On our travels along the D&L Trail I found many familiar flowers. Here are my faves in reverse order.
9. Blueweed (Echium vulgre): If this wasn’t so invasive, it would be much higher on my list. Its delicate bell shaped flowers host many a pollinator. It is scattered along the trail.
8. Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota): Surprisingly, this carrot relative was only sparingly seen. I was always pleased to spot its distinctive umbral.
7. Daisy (Bellis perennis): Like Meg Ryan says in the movie, You’ve Got Mail, “Daisies are such happy flowers.” How could it not be included?
6. Crown vetch (Securigera varia): This legume is pervasive on the trail. Perhaps it has been seeded for erosion control.
5. Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta): This native wildflower pops up sporadically on the trail brightening my ride.
4. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus): A great occasional find, I can’t decide what I like more: The fuzzy leaves or the delicate yellow rosettes that cover its spire.
3. Joe-pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum): There were less than a handful seen on the trail but this clump is particularity impressive.
2. Milkweed (Ascepias syriaca): A surfeit of milkweed is along the trail from White Haven to Black Diamond. It is swarmed with butterflies and exudes a sweet perfume that fills the air.
And my favorite (should be no surprise). . . . .
Rosebay rhododendron (Rhododendron Maximum): The tunnels we bike through of these native giants is no short of amazing. The flowers are spectacular and remind me of well-placed Christmas decorations.
