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Wildflowers (Magnoliophyta division, Tracheobionta subkingdom, Plantae kingdom)
See also A Virtual Wildflower Garden across Time.
All plant species represented on this page have demonstrated ability to survive without human cultivation in the general area where they appeared. Some of these species were originally introduced from other parts of the world, however. North Carolina state-listed species shown below include the Prairie Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis), which is "threatened;" the Smooth Coneflower (Echinacea laevigata), which is "special concern" and "endangered" and the Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), which is "special concern."
The plants on this page are ordered by their family classification within their subclass for simplicity. These Latin names were checked against the Integrated Taxonomic Information System for validity. Identification errors are possible. No information on this page should be interpreted as medical advice or as authoritative information relevant to herbal medicine, nor should any plants represented on it be assumed to be edible.
NOTE: Durham, NC is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7. The first hard freeze for winter of 2009 was on the night of December 5 and the first snow on December 18.
Monocotyledons (Liliopsida class)
Arecidae subclass
Araceae family, Arecidae subclass
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| Jack-in-the-Pulpit(Arisaema triphyllum), Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County, NC, 4/16/09 | Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), 5/21/06 | Jack-in-the-Pulpit, with green seedheads, NC Botanical Garden, 7/17/09. Two plants are seen here. | Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) seedhead, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 9/2/04. The stalk typically breaks, letting the berries reach the ground. | Jack-in-the-Pulpit, with red seedheads, Durham, NC, 9/16/09 |
Commelinidae subclass
Poaceae family, Commelinidae subclass
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| Grass flowers, Duke Forest, Gate 12, Orange County, NC, 10/13/05 | Grass flowers, American Tobacco Trail (miles 4-6), Durham, NC, 4/13/09 | Grass flowers. Durham, NC, 6/20/09 | Grass (with stilt bug on lower right), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 6/25/09 | Grass, Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 6/29/09 |
Commelinaceae family, Commelinidae subclass
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| Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 4/6/09 | Asiatic Dayflower (Commelina communis), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 8/23/09 | Asiatic Dayflower (Commelina communis), American Tobacco Trail (miles 0-2), Durham, NC, 9/11/09 | Virginia Dayflower (Commelina virginiana), Glen R. Hilton Park, Hickory, Catawba County, NC, 9/25/09. Seen in deep woods. |
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| Carolina Dayflower, Durham, NC, 9/20/09 | Carolina Dayflower (Commelina caroliniana), Durham, NC, 8/29/09. | Carolina Dayflower (Commelina caroliniana), Durham, NC, 8/30/09 |
Cyperaceae family, Commelinidae subclass
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| White-bracted Sedge or Whitetop Sedge or Sandswamp Whitetop (Rhynchospora latifolia), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/11/09 | Narrowleaf Whitetop Sedge, Ft. Fisher Recreational Area, New Hanover County, NC, 8/5/09 |
Xyridaceae family, Commelinidae subclass
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| Yellow-eyed Grass flower (Xyris fimbriata), Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 8/4/09 | Yellow-eyed Grass (Xyris fimbriata), Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 8/4/09 |
Liliidae subclass
Iridaceae family, Liliidae subclass
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| Blue-eyed Grass(Sisyrhynchium genus), Durham, NC, 6/6/09. Both flower and fruit are shown here. | Blue-eyed Grass, Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County, NC, 4/16/09 | Blue-eyed Grass, Durham, NC, 5/1/09 | Dwarf Iris (Iris reticulata), Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County, NC, 4/16/09 |
Liliaceae family, Liliidae subclass
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| Atamasco Lily (Zethyranthes atamasco), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 4/20/07 | Little Sweet Betsy (Trillium cuneatum), Duke Gardens, Durham County, NC, 3/28/08. | Large-flowered Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 4/6/09. USDA status: "endangered" in Maine and "exploitably vulnerable" in New York. | Wake Robin (Trillium erectum), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 4/6/09 |
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| Bashful Wake Robin (Trillium catesbaei). North Carolina Botanical Garden, 4/18/09. | Trout Lily (Erythonium americanum), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 3/13/08. These ephemera show up in early spring and die back to the ground when new leaves on the trees cut off the sunlight to the understory. They are common in wooded areas around here. | Grape Hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 3/31/09 | Common Goldstar (Hypoxis hirsuta), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 5/30/09 |
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| Wild onion (Allium schoenoprasum), Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh, NC, 4/23/09 | Wild Onion, Durham, NC, 4/30/09 | Wild onion, Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 5/20/09 | Wild onion, Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 5/30/09 | Wild onion, Durham, NC, 5/23/09 | Wild onion, Durham, NC, 6/6/09 |
