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Flower Identification
We all know the flowers we plant in our flower garden each year, but did you know the forest of
North America holds some gems of it's own. In early spring we can see some of these on a trail
hike, while walking through a peaceful woods. Take, for example, the Umbrella Tree or the
Bigleaf Magnolia. This plant grows the largest flowers of all the North American trees. The
flowers are cup shaped and are from ten to twelve inches wide and it gets its name from the
umbrella, like arrangement of the big leaves it bears. When you go for a walk in the woods,
flower identification is important because it can help you get ideas for your own garden.
The wild Geranium is a lovely lavender flower that is in loose clusters above a five lobe leaf. The
beak look capsular fruit gives the flower its name of Cranesbill. The seeds are hurled into the air
when the pods burst open scattering to the ground below. These flowers range from Canada to
Georgia and are very pretty. Then there is another flower that ranges from Canada to Florida and
this is the Jack In The Pulpit or Indian Turnip. These grow under very large leaves. The flower
itself has a hood shape that curves over a cup like formation. You will find the Jack inside this
pulpit, which is the spadix and it bears tiny separate male and female flowers at its base.
The Mayapple or the Mandrake is also one of the forest pretty sights. This plant holds two
prominent leaves that shelter a flower. This flower is nodding and always born in the crotch
between the leaf stalks. These plants tend to grow in colonies of 50 to 100, and it is reported that
the seeds are often used as a coffee substitute. Then, there is the Smooth Solomon's Seed. It is 2
to 3 feet long - a herb that produces a greenish, yellow flower which appears in April or May.
This plant ranges from New York to Florida. The root of this plant is jointed and you can leave a
distinctive scar by breaking the root at the joint, which it is said to resemble the official seal of
Solomon.
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