and the wildflowers that grow here. This system nurtures and sustains wildflowers which grow uncultivated and undisciplined. They simply adapt to their living conditions in regards to soil, weather patterns and habitat of the area. They are really quite remarkable.
While they may evoke romantic images, they in fact grow and survive with the upmost tenacity and have a constant conversation with our pollinators, birds and animals.
Wildflowers are essential to the ecosystem by providing nectar, pollen, soil stabilization and carbon storage. They also support a vast population of insects, birds and wildlife and are crucial for the reproduction of plants and crops. West Virginia has documented 1,451 known wildflower species and their complex root systems that help prevent soil erosion.
While they attract beneficial insects they also help control damaging ones by feeding and sheltering beneficial species such as lady bugs and hover flies that prey on insects that are parasites
West Virginia offers several wildflower walks or tours for those interested in getting out in nature to find blooms and learn more about the different species of flowers. Since most blooms are ephemeral( meaning to last for a very short time) they are typically conducted from late March through May. The walks and tours include but are not limited to the Grand View area of the New River George National Park and Preserve in Raleigh County, Chief Logan State Park in Logan County and Kanawha State Forest in Kanawha County. For those interested in more northern locations, Black Water Falls State Park in Tucker County, WVU Core Arboretum in Monongalia County and Dolly Sods Wilderness Area in Tucker County are also great places to find wildflowers.
Pipestem State Park in Mercer County has created pollinator zones and will raise and tag Monarch Butterflies this summer, according to Park Naturalist Julie McQuade.
If you decide to take an early spring nature trek these are some wildflowers you can look for:
Bloodroot – white daisy-like flowers with yellow stamens. They are a part of the poppy family. The sap is red and poisonous. Bloodroot blooms from March to May. Native Americans used the sap as a dye.
Dutchman’ s Breeches – delicate white pantaloon-like flowers hang upside down with fern like foliage. These flowers thrive in moist shady areas like the forest floor.
Goldenseal – a native perennial with small white flowers, hairy maple like leaves and raspberry shaped fruit. It grows in shady areas and has long been used for its medicinal qualities as an antibacterial. It is a threatened species in many areas due to overharvesting. Its thick yellow root determined its name.
Jack-in-the-pulpit – The flower features a striped green and purple hooded flower and red berries in the late summer. It can change sex from male to female as it matures. They can be hard to spot but look for them in shady moist areas since they like rich soil.
Red Trillium – This woodland wildflower has a pungent odor that attracts insects like flies. It is also known as Wake Robin and likes shady rich soil. It was used in traditional medicine for women’ s health.
Spring Beauty – Tiny white and pink striped flowers it appears in early spring from March to May. Its seeds are a food source for ants.
Virginia Bluebells – Easily recognizable and always a favorite, pink buds open to blue bell shaped flowers that often colonize in low areas like flood plains.
Wild Blue Phlox – A native perennial with pale blue or lavender five petal flowers. It is fragrant and attracts humming birds and butterflies.
Wild Columbine – A native perennial with unique red and yellow elongated flower heads and fern like foliage. Its bright flowers and stamens attract hummingbirds and pollinators.
Yellow Trout Lilly – it is spring ephemeral flower with distinct
Bulbous Bittercress
Bloodroot SOUTH � SPRING’ 26 � 13