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| Wild Garlic (Allium vineale), Occoneechee Mountain Natural Area, Orange County, NC, 6/13/09 | Wild Garlic (Allium vineale), Durham, NC, 6/6/09 | Wild Onion (Allium canadensis?), Durham, NC, 9/2/09 |
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| Turk's Cap Lily (Lilium superbum), Daniel Boone Gardens, Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/5/08 | Orange Daylilies or Tiger Daylilies (Hemerocallis fulva), near Old Salem, Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, NC, 6/7/09. These were just a few of the many daylilies of this species growing wild in this area. | Orange Daylily or Tiger Daylily (Hemerocallis fulva), near Old Salem, Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, NC, 6/7/09 |
Orchidaceae family, Liliidae subclass
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| Pink Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium acaule, Orchidaceae family), Falling Creek Camp, Tuxedo, Henderson County, NC, 5/23/03 | Putty Root (Aplectrum hyemale), an orchid, 2/21/09, Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC. The rather large leaf appears in fall and winter (but never the same time as the inflorescence), even as far north as Wisconsin, according to the University of Wisconsin at Madison Botany Department. ID thanks to Will Cook. | Crane Fly Orchid (Tipularia discolor), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 3/31/09. As with the Putty Root, the leaf and inflorescence are never seen together. | Crane Fly Orchid flowers, Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 7/30/09 | Crane Fly Orchid flowers (closeup of flowers on the left) |
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| Rattlesnake Plantain (Goodyera pubescens) |
Pontederiaceae family, Liliidae subclass
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| Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 6/12/09 |
Ruscaceae family, Liliidae subclass
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| Lily of the Valley (Convallaria ruscaceae), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 4/6/09 |
Dicotyledons (Magnoliopsida class)
Asteridae subclass
Acanthaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| Carolina Wild Petunia (Ruellia carolinensis), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 6/24/09 | Carolina Wild Petunia (Ruellia carolinensis), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 | American Water Willow (Justicia americana) flowers, with sweat bee inside one. On Eno River bank. West Point on the Eno, Durham, NC, 7/4/09 | American Water Willow (Justicia americana). Same plant as on left. |
Apocynaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| Little Periwinkle (Vinca minor), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 3/19/09 | Big Periwinkle (Vinca major), American Tobacco Trail (miles 4-6), Durham, NC, 4/13/09 |
Asclepiadaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 6/13/09 | Milkweed (Asclepias genus), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 6/13/09 | Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), Peaks of Otter Recreational Area, Bedford County, VA, 7/9/09 | Swamp Milkweed seed pods with Large Milkweed Bugs on them, Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 9/13/09 |
Asteraceae family, Asterales order, Asteridae subclass
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| Sunflower, with Honey Bee, Durham, NC, 8/1/08. Photo by Karl D. Gottschalk. | Bearded Beggarticks (Bidens aristosa), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 10/5/08 | Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh, NC, 5/22/09 | Smooth Coneflower (Echinacea laevigata), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 6/4/06. This is an officially endangered species according to the US Fish & Wildlife Service and North Carolina Ecological Services according to their Smooth Coneflower Page. | Salt-marsh Fleabane (Pluchea odorata), Goose Creek State Park, Washington County, NC, 9/21/08. Also seen in rural Chatham County, NC. |
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| Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Durham, NC, 3/27/09 | Green-and-gold (Chrysogonum virginianum), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 | A kind of purple aster, perhaps the Late Purple Aster of the North Carolina mountains, 10/16/08 | Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Haw River State Park, 5/31/08, with Zebra Longhorn Beetle | Cat's Ear (Hypochaeris radicata), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 6/29/09 |
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| Dwarf Dandelion (Krigia genus), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 4/12/09 | Firewheel or Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella),Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/11/09. Although it is more commonly called "Firewheel" in North Carolina, it is called "Indian Blanket" in warmer climates, e.g., southern Texas, where it is seen in large clusters. | American Everlasting (Gamochaeta coarctata), Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County, NC, 4/16/09 | Stokes Aster (Stokesia laevis), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 6/13/09 | Centaurea genus maybe, NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 | Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 |
