Identifying Wildflowers

[YankeyMCC]

Any others here like to ID wildflowers as part of their hikes, walks, jaunts through the woods, fields or whatever open space you like to spend time in?

On a recent trip to Crawford Notch with my family I gave them a break from all the strenuous hiking and climbing I like to do :) And we went out on a couple of nature walks with the resident naturalist. I've always tried to be aware of the plants and animals I encounter or might encounter but it was very interesting and fun to actually go out with guide book in hand and specifically try and ID the wildflowers (we also did trees but there aren't that wide a variety).

So I've purchased a copy of Newcomb's guide, which the naturalist recommended and introduced to us. And my son and I went out into the small conservation area across the street and managed to positively identify 2 out of 6 flowers and probably identify a third. Not to bad I think for our first solo try.

There was one however that we think we identified except I don't think it is supposed to be growing up here. There were only a handful growing in one spot so perhaps they are strays - so to speak ?

So that's the point of the post - well first was to see if there were other amateur wildflower naturalists about - and second to see if anyone could help.

We think we found a Virginia Dayflower (we live near Boston, MA)

The flowers looked a bit beat up so that made things a little difficult but it otherwise seemed to fit or closely fit the book description.

But if I read the entry correctly the furthest north they should be found is Southern NJ.

Here's two pix:

[Kolesar]

1. I have 2 hiking partners who really wow me with spring flower identificati

They must have learned them years ago on a naturalist led hike. I never see them with field guides. Then again, my one buddy also has incredible memory for place names. He and I have gone on the same hikes and he can remember the names of the peaks and the side canyons like it was yesterday.

I think you have the right idea. You have to go slow enough to look at stuff. Birds, rocks, old quaint homes...that's heaven.

[flamin lib]

2. I couldn't see the first image-too dark--but the second looks like

Widow's Tears (Commelina) to me. It's very similar to wandering jew and ranges from the east coast to the rocky mountains. I've seen it from S Texas to OK. I've go a good stand growing in my back yard here in the Dallas/Ft Worth area. Using it as a native ground cover. Grows well and propagates from cuttings. Almost impossible to kill once started, so plant it somewhere that the lawnmower will keep it under control.