In late April and early May, most of the wildflowers blooming in the park are found in the woods. This is changing; from now on, most blooms will be in the more sunny areas.
On my walk on May 21, I took a look at what remained of the spring woodland flowers.
Trillium is still blooming, but fading.
Wild Geranium is at its peak, now the most prominent flower along the path through the woods.
While earlier the Mayapple was recognized by its foliage, the single flower per plant is now open (though one needs to get down close to the ground to get a good look.
Violets were plentiful in Eliza Howell this year, both in and outside the woods, and they came in a variety of species/colors.
Now the few remaining blooming violets in the woods are the white ones. It is noteworthy that the plants are now much taller and the leaves larger than when blooming began.
This may be my last walk of the year focused on woodland wildflowers. Overall, 2018 was not a great early wildflower year, the probable result of the weather – a cold April and a wet May. But the flowers will come again next year and I hope to be ready to greet and welcome them.
Eliza Howell Nature Walks 