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| Whorled Tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata), Durham, NC, 6/27/09 | Chicory (Cichorium intybus), seen in large groups along the sides of highways in the Natural Bridge area and nearby parts of Virginia, 7/8/09 | Gray Goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis), with weevils, NC Botanical Garden, 7/17/09 | Small's Ragwort (Packera anonyma), Durham, NC, 5/20/09 | New York Ironweed (Vernonia novaboracensis), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 7/30/09 | Ironweed flower (Vernonia novaboracensis)closeup, NC Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 9/6/09 | Sweet Everlasting (Pseudoganafalium obtusifolium) flower close-up, American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 7/16/09 |
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| Bushy Sea Oxeye Daisy or Bushy Seaside Tansy (Borrichia frutescens), Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 8/3/09 | Bitter Sneezeweed (Helenium amarum), Ft. Fisher Basil Trail, New Hanover County, NC, 8/3/09 | New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae), Daniel Boone Gardens, Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/12/09 | Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/11/09 | Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Moses Cone Memorial Park, Watauga County, NC, 8/12/09. This flower was alone. | Ageratum or Flossflower (Ageratum houstonianum), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 9/1/09 |
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| Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) male flower buds (closeup), Durham, NC, 9/8/09. There were about 2000 of these approx. 10-flower units on this particular plant. | Common Ragweed flower (Ambrosia artemisiifolia, among buds, Geitner Park, Hickory, Catawba County, NC, 9/29/09. A typical mature Ragweed plant has thousands of flowers. | Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 9/11/09 | Late Purple Aster (Symphyotrichum patens), Geitner Park, Hickory, Catawba County, NC, 9/25/09 | Common Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/21/09 | Tall Blazing Star (Liatris aspera), Carolina Beach, New Hanover County, NC, 10/16/09 | Daisy Fleabane (Erigon strigosus), Durham, NC, 4/28/09 |
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| Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 7/26/09 |
Balsaminaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| Pale Jewelweed (Impatiens palida), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/4/08 | Touch Me Not or Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), with tiny Tarnished Plant Bug, Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/6/08 | Touch Me Not or Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) seeds and burst pod, Geitner Park, Hickory, Catawba County, NC, 9/25/09. Touching a ripe pod, which has a slender convex shape, causes it to split at the seams, freeing the seeds. |
Bignoniaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| Cross Vine (Bignonia capreolata), Durham, NC, 5/4/09 | Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans), Occoneechee Mountain Natural Area, Orange County, 6/13/09 | Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/9/09 |
Boraginaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| Virginia Bluebell (Mertensia virginica), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 4/6/09. See Virginia Bluebells USDA Page. | Forget-me-nots (Myosotis genus), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 |
Caprifoliaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| Coral Honeysuckle (Lonacera sempervirens), American Tobacco Trail (miles 4-6), Durham, NC, 4/13/09 | Coral Honeysuckle (Lonacera sempervirens), Eno River State Park, Orange County, 5/8/07 | Possumhaw Virburnum (Viburnum nudum), Durham, NC, 4/8/09 | Possumhaw Virburnum (Viburnum nudum) trunk (same plant as on left) |
Campanulaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Durham, NC, 9/1/08 | Lobelia genus, but defies species ID! About 3 feet high, just off Lake Crabtree trail on southern side of lake. Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County, NC, 4/16/09. | Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica), NC Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC< 9/6/09 | Downy Lobelia (Lobelia puberula). Date unknown. | Venus' Looking Glass (Triodanis perfoliata), Durham, NC, 5/18/09 | Venus' Looking Glass (Triodanis perfoliata), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 5/19/09 | Tall Bellflower (Campanula americana), Moses Cone Memorial Park, Watauga County, NC, 8/12/09. Thanks to Janie Owens for ID. |
Convolvulaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| Man-of-the-earth or Wild Potato Vine (Ipomoea pandurata), a kind of morning glory. American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 6/29/09 | Man-of-the-earth or Wild Potato Vine (Ipomoea pandurata), Durham, NC, 7/12/09 | Red Morning Glory (Ipomoea coccinea), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 9/11/09 |
Gentianaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| Narrowleaf Rose Gentian or Rose Pink (Sabatia brachiata), Ft. Fisher Recreational Area, New Hanover County, NC, 8/3/09 | Rose Gentian or Rose Pink (Sabatia angularis), Ft. Fisher Recreational Area, New Hanover County, NC, 8/6/09 |
Lamiaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), Durham, 3/19/09. This is a common plant with tiny flowers, one of the first flowers to appear, usually in late winter. | Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), Durham, 4/3/09. Note the tiny black midge on the top flower. | Purple Dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum), Durham, NC, 4/3/09 | Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Durham, NC, 4/8/09 | Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) with a cuckoo bee (Nomada genus, Heminomada subgenus, possibly Imbricata species), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 4/22/09 | Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 4/22/09 |
