1 - Mid April, 2021
I wanted to explore a few mid-elevation (~3200 ft) areas on the north slopes
of Eagle Mtn, that I hadn't visited before during spring wildflower season.
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White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda)
When these flowers first bloom, they always look a little "denser" than a few weeks later.
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Early Meadow Rue (Thalictrum dioicum)
This species is dioecious; the plants have either male or female flowers. The pictured plants are males.
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It can be the calmest day, but whenever I come across this species and take
out my camera, the winds will start howling and the flowers will begin dancing
around like crazed marionettes! It's a wonder that I ever get any clear images.
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Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)
One of the common indicators of a rich cove environment.
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Showy Orchis (Galearis spectabilis)
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I wasn't discovering any "new-to-me" finds,
so I shot several examples of this species.
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Showy Orchis, with last year's seed pods
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As many of these as I have photographed over the years, when I come
across a pretty one, I can't help but stop and pull out the camera!
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Showy Orchis (Galearis spectabilis)
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Bear Corn (Conopholis americana)
Another parasitic plant, very common in rich coves...
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Catesby's Trillium (Trillium catesbaei)
At the time of this trek, Catesby's was the most common trillium bloom seen at the
lower elevations, with the Trillium cuneatum having begun to fade away for the year.
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Perfoliate Bellwort (Uvularia perfoliata)
Lots of these could also be seen at the lower elevations here.
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2 - Mid May, 2021
I explored some more mid-elevation areas on the north slopes of Eagle Mtn,
that I hadn't visited before,looking for wildflowers and old-growth trees.
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Putty-root Orchid (Aplectrum hyemale)
This species has dwindled at my old reliable spot to see them; I only found
one plant in bloom. Damn hogs tore through here a year or so ago...
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Fourleaf Milkweed (Asclepias quadrifolia)
I usually find these flowers white, with a slight pink tint.
The only one I saw today really had the pink turned on!
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Showy Orchis (Galearis spectablis)
By this time, they are looking a little raggedy, but his one still had some freshness.
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Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)
A fairly common spring ephemeral, although I don't see it that often up on the mountain.
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Pink Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium acaule)
I came across a few small groups
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Pink Lady's Slipper
They were starting to fade for the year...
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A big Tulip Poplar
Not a monster, but about 12.5 ft circumference.
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One-flowered Cancer Root (Orobanche uniflora)
I'd never seen this species until last year; now I'm finding them everywhere.
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Orobanche uniflora - flower detail
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Another good-sized Poplar, about 12 ft. circumference.
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