I photographed this native plant south of the high peaks in the Adirondacks near Newcomb, NY. I found these growing in dry, rocky soil. Light conditions varied from nearly full sun to plenty of shade. Although the common name includes ‘northern’ the plant can be found as far south as Alabama and Georgia.

Northern Bush-honeysuckle – Diervilla lonicera

The plant’s species name lonicera (Latin for ‘honeysuckle’) refers to its similarity in appearance to the genus Lonicera – the true honeysuckles.

The toothed leaves are a good clue to the identity, this is the only ‘honeysuckle’ with teeth. The plant ranges from 1 to 4 foot tall and grows in a shrub like form. The flowers are small, less than an inch long and usually yellow and occasionally reddish.

I know photographing northern bush honeysuckle isn’t much to write home about but it’s been a long time since I have identified a new wildflower (for me) and adding a new species to my ‘collection’ makes it good enough for my blog.

…and now for a completely different wildflower

I’m positive I’ve already overdone posting pics of orange hawkweed but here’s another one.

Orange Hawkweed - Hieracium aurantiacum

My lawn is full of these and other alien hawkweeds that are typically yellow. Hawkweed flowers look a lot like dandelions from a distance and the yellow ones don’t really turn me on. But the orange is pretty to my eyes and I often stop to take a closer look at the colors on the Devil’s Paintbrush.

Generally, the leaves are a good way to tell the difference between native and alien hawkweed species. Natives generally have leaves that ascend the stems whereas aliens generally form a basal rosette.

While I might not fully appreciate the beauty of yellow hawkweed flowers I do like some of their names. King Devil (a yellow version of the Devil’s Paintbrush), Rattlesnake-weed and Mouse Ear Hawkweed all sound cool to me.

Mid April is time to begin another season of wildflower hunting in St.Lawrence County, NY. A short hike through the woods along the Grasse River near Morley today was rewarding.

Wild Ginger – Asarum canadense

The hairy ginger flowers hug the ground as the leaves begin to unfold.

Looking into the mouth of the beast reminds me of the Kraken in Pirates of the Caribbean.

Round lobed Hepatica – Hepatica Americana

Small clusters like this one were scattered throughout the woods.

The white flowers usually have 6 to 10 petals.

The leaves are odd fuzzy looking things before they unfold.

Blue Cohosh – Caulophyllum thalictroides

Blue Cohosh is one of the stranger looking woodland wildflowers out back.
See more photos of them here: Blue Cohosh

It’s been almost a month and there are still Spring Beauties in bloom. These are one of my favorite wildflowers so don’t hold it against me for posting another photo of one.
Carolina Spring Beauty – Claytonia caroliniana

Bloodroot bloomed along the river bank at the edge of the woods.
Bloodroot – Sanguinaria canadensis

Trout Lily – Adder’s Tongue – Erythronium americanum

Before I get to Stewy I just want to show today’s wildflower find. I discovered these tiny yellowed eyed pretties with pale blue petals while walking through a corn field.

Bluets – Houstonia caerulea

I didn’t expect to find Bluets among the corn debris but there were a fair number of tight little clusters like this one. If it doesn’t rain tomorrow I’ll be going back to ‘save’ them. How can I resist?

Nearly every cat I’ve had has followed me around but none like Stewy. Stewy will tag along through woods and fields on walks that loop around a couple miles out back. Stewy would rather hunt for mice along the stone walls but he’s patient enough and will wait for me when I fuss with the camera. Dog not so much, Pookey took off for home rather than wait. Dog doesn’t care to be out standing in a field.

Corn field kitty

The stone walls are Stewy’s favorite hunting grounds. There are plenty of mice and chipmunks that easily evade him by vanishing into the walls but Stewy doesn’t mind, finding a comfortable place to wait for them to reemerge is no problem.

Rockcliner

The swamp out back might slow Stewy down but it won’t stop him from following. This time I had to wait.

Oops, go where?

There was a jump of about 6 feet to dry ground and Stewy had to sit and think it over.

Who put my tail in the water?

About now I was getting a feeling Stewy was considering me pond scum.

Ya got to be kidding me

Just as I was about to save him, Stewy made the jump. I have to admit it was an impressive leap of faith.