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| Helmetflower (Scutellaria integrifolia), Durham, NC, 6/6/09 | Scarlet Bee-balm (Monarda didyma), Salem College, Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, NC, 6/7/09 | Bergamot or Lavender Bee-balm (Monarda fistulosa), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 | Heal All or Self Heal (Prunella vulgaris), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 | Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), at the summit of Harkening Hill, Peaks of Otter Recreational Area, Bedford County, VA, 7/9/09 | Obedient Plant (physostegia virginiana), NC Botanical Garden, 9/6/09 |
Loganiaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), Durham, NC, 3/30/09 |
Oleaceae family, Asteride subclass
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| Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) fruit, Durham, NC, 8/15/09 |
Plantaginaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| English Plantain (Plantago lanceola), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/10/09 | Common Plantain (Plantago major), Sharp Top Mountain, Peaks of Otter Recreational Area, Bedford County, VA, 7/10/09 | Seems to be a struggling Common Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 6/12/09 | Common Foxglove, West Point on the Eno, Durham, NC, 7/4/09 |
Polemoniaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| Trailing Phlox (Phlox nivalis), Durham, NC, 4/3/09 | Eastern Blue Phlox, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 | Garden Phlox (maybe Phlox paniculata), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/11/09 |
Rubiaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| Azure Bluet (Houstonia caerulia), Durham, NC, 4/7/09 | Large Houstonia (Houstonia purpurea), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 5/20/09 | Bedstraw or Stickywilly (Galium aparine), Durham, NC, 4/9/09 | Bedstraw or Stickywilly (Galium aparine), Durham, NC, 4/14/09 | Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 |
Solanaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| Horse Nettle (Solanum carolinense), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 5/30/09 | Katydid nymph on Horse Nettle flower | Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/12/09 |
Scrophulariaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| Purple False Foxglove (Agalinis purpurea), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC 9/17/08. Note the many tiny "hairs." | Speedwell (Veronica genus), Durham, NC, 2/20/10 | Speedwell (Veronica persica), Durham, 3/10/09. This is a very common plant with tiny flowers, appearing early in the year. | Speedwell (Veronica pedunculata), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 | Blue Toadflax (Linaria canadensis), Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County, NC, 4/16/09 | Common Toadflax or Butter and Eggs (Linaria vulgaris) at Lake Abbott, Peaks of Otter Recreational Area, Bedford, VA, 7/9/09 |
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| Penstemon genus member, Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 5/21/09. Looks like Multiflora Penstemon (Penstemon multiflorus), but is outside that species' natural range, i.e., hardiness zones 8-10. | Field of penstemons, same species as on left, same time and place, i.e., Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 5/21/09. Their blooming time was about 2 weeks. | Moth Mullein (Verbascum blattaria), Occoneechee Mountain Natural ARea, Orange County, NC, 6/13/09 | Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), West Point on the Eno, Durham, NC, 7/4/09 |
Valerianaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| Common Cornsalad (Valerianella locusta), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 4/12/09 | Common Cornsalad (Valerianella locusta), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 4/13/09 |
Verbenaceae family, Asteridae subclass
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| American Beauty Berry (Callicarpa americana), North Carolina Botanical Garden, 9/26/07 |
Caryophyllidae subclass
Cactaceae family, Carylophyllidae subclass
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| Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia genus), Duke Gardens, Durham County, NC, 6/12/09 |
Caryophyllaceae family, Caryophyllidae subclass
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| Common Chickweed (Stellaria media), Durham, NC, 4/3/09, the most common weed in my neighborhood. | Giant Chickweed (Stellaria pubera), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 4/6/09. |
Sweet William (Dianthus caryophyllus), Durham, NC, 4/9/09 |
Deptford Pink (Dianthus ameria), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 5/30/09 | Fire Pink (Silene virginica), Haw River State Park, Rockingham County, 5/30/08 |
Phytolaccaceae family, Caryophyllidae subclass
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| Pokeweed (Phytolacca genus) flowers, Durham, NC, 5/27/09 | Pokeweed berries, Durham, NC, 7/15/09 |
Polygonaceae family, Caryophyllidae subclass
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| Heartwing Sorrel (Rumex hastatulus), Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Dare County, NC, 5/10/09 | Pinkweed (Polygonum pennsylvaticum), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/11/09 | Blooming Pinkweed (Polygonum pennsylvaticum), close-up. American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 8/25/09 |
