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
Hepatic
Pasque Flower
Bloodroot
Spring Beauty
Penn Sedge
Common Blue Violet
Dutchman’s Breeches
Swamp Buttercup
Cut Leaved Toothwort
Weatherproof
Marsh Marigold
Wood Anemone
White Trout Lily
Prairie Smoke
Early Buttercup
Willow
Flower in Bud
May Apple
Wood Betony
Wild Blue Phlox
Shooting Stars

Sprouts/Leaves Present
Blue Cohosh
Early Meadow Rue
Bullhead Lily
Blue Flag Iris
Dwarf Ginseng
Kitten Tail
Cup Plant