The intensely red flowers of Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) catch the eye -- even from a distance -- in late summer.  This next photo shows flower buds, an opening flower, and several fully open two-lipped Cardinal flower blossoms on the raceme. As

What a treat to find the spring bloom of a Pink lady's slipper (Cypripedium acaule).  This orchid has a symbiotic relationship with a particular soil fungus.  Due to the need for this soil fungus and the fact that Pink lady's slipper has a very low rate

The spicy aroma of blooming Carolina allspice (Calycanthus floridus) flowers can fill an area during spring months.  The flowers grow singly within a pair of leaves.  Sets of leaves with their flower grow opposite each other along the bush's branch. Fer

Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) blooms with vibrant reds and yellows during late spring months.  It's fun to watch the changes in the flower buds from this . . . . . . to this intricate flower . . . . . . to this type of seed case . . . . . . to these d

The white blooms of Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) are striking during mid-summer days.  Not only are they visually beautiful, they also emit a strong, unpleasant smell which can fill the surrounding woods on a warm day. Here are the basal leaves of a ma

The spring flowering Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) provides a flush of light pink blooms after a harsh winter.  This evergreen shrub reaches a height of ten to twenty feet in its habitat range throughout the Appalachian mountains. The flower buds ha

False Solomon's seal (Maianthemum racemosum) includes two subspecies which -- between them -- cover the North American continent.  This post highlights subspecies racemosum which has the greatest range, as it can be found throughout eastern and mid-weste

Red maple (Acer rubrum) is a widely distributed species of maple from northern latitudes through southern latitudes in the eastern and central regions of the United States. Its leaves grow in pairs, in an opposite and decussate arrangement along the twigs

One of spring's beautiful flowers in the moist woods of eastern and central North America is the Showy orchis (Galearis spectabilis). This perennial plant's pink-lavender-purple and white flowers clearly designate it as an orchid. If you know where to loo

Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) has incredibly beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers with red and yellow hues.  The native vine grows in eastern and central regions of North America.  This first image is a closeup view of the reproductive portions