Portulacaceae family, Caryophyllidae subclass
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| Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 3/11/09 | Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 8/25/09. Reputed to be an invasive weed, but not around here! | Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 9/11/09 |
Dilleniidae subclass
Brassicaceae family, Dilleniidae subclass
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| Toothwort (Dentaria laciniata), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 3/14/07. This is one of the favorite plants of Falcate Orangetip butterflies. | Winter Cress (Barbarea verna), American Tobacco Trail (Miles 4-6), Durham, NC, 4/13/09 | Sea Rocket (Cakile edentula), Ocracoke Island (north end), 5/10/09 | Wild Peppergrass (Lepidium virginicum), Durham, NC, 6/6/09 | Wild Peppergrass (Lepidium virginicum), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 6/29/09 |
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| Lyre-leaved Rock Cress (Arabis lyrata), Durham, NC, 4/5/09 |
Clusiaceae family, Dilleniidae subclass
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| St. John's Wort (Hypericum calycinum maybe), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09. | St. Andrew's Cross (Hypericum hypericoides), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/9/09 |
Dionaceae family, Dilleniidae subclass
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| Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula), Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 12/20/06. This species depends on regular forest fires to survive; otherwise it doesn't get enough sunlight. Note the sandspur. |
Ericaceae family, Dilleniidae subclass
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| Catawba Rosebay (Rhododendron catawbiense), Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes County, NC, 5/22/08 | Great Laurel (Rhododendron maximum), Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes County, NC, 6/18/09 | Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), (Rhododendron minus), Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes County, NC, 5/22/08 | Blueberry (Vaccinium genus) flowers, North Carolina Botanical Garden, 4/10/09 |
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| Florida Azalea (Rhododendron austrinum), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 | Pinxter Azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides), Museum of Life and Science, Durham, NC, 4/23/09 |
Monotropopaceae family, Dilleniidae subclass
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| Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora), Macon County, NC 8/9/05. This view of a flower shows that it has the normal reproductive organs, in contrast to widespread belief that it is not actually a plant, but a fungus. This plant produces no chlorophyll, obtaining its nutrients from the soil. | Indian Pipes (Monotropa uniflora), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 5/30/09 |
Malvaceae family, Dilleniidae subclass
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| Bristly-mallow (Modiola caroliniana), Old Salem, Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, NC, 6/7/09 |
Pyrolaceae family, Dilleniidae subclass
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| Striped Wintergreen (Chimapila maculata) with buds, Durham, NC, 5/23/09. Used to considered an Ericaceae family member. | Striped Wintergreen (Chimapila maculata), in full bloom, 5/31/09 | Striped Wintergreen (Chimapila maculata), Durham, NC, 6/1/09 | Striped Wintergreen (Chimapila maculata), 6/2/09 | Striped Wintergreen (Chimapila maculata), Durham, NC, 6/3/09 | Striped Wintergreen (Chimapila maculata), Durham, NC, 6/15/09 |
Saliceae family, Dilleniidae subclass
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| Willow blossom (Salix genus), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 3/11/09. These flowers lack petals and sepals. Note the fly at the base of the blossom. |
Sarraceniaceae family, Dileniidae subclass
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| Yellow Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia flava), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 | Whitetop Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia leucophylla), NC Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 9/6/09 |
Violaceae family, Dileniidae subclass
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| Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia), Eno River State Park, Old Cole Mill Road access, Orange County, NC, 3/6/08 | Downy Yellow Violet (Viola pubescens), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 4/4/09 | Johnny Jump-Ups (Viola cornuta), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 4/6/09 |
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| Violet (Viola genus), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 3/11/09. Perhaps these first three are variants of the Johnny Jump-up (Viola cornuta). | Violet (Viola genus), Durham, NC, 3/12/09 | Violet (Viola genus), Durham, NC, 3/29/09 | Violet, probably a variant of the Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia), according to Hilton Pond's 3/15/09 newsletter. Durham, NC, 3/23/08. |
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| Violet (Viola brittoniana), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 4/22/09 | Violet, Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 4/18/09 | Violet, Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 4/18/09 | Violet, Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 3/31/09 |
Hamamelidae subclass
These are generally broadleaf trees.
