I remember Yellow Wood Sorrel (Oxalis stricta) as a plant mentioned in children’s books. I loved to read historical novels about girls growing up in America in the 18th or 19th century. These children walked in the woods with a parent or grandparent and learned the names of plants. I envied them for their ready…
The Yellow Season: St. John's-Wort
I confess that I was excited about this type of flower, St. John’s-Wort, which has been present in my vocabulary since Bob ran a health food store/co-op in southern West Virginia in the 1980s. Good for depression, I heard, but never expected to run into it in my neighborhood. But here it is. St. John’s-Wort….
The Yellow Season: Birdsfoot Trefoil
It’s above 80 degrees F. The humidity is high and so is the ozone. After a simple walk, I’m covered in sweat. Days are hot; nights pop with fireworks. July is flashy, bright, intense. It’s full of yellow wildflowers. I think this is Birdsfoot Trefoil, or, Lotus corniculata. Because I am a beginner…
Spirit of the Rivers
I visited Aurora Hospital to see my mother, who had been admitted to the emergency room. They turned me away due to COVID-19 guidelines. Not yet ready to return home, I visited the Wayside near the Spirit of the Rivers statue, across Memorial Drive from the hospital. The statue of three Native Americans preparing to…
Wisconsin Wildflowers, Late June
I am a neophyte at identification and am out of practice at photography. Here is what I saw yesterday. Sidewalk view After consultation with my wildflower book and online resources, I decided that this is bittersweet nightshade. It’s an invasive plant, but the flowers are pretty. I found it twining around the burdock next to…