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".