Franklin County Wildflower Trip

I made another trip to Franklin County to check on the wildflowers in bloom, and I was not disappointed. These wildflowers are located on a friends property outside of Boones Mill, and it is always a joy to walk around and photograph the area. This time, we were being closely watched by a Flying Squirrel that had taken up residence in a bird house on one of the trees. Plus, the Goldfinches were en masse at the bird feeder, so I could not resist a few pics of the beautiful yellow birds.

This flower is called Blue Star or Blue Dogbane (Amsonia tabernaemontana). This is going to be growing in one of my flowerbeds. I just purchased this plant from the Blue Ridge Wildflower Society.

This flower is a Common Buttercup (Ranunculus acris). It is a rather common bloom in May. This image was taken in SW Roanoke City.

This is a Wild Pansy (Viola tricolor). This image was taken in SW Roanoke City.

This wildflower is a Lance-Leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata). This wildflower can be found in several types of blooms, from a singe layer of petals, like this one, to many layers, forming a very full bloom.

This is Fire Pink (Silene virginica). It is not extremely common, but a very beautiful red wildflower. One of my favorites, but very hard to photograph.

This is the open bloom of Wild Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus).

This is another open bloom of Wild Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus).

Another photograph of Fire Pink (Silene virginica). It seems to like to grow in shadier surroundings.

This wildflower is Indian Strawberry (Duchesnea indica).

This wildflower is Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron strigosus). It is a member of the Aster Family (Asteraceae).

This beautiful hanging wildflower is Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum commutatum). It is a member of the Lily Family (Liliaceae).

This odd looking wildflower is Mouse Ear Hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum). It is a wind dependant seeder.

This wildflower is a Swamp Buttercup (Ranunculus septentrionalis), although it looks like the common buttercup above. The way to tell them apart is their leaves.

This is a wider view of the Swamp Buttercup (Ranunculus septentrionalis). Here you can see the narrow leaves. The common buttercup has similar, but wider leaves.

This is the little flying squirrel that was watching me from above as I photographed the wildflowers.

Just in case you wanted a closer view.

The Flame Azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum) is in bloom again. However, you need to catch it quick.

This flower is called Pyracantha.

Here is one of the Goldfinch that was flying in the area.

Here are a couple more. I call this image "Yellow Birdy Butts".

More Wildflowers In My Yard

I have found a way to fill in the short breaks in my work at home. I grab the camera and photograph the increasing number of wildflowers that have taken up residence in my yard. I have never noticed this many varieties before, but I probably just didn't notice. I hope you like these.

A Red Azalea, blooming a bit later than the others. This color is so rich, it is hard to do it justice in a photo.

This flower is called Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum). This is another bunch growing in one of my flowerbeds. These wildflowers are simply beautiful, and rival Bloodroot as one of my favorites.

The Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum), This time a side view image. Considering these blooms are only six inches off the ground, I had to get low to shoot this image.

These are a few more of the Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) in my yard. I am a lucky person to have them visiting me this spring.

This wildflower is known as Common Mallow (Malva neglecta). Thanks to Doug with the "heads up" on this identification.

Amazing What I Found In My Yard

I was out working around the yard the other day and spotted a wildflower, a Star of Bethlehem. Then more of them. I started poking around the area and found a nice assortment of wildflowers right here in the yard. I grabbed the camera and started shooting. Here is what I found.

This is an Azalea. It is one of the assorted colors growing in my yard.

Another Azalea. Different Color

Another Azalea, with buds. Different Color

Another Azalea. This has to be my favorite Azalea in my yard.

Growing right near the yellow Azalea was this Spiderwort. The petals are curled, so I was stumped a bit when I first saw it.

Another Azalea, this time in a nice blooming cluster. Different Color

This flower is called Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spectabilis), also known as Dutchman's Trousers. This is a very nice, and different wildflower, native to Japan.

This is also a Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spectabilis). This is a very dark pink bloom. Most are lighter is color.

This is also Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spectabilis), but in this color, it is more commonly called Dutchman's Trousers.

This flower is called Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis). It is the only species in the genus Convallaria.

This flower is unknown at this time. If you can identify it, please let me know.

This flower is called Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides). It is mildly common in this area.

This flower is called Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum). This wildflower is staging a large presence in my yard, including the middle of my lawn. They will be carefully transplanted.

This flower is known as Blue Bugle, Bugleweed, or Carpetweed (Ajuga reptans)

This flower is White Lilac (Syringa vulgaris). It is usually purple, but this variant is white. It has the lilac smell, just like the purple variety.

This flower is White Phlox. I am not sure of the genus or species.

This flower is also Phlox, but it is oddly striped. I am not sure of the genus or species.