Blog posts | Identify that Plant | Confidently master the skill of correct plant identification

Mystery plant 073

Posted on May 14, 2015 by Angelyn

This woodland plant grows in eastern North America. When you can identify it, leave a comment with its common name, scