Spring Wildflowers

I put together a selection of spring wildflowers from some recent walks. Its raining today so I'm trapped inside for the moment. The first is a Lady Slipper. The Lady Slipper is a wild orchid that is somewhat rare. Around here, everyone knows where there are a few. And everyone keeps it a secret to protect them lol

Red columbine is very common. I have some blue columbine in my flower beds but the wild ones always bloom first.

Many wildflowers are subtle like the small gaywing.

Some are invasive and therefore not popular but still colorful like this yellow rocket.

Here is another subtle bloom that might be missed - a Jack in the Pulpit. This flower is rare and protected in Vermont.

Lily of the Valley are not native but have naturalized in the woodlands of Vermont.

Finally, periwinkle or creeping myrtle. Lovely little blooms and attractive ground cover BUT again its invasive. It spreads aggressively and chocks out native plants.

Its interesting if you get out and spend some time learning your local wildflowers. They are an interesting mix of the very common to very rare, native to introduced to naturalized to invasive. Attention to details is always a good way to connect with nature.