What a Wonderful World: Flora Edition

One of the coolest things about going out hiking every weekend is the way in which I am so much more in tune with nature. It's amazing the differences you notice each week and the things that I probably used to just walk by, but now see with fresh eyes as I've had to pay close attention, take notes on what's around me, and learn to identify various plants. So in a series of posts this week, I'm going to share with you some of the things I've seen. Maybe it will inspire you to get out and explore your part of the great outdoors. It's really a pretty fabulous place.

So today, the flora edition. Stay tuned for fauna, landscapes, and a fun category called surprises.

A jack-in-the-pulpit. Some of them have purple stripes, which are a bit cooler, but I guess I didn't photograph one of those. (Credit: Theresa)

Some type of aster--maybe fleabane?--that grows in pretty clusters. (Credit: Jeff)

A very interesting pine cone in a bright shade of red. Does anyone know if this is just an immature stage or if its just the style of the cones on this tree? (Credit: Jeff)

A fern waits to unfurl its leaves. (Credit: Theresa)

A morel mushroom...a small basket of these was going for $20 at my farmer's market.
(Credit: Theresa)

If you peek underneath the leaves of a mayapple, you may see one of its white flowers. Mayapples pop open like umbrellas...it's pretty cool. (Credit: Theresa)

The spring beauty--a small, five-petaled wildflower with delicate pink stripes--is found on the edge of many trails. (Credit: Theresa)

The trillium is currently blooming in the woods around us. (Credit: Jeff)

The largest beech tree I think I've ever seen. (Credit: Jeff)

Silhouette of a flower on the paw paw tree. (Credit: Jeff)