Drive-by Botany

Mountain Laurel

Gray's Sedge

Squaw Root

Miami Mist

Great Angelica

I guess the best way to describe the month of May thus far would be Drive-by Botany.  Life has moved from busy to chaotic during the month, between my daughter's softball games and practices, school band concerts, community garden meetings, and having to stay late for work.  And while I enjoy the first two items in the list, accept the third item, and begrudgingly tolerate the final item, it means very little time to pursue my goal of One Thousand Flowers.  So this month has been botanizing via quick-hitters; sudden stops in traffic while commuting to and from work, church, softball games, etc.

I did have the opportunity to spend almost two hours at the relatively unknown Rhodendron Cove State Nature Preserve.  Lucky for me, it is right across the highway from home.  Friend Jason Larson had posted pics he had taken of Flame Azalea there, so I jumped in the Jeep and raced across the highway.  While I missed the Azalea (how I don't know since it was apparently growing next to the trail!), I did see some other cool plants including Mountain Laurel, Squaw Root, and Gray's Sedge.  You know you have reached the highest levels of plant nerdhood when you get excited about sedges!

One of my favorite flowers is Miami Mist.  I think it is missed name and should by named Purple Snow (the winter version of Prince's infamous album and movie!).  Found it growing along the road at Clear Creek Metro Park in one of those trips to or from church.

I also find the Great Angelica very interesting from a couple perspectives.  First, it is a huge plant, growing to six to seven feet at Clear Creek.  Secondly, the pastor side of me is curious about its name.  Did somebody think it resembled an angel?  Do you go visit angels if you eat some, as is the case with many plants in the carrot family?  I need to research this further!

If you've been keeping track, the count for the year is now up to 224 species.  I may be a little behind, but that's ok.  I intend to make a trip to Adams and Scioto County this Monday and hope to make up some ground.  Message me here or on facebook at Chris Kline if you would like to tag along or meet me down there.  At some point I also want to swing by supporter Diane Brooks house for Green Dragon, but not sure when that will happen.