One of the fantastic Riveredge volunteers, who has been exploring Riveredge trails for years to both take photographs and record observations, is letting us know what flowers she sees blooming at Riveredge. In scientific terms, this is called “Phenology.” What is phenology? It’s very similar to another word, phenomenon. Phenology means what happens, and when, in nature. Some of the most common examples are: when flowers are blooming, when buds are present, when specific migratory bird species return, when birds are nesting.
Chances are, you already notice phenology you just might not call it that. If you notice when your garden is blooming, when the trees are budding, or when butterflies return to the skies – you’re observing phenology! Read below to learn what you can find along the trails when you visit Riveredge Nature Center right now.
In Bloom
Skunk Cabbage
Hepatica
Pasque Flower
Bloodroot
Spring Beauty
False Rue Anemone
Spring Cress
Penn Sedge
Common Blue Violet
Dutchman’s Breeches
Swamp Buttercup
Cut Leaved Toothwort
Hairy Wood Rush
Leatherwood
Marsh Marigold
Flower Buds Present
Prairie Smoke
Jacob’s Ladder
Sprouts/Leaves Present
Golden Alexander
Heart Leaved Golden Alexander
Rattlesnake Master
Wild Bergamot
Angelica
Nodding Wild Onion
White Trout Lily
Wild Geranium
Beach Wormwood
Wild Ginger
Mayapple
Shooting Stars
Red Trillium
Common Valerian