, 12/19/17 Firewheel (Gaillardia pulchella), Carolina Beach, NC, 12/22/09

 

 

Pink or Purplish-pink

Purple Dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum), Durham, NC, 2/17/18 Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), Durham, NC, 2/20/10 Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), Durham, NC, 2/21/11 Virginia Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica), Durham, NC, 2/21/18 Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum), Durham, NC, 3/2/11 Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), Durham, NC, 3/3/18 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 Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), Durham, NC, 3/17/15 Spring Beauties, Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 3/18/10 Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea), Durham, NC, 3/19/09 Spring Beauty (Claytonia carolinia), 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    



         
Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), Durham, NC, 3/26/18 Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Durham, NC, 3/29/09 Common Vetch (Vicia sativa), with Common Dandelion in the background, Durham, NC, 3/30/18 Showy Milkwort (Polygala grandiflora), South Lido Park, Sarasota, FL, 4/1/12 Common Vetch (Vicia sativa), Durham, NC, 4/2/16 Spring Beauty (Claytonia genus), Durham, NC, 4/2/18 Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), Durham, 4/3/09 Purple Dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum), Durham, NC, 4/3/09          



         
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Durham, NC, 4/4/18 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. Pinxterflower (Rhododendron periclymenoides), Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, Moore County, NC, 4/6/18 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 (Vicia sativa), Durham, NC, 4/11/15 Pinxter Flower (Rhododendron periclymenoides), Occonoeechee Mountain Natural Area, Orange County, NC, 4/14/11, appeared deep in the woods.        

 

     
Pink Wood-Sorrel (Oxalis violaceae), Eno River State Park (Cole Mill Rd.), Durham/Orange County, NC 4/14/16 Bashful Wake Robin (Trillium catesbaei).  North Carolina Botanical Garden, 4/18/09. Violet Wood-Sorrel, Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 4/19/18 Pink Wood-Sorrel (Oxalis violacea), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 4/21/16 Bee on an Ice Plant (Aizoaceae family) flower, Larkspur, Marin County, CA, 4/25/18 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 Violet 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      


       
Bird Vetch (Vicia cracca), with some anomalous pink flowers, Larkspur, Marin County, CA, 4/28/18 Red Clover (Trifolium pratense), Southern Village, Chapel Hill, Orange County, NC, 5/7/09 Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius), Flat River Waterfowl Impoundment, Durham County, NC, 5/10/12 Unidentified pea, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Dare County, NC, 5/10/09 Red Clover (Trifolium pratense), Durham, NC, 5/10/17 Eastern Gray Beardtongue (Penstemon canescens), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 5/11/12 Tuberous Grasspink Orchid (Calpogon tuberosus), North Carolina Botanical Garden, 5/18/17 Smooth Coneflower (Echinacea laevigata), North Carolina Botanical Garden, 5/18/17 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), Falling Creek Camp, Tuxedo, Henderson County, NC, 5/23/03 Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh, NC, 5/22/09 Salt Marsh Mallow (Kosteletzkya virginica), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/24/17 Rock Rose (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 Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), Durham, NC, 5/31/18  


         
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 Common Milkweed (Asclepia syriaca) with a Carpenter Bee, Durham, NC, 6/7/18          

 

Phlox? Durham, NC, 6/7/18 Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea), Durham, NC, 6/7/18 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

 

 

 
Nodding Wild Onion (Allium cernuum), Occoneechee Mountain Natural Area, Orange County, NC, 6/13/09 Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), Occoneechee Mountain, Orange County, NC, 6/13/09 Sensitive Briar (Mimosa microphylla), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 6/13/18 Smooth Coneflower (Echinacea laevigata), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 6/13/18 Flowering Raspberry (Rubus odoratus), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 6/13/18  

 

Tuberous Grasspink (Calopogon tuberosus), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, Orange County, NC, 6/13/18 Deptford pink (Dianthus armeria), Blue Ridge Parkway, Watauga County, NC, 6/16/15 Vasevine (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 Virginia Meadow beauty (Rhexia virginica), Mason Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 6/27/18 Trailing Wild Bean (Strophostyles helvola), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 6/28/17            

 

Silktree (Albizia julibrissin, an introduced plant) flower, American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 6/29/09 Mystery wildflower, Boone Gardens, Watauga County, NC, 7/2/18 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

 

 

Rhododendron, Tanawha Trail (near Linn Viaduct Visitor Center), Avery County, NC, 7/8/16 Rosepink (Sabatia angularis), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, 7/8/18 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 Swamp Loosestrife (Decodon verticillatus), Goose Creek State Park, Beaufort County, NC, 7/13/18 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 Nodding Wild Onion (Allium cernuum), 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    


 
Paraguayan Purslane (Portulaca amilis), Greenville Greenway, Pitt County, NC, 7/28/17 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 stellata), Ft. Fisher Recreational Area, New Hanover County, NC, 8/6/09 New York Ironweed (Vernonia novaboracensis), Durham, NC, 8/7/17 Meadow Beauty (Rhexia genus), Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 8/7/18  

 

