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This low-growing plant has evergreen heart-shaped leaves. The large jug-shaped flowers occur on the soil surface, often under decomposing leaves. This species, like many woodland herbs, has ant...
Herbs
Learn about some common herbs in the cove forest.
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Grades
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(Cypripedium calceolus var. pubescens) This native orchid is a joy to see in its native habitat. The large yellow flowers with a conspicuous pouch depend on deception for pollination as it offer no...
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(Laportea canadensis) This is a plant that you may not want to touch as stinging hairs cover its stems and leaves. Why does it sting? One hypothesis is that its hairs deter some animals from feeding...
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(Shortia galacifolia) A small evergreen species related to galax with white flowers produced in March. It was discovered ty the French botanist Andre Michaux in 1787 growing at the confluence of the...
Photo
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(Podophyllum peltatum) This widespread herb forms dense carpets on the forest floor in early spring. Single large white flowers with yellow centers hang down beneath the large umbrella-like leaves...
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Trilliums are easily recognized by having a single whorl of three leaves and one conspicuous flower. The large white flowers of this species are initially white but change to pink as the flower ages...
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This unusual plant produces one or two leaves, each of which is divided into three leaflets. A cluster of tiny flowers is produced at the base of the striped tubular structure (called a spathe) that...
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(Polystichum acrostichoides) This evergreen fern commonly occurs in moist sites including ravines and rocky slopes. Only the leaves emerge above ground - the stem is underground. Like all ferns, it...
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(Viola canadensis) This relatively tall violet with heart-shaped leaves is frequently encountered in cove forests. It produces many white flowers that fade to purple with age. Often found in clumps...
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(Sanguinaria Canadensis) Bloodroot is one of the first plants to bloom in spring. Only one flower and one leaf is produced per plant. The large white flower opens in the day and closes at night. The...
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Grades
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Trout lily has a very short growing season. Plants emerge in late winter-early spring as soil temperatures rise. A few weeks later, when the canopy trees leaf out, and the florest floor is in deep...