Betulaceae family, Hamamelidae subclass
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| Eastern Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) fruit, Durham, NC, 6/8/09 |
Fagaceae family, Hamamelidae subclass
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| White Oak (Quercus alba), Durham, NC, 4/15/09, fallen from tree |
Hamamelidaceae family, Hamamelidae subclass
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| Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), Durham, NC, 11/16/08 (left), 4/14/09 (middle) and 4/02/09 (right) | Witch Alder (Fothergilla major), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 | ||||
Juglandaceae family, Hamamelidae subclass
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| Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra), Durham, NC, 4/20/09 |
Magnoliidae subclass
Berberidaceae family, Magnoliidae subclass
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| Umbrella Leaf (Diphylleia cymosa) berries, Tanawha Trail, off the Blue Ridge Ridge Parkway, Mile 302, 8/5/08 | Mayapple (Podophyllum pentatum), Durham, 4/20/06. Photo by Karl D. Gottschalk | Mayapple, Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 4/22/09 | Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica), Durham, NC, 6/3/09 | Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica) berries, Sandhills Horticultural Garden, Pinehurst, Moore County, NC, 11/28/09 |
Fumariaceae family, Magnoliidae subclass
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| Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 4/5/06 | Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 4/4/09 | Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia), seen at about 3700 feet in elevation on Sharp Top Mountain in the Peaks of Otter Recreational Area (National Parks Service), Bedford County, VA on 7/10/09. About 20 plants were seen in close proximity near a small rain forest. | Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 |
Lardizabalaceae family, Magnoliidae subclass
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| Chocolate Vine (Akebia quinata). A vine with five leaves coming from one stem. These are young leaves. Durham, NC, 3/24/09. It is an introduced species from Japan. ID thanks to Will Cook. USDA info on Chocolate Vine. |
Lauraceae family, Magnoliidae subclass
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| Sassafras (Sassafras albidum), American Tobacco Trail (miles 4-6), Durham, NC, 4/13/09 |
Magnoliaceae family, Magnoliidae subclass
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| Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), Durham, NC, 5/17/06. These flowers are usually not seen until they fall from these tall trees. | Southern Magnolia or Bull Bay (Magnolia grandiflora), Durham, NC, 5/16/09 |
Papaveraceae family, Magnoliidae subclass
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| Bloodroot (Sanguin-aria canadensis, Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 3/14/07 | Poppy (Papaver dubium), Durham, NC, 4/23/09 |
Ranunculaceae family, Magnoliidae subclass
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| Round Lobed Hepatica (Hepatica americana), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 3/14/07. | Rue Anemone (Thalictrom thalictoides), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 3/31/09 | ||||
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| Hooked Buttercup (Ranunculus recurvatus), Durham, NC, 4/4/09 | Close-up of Hooked Buttercup (Ranunculus recurvatus), Durham, NC, 4/11/09 | St. Anthony's Turnip (Ranunculus bulbosus), Durham, NC, 4/11/09 |
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| Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 | Tall Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana), which has a very long stem with basal leaves. Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 6/24/09 | Virgin's Bower (Clematis virginiana), Boone Gardens, Watauga County, NC, 8/12/09 | |||||
Saururaceae family, Magnoliidae subclass
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| Lizard's Tail (Saururus cernuus), Durham, NC, 6/1/09 |
Rosidae subclass
Aceraceae family, Rosidae subclass
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| Red Maple (Acer rubrum) male flowers, Durham, NC, 2/26/09 |
Anacardiaceae family, Rosidae subclass
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| Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), Durham, NC, 5/4/09 |
Apiaceae family, Rosidae subclass