Morning glory (Ipomoea genus, might be a hybrid species), Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, 8/8/18 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 Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), Prairie Ridge Ecostation, Raleigh, Wake County, NC, 8/10/17 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 Rose Pink (Sabatia angularis), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 8/14/14      


Narrowleaf Rose Gentian or Rose Pink (Sabatia angularis), Ft. Fisher Recreational Area, New Hanover County, NC, 8/15/09 Anomalous pink ironweed flowers, Durham, NC, 8/16/14 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 Pink Turtlehead (Chelone obliqua), Linville Falls, Mitchell County, NC, 8/19/14

 

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 Pennsylvania Smartweed (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 Pennsylvania Smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum) with a Goldenrod Stowaway Moth, an owlet moth (Cirrhophanus triangulifer).   Moth ID thanks to John and Jane Balaban. 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), North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh, NC, 9/14/12 Pennsylvania Leatherwing Beetles mating on Pennsylvania Smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum)    

 

 
Paraguayan Purslane (Portulaca amilis), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 9/16/17 Kudzu (Pueraria montana) bloom, American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 9/16/17 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. Purple False Foxglove (Agalinis purpurea) flowers, Durham, NC, 9/21/12  


         
Rose of Plymouth (Sabatia stellaris), Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, New Hanover County, NC, 9/25/17 Bee fly (Poecilognathus punctipennis) on a Purple False Foxglove flower (Agalinis purpurea).  Wildflowers were sparse in the sandy sections of the park, and this species was most conspicuous.  Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 9/26/17 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          

 

Aster, Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, Southern Pines, 10/27/17, in the woods Maryland Milkwort (Polygala mariana), Occoneechee Mountain Natural Area, Orange County, NC, 10/29/09 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 Persian Speedwell (Veronica persica), Durham, NC, 2/21/18 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  Common Blue 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.


Little Periwinkle (Vinca minor), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 3/19/09
       
Confederate Violet (Viola sororia priceana), 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.  Leaf from same Round Lobed HepaticaConfederate Violet (Viola sororia priceana), Durham, NC, 3/15/18      

 

Little Periwinkle (Vinca minor), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 3/19/09
Round-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica americana), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 3/15/15 Periwinkles (Vinca genus), Penny Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 3/15/15 Round-lobed Hepatica (Hepatica americana) flowers, Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 3/16/15Little 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 Field Pansy (Viola bicolor), Durham, NC, 3/22/18 Field Pansy (Viola bicolor), Durham, NC, 3/24/15 Hepatica nobilis flowers and leaves, Uwharrie Trail, 3/25/10.  Photo taken by Karl D. Gottschalk          

 

Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia), Durham, NC, 3/26/18 Carpet Bugle or Ground Pine (Ajuga reptans), atypically tall: they're usually mowed down!  Durham, NC, 3/28/10 Field Pansy (Viola bicolor), Durham, NC, 3/29/09 Field Pansy (Viola bicolor), Durham, NC, 3/30/18

 

 

         
Persian Speedwell (Veronica persica), Durham, NC, 3/30/18 Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacia), Durham, NC, 3/30/18 Grape Hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 3/31/09 A new Field Pansy (Viola bicolor), starting to unfold.  Durham, NC, 4/2/18 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.

Blue Toadflax (Nuttallanthus canadensis), Southern Pines, Moore County, NC, 4/6/18

 Birdsfoot Violets (Viola pedata), Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, Moore County, NC, 4/6/18 Spring Iris (Iris verna), Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, Moore County, NC, 4/6/18 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 (Nuttallanthus canadensis), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 4/12/09 Bluets (Houstonia caerulia), Durham, NC, 4/12/18  

 

Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia) variation, Durham, NC, 4/12/18 Periwinkle (Vinca genus), Durham, NC, 4/12/18 Mazus japonicus, Durham, NC, 4/13/11 Big Periwinkle (Vinca major), American Tobacco Trail (miles 4-6), Durham, NC, 4/13/09

 

 

 
Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 4/13/15 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! Lyre-leaved Sage (Salvia lyrata), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 4/19/18 Blue Toadflax (Nuttallanthus canadensis), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 4/21/16


             
Violet (Viola brittoniana), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 4/22/09 Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 4/22/09 Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium atlanticum), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 4/22/16 Violet Wood-Sorrel (Oxalis violacea), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/23/15 Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 4/26/10              

 

Purple Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius), Larkspur, Marin County, CA, 4/26/18 Crested Iris (Iris cristata), Montreat, Buncombe County, NC  4/27/14 Bird Vetch (Vicia cracca), with some anomalous pink flowers, Larkspur, Marin County, CA, 4/28/18 Flower fly (Toxomerus genus) on Blue-eyed Grass, 4/29/15 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 Wild Onion (Allium genus?), Durham, NC, 4/30/09 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.  

Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium genus), Durham, NC, 5/3/18 Southern Blue Flag (Iris virginica), Durham, NC, 5/6/18 White Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium albidum), Piedmont Wildlife Center Trail, Durham, NC, 5/8/10 Venus' Looking-Glass (Triodanis perfoliata), Pedmont Wildlife Center, 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 Southern Blue Flag (Iris virginica), seen in swampy area with many nonflowering iris plants, Durham, NC, 5/9/17 Venus' Looking-Glass (Triodanis perfoliata), Durham, NC, 5/11/11 Venus' Looking Glass (Triodanis perfoliata), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 5/11/12 Venus' Looking Glass (Triodanis perfoliata), Durham, NC, 5/13/18 Venus' Looking Glass (Triodanis perfoliata), Durham, NC, 5/18/09  

 

Carolina Petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 6/2/17 Helmet flower (Scutellaria integrifolia)), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 6/2/17 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 Asian Dayflower (Commelina communis), Brackenridge Park, San Antonio, Bexar County, TX, 5/28/10 Wild Onion, Durham, NC,  6/6/09

 

     
Carolina Wild Petunia (Ruellia carolinensis), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, 6/8/10 Common Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 6/8/17 Wild Onion (Allium canadense), Durham, NC, 6/9/18 Carolina Dayflower (Commelina caroliniana), Durham, NC, 6/10/10 Helmet Skullcap (Scutellaria integrifolia), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 6/10/10 Carolina Petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis), Durham, NC, 6/10/18 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 Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 6/13/18 Stokes' Aster (Stokesia laevis), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 6/13/18  


         
Barbara' Buttons (Marshallia genus), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 6/13/18 Butterfly Pea (Clitoria mariana), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 6/13/18 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 Blueberries (Vaccinium genus), Durham, NC, 6/26/09          

 

 
Virginia Mountain-Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) flowers and buds, Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 6/27/17 Chicory (Cichorium intybus), including one apparently just unfolding (on Blowing Rock Rd. corner), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 6/30/10 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 Centaurea dealbata, Boone Gardens, Watauga County, NC, 7/2/18  

 

 

   
Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) 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. Heal-All (Prunella vulgaris), Durham, NC, 7/13/16 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 Carolina Wild Petunia (Ruellia carolinensis), 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. Silver-spotted Skipper on Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), Durham, NC, 7/24/16 Carolina Dayflower (Commelina caroliniana), Durham, NC, 7/25/09 Asian Dayflower (Commelina communis), River Park North, Greenville, NC, 7/27/17 Swamp Leatherflower (Clematis crispa), River Park North, Greenville, Pitt County, NC, 7/28/17 Creeping Eryngo (Eryngium prostratum), Pitt County Arboretum (near lake), Greenville, NC, 7/28/17 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

 

 

     
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), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 8/16/14 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 Small lobelia, Mitchell County, NC, 8/19/14 Hog Peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata), Mitchell County, NC, 8/19/14

 

 

 
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

 

 

         
Carolina Dayflower (Commelina caroliniana), Durham, NC, 9/20/09 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. Dune Bluecurls (Trichostema species 1), being considered for federal listing. Fort Fisher Basin Trail, New Hanover County, NC, 9/26/17          

 

 

         
Dune Bluecurls (Trichostema species 1), 9/28/10. These wildflowers were common in the sand on the initial stretch of the Fort Fisher Basin Trail, New Hanover County, NC.  It's possible that they are Forked Bluecurls, but those have apparently not been seen on the coastal plain. Lone Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) flower, Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 9/28/17 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 Pine Barrens Gentian (Gentiana autumnalis), Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve, Southern Pines, NC, 10/27/17          

Green

Cranefly Orchid winter leaf, Durham, NC, 1/27/18 Winter leaves of another Cranefly Orchid (Tipularia discolor), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 2/15/18 Trout Lily leaf (Erythonium americanum), Durham, NC, 2/15/18 American Elm (Ulmus americana) seed pods, Durham, NC, 3/3/18

 

American 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 Female Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) flowers and leaves, Durham, NC, 4/2/18

 

 

 
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 Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 4/19/18 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


         
Hearts-a-Bustin' (Euonymus americanus), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 6/13/18 Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 6/13/18 Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 6/13/18 Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), with green seedheads, NC Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, NC, 6/27/18          

 

Wild Peppergrass (Lepidium virginicum, Brassicaceae family), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 6/29/09 Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) with faded spathe, Boone Gardens, Watauga County, NC, 7/2/18 Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum genus), Tanawha Trail (near the Linn Cove Viaduct Visitor Center, Avery County, NC, 7/8/16 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 Wild Poinsettia or Fire on the Mountain (Euphorbia cyathophorbia), Carolina Beach, New Hanover County, NC, 9/25/17 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. False Nutsedge (Cyperus strigosus), Jordan Lake, Chatham County, NC, 10/28/17. Young plants on lake bed.          

 

Dog Fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County, NC, 11/2/11 Striped Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata), Durham, NC, 11/27/08.  The flowers are white.

 

 

Brown and Black

       
Broadleaf Cattail (Typha latifolia), Durham, NC, 6/5/18 Spikelets of Common Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis); the anthers and styles are black. Durham, NC, 7/15/09 American Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), Durham, NC, 7/27/18        

 Copyright © 2005-2018 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