Learn about some common herbs in the cove forest.

Large-Flowered Heartleaf | The Cove Forest
Large-Flowered Heartleaf | The Cove Forest

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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...
Yellow Lady Slipper | The Cove Forest
Yellow Lady Slipper | The Cove Forest

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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...
Wood Nettle | The Cove Forest
Wood Nettle | The Cove Forest

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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...
Oconee Bells | The Cove Forest
Oconee Bells | The Cove Forest

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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...
Mayapple | The Cove Forest
Mayapple | The Cove Forest

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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...
Large-Flowered Trillium | The Cove Forest
Large-Flowered Trillium | The Cove Forest

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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...
Jack in the Pulpit  | The Cove Forest
Jack in the Pulpit | The Cove Forest

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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...
Christmas Fern  | The Cove Forest
Christmas Fern | The Cove Forest

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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...
Canada Violet  | The Cove Forest
Canada Violet | The Cove Forest

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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...
Bloodroot | The Cove Forest
Bloodroot | The Cove Forest

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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...