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| Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 | Queen Anne's Lace flowers, up close. The pink one is immature. Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 6/24/09 | Queen Anne's Lace or Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 5/19/09. Mature flowers. | Queen Anne's Lace or Wild Carrot (Daucus carota), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 5/19/09. Young flowers. |
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| Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 6/25/09, a very poisonous plant, also found in Siler's Bog. | Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 | Angelica genus, Moses Cone Memorial Park, Watauga County, NC, 8/12/09 |
Aquifoliaceae family, Rosidae subclass
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| American Holly, Durham, NC, 5/8/09 |
Celastraceae family, Rosidae subclass
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| Hearts-a-Bustin' or American Strawberry Bush (Euonymus americanus), Durham, NC, 5/18/08 | Hearts-a-bustin' (Euonymus americanus), Durham, NC, 5/6/09 | Hearts-a-bustin' fruit, 9/24/08. Durham or Orange County, NC. |
Cornaceae family, Rosidae subclass
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| Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), Occoneechee Mountain Natural Area, Orange County, NC, 4/5/09 |
Euphorbiaceae family, Rosidae subclass
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| Spurge (Euphorbia genus), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 |
Fabaceae family, Rosidae subclass
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| A cultivated member of the Common Bean species. Cypress Gardens, Berkeley County, SC, 10/12/07. | Wild Blue Indigo or Prairie Blue Indigo (Baptisia australis), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 5/6/06 | Spurred Butterfly Pea (Centrosema virginianum) flower, Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 8/18/06 | Bristly Locust flower (Robinia hispida), Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes County, NC, 5/22/08 | Groundnut (Apios americana), Durham, NC, 8/11/08. ID thanks to Janie Owens. | Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Durham, NC, 3/29/09 |
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| Common Vetch (Vicia sativa), Durham, NC, 4/3/09. A vine. | Common Vetch (Vicia sativa), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 4/13/09. | Common Vetch (Vicia sativa), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 4/13/09. | Vetch, American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 4/13/09. | Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius), on Cedar Creek Nature Trail, Natural Bridge, Rockbridge County, VA, 7/8/09 | Wild Bean (Strophostyles umbellata), Airlie Gardens, Wilmington, New Hanover County, NC, 8/5/09 |
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| Carolina Vetch (Vicia caroliniana), Lake Crabtree County park, Wake County, NC, 4/16/09 | Cow Vetch (Vicia cracca), Camden County, NC, 4/27/09 (near downtown Elizabeth City) | Vetch (Vicia tetrasperma), Camden County, NC (just north of Elizabeth City), 4/27 | American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens), Duke Gardens, Durham, NC, 4/6/09 |
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| Birdfoot Trefoil or Birdfoot Deer-vetch (Lotus corniculatus), Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/11/09 | Another Birdfoot Trefoil, Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/10/09 | Silktree (Albizia julibrissin), Durham, NC, 6/8/09 | Sensitive Brier or Sensitive Plant (Mimosa microphylla), NC Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 7/17/09 |
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| Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum), North Carolina Museum of Art nature trail, 4/23/09 | Probably Trifolium campestre, since no other yellow Trifolium species has reported in this county according to the USDA. Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 5/1/09 | Red Clover (Trifolium pratense), Southern Village, Chapel Hill, Orange County, NC, 5/7/09 | White clover (Trifolium repens, var. repens), Durham, NC, 4/3/09 | Yellow Sweet Clover (Melilotus officinalis), NC Zoo, Asheboro, NC, 6/21/09 |
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| Sericea lespedeza or Chinese Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 6/29/09. | Lespedeza genus flowers, American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 9/1/09 | Lespedeza genus, American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 9/1/09 |
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| Showy Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 7/26/09 | Kudzu flower (Pueraria montana), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 8/21/09 | Hog Peanut (Amphicarpaea bracteata), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 8/23/09 |
Geraniaceae family, Rosidae subclass
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| Carolina Cranesbill (Geranium carolinianum), Durham, NC, 4/9/09 | Bloody Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum). North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 |
Hippocastanaceae family, Rosidae subclass
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| Yellow Buckeye (Aesculus flava), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 3/31/09 | Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 |
Melastomataceae family, Rosidae subclass
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| Meadow Beauty (Rhexia genus), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 7/26/09 | Meadow Beauty (Rhexia genus), NC Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 9/6/09 |
Onagraceae family, Rosidae subclass
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| Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera genus), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 5/19/09 | Common Evening Primrose (Oenoethera biennis), Ocracoke, 5/11/09. Taken at 8:24 am, DST. | Seedbox (Ludwigia alternifolia, Onagraceae family), Durham, NC, 6/26/09 |
Oxalidaceae family, Rosidae subclass
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| Common Yellow Wood-sorrel (Oxalis stricta), Durham, NC, 4/5/09 | Pink Wood-sorrel (Oxalis violaceae), Pettigrew State Park, Washington County, NC, 4/28/09 |
Passifloraceae family, Rosidae subclass
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| Passion Vine with opening flower. One of a few remaining after a large field was mowed. Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 7/3/09 | Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), Fort Macon State Park, Carteret County, NC, 7/21/08. These are the preferred larval plants of Zebra Heliconian butterflies. |
Rhamnaceae family, Rosidae subclass
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| Carolina Buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 |
Rosaceae family, Rosidae subclass
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| Sulfur Cinquefoil (Potentilla recta), American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 5/19/09 | Dwarf Cinquefoil (Potentilla canadensis), Durham, NC, 4/8/09 | Indian Strawberry or Mock Strawberry(Duchesnea indica), Durham, NC, 4/3/09 | Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 4/12/09 |
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| Chokecherry (Prunus virginia), American Tobacco Trail (miles 4-6), Durham, NC, 4/13/09 | Blackberry (Rubus genus), American Tobacco Trail (miles 4-6), Durham, NC, 4/13/09 | Purple-flowering Raspberry (Rubus odoratus), with flower. Mt. Jefferson State Park, Ashe County, NC, 8/13/09 | Purple-flowering Raspberry (Rubus odoratus), with fruit. Mt. Jefferson State Park, Ashe County, NC, 8/13/09 |
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| Wild rose (Rosa genus), appeared in Siler's Bog in the Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 6/25/09 | Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 5/1/09. Introduced from China, Japan and/or Korea. | Wild Roses (Rosa genus), Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County, NC, 4/27/09 |
Saxifragaceae family, Rosidae subclass
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| Early Saxifrage (Saxifraga virginiensis), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham, NC, 3/19/09. Mottled leaf is part of a Trout Lily. ID thanks to Joan Carr of South Williamson, Kentucky. | Heartleaf Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), Duke Gardens, 4/6/09 | Heartleaf Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 4/10/09 |
Vitaceae family, Rosidae subclass
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| Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) flowers and buds, American Tobacco Trail, Durham, NC, 6/29/09 | Scuppernong grape (Vitis rotundifolia) flowers, Durham, NC, 6/8/09 | Green Scuppernong grape (Vitis rotundifolia) fruit, Durham, NC, 7/6/09 | Scuppernong grape (Vitis rotundifolia) fruit, Durham, NC, 7/26/09 |
© Copyright 2005-2009 Dorothy E. Pugh. All rights reserved.
References
Bowers, N., R. Bowers and S. Tekiela (2008) Wildflowers of the Carolinas. Cambridge, MN: Adventure Publications
Justice, W., C.R. Bell and A.H. Lindsey (2005) Wild Flowers of North Carolina, 2nd ed. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press.
Newcomb, L. (1977) Newcomb's Wildflower Guide. NY:Little, Brown & Co.
USDA, NRCS. 2009. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 9 November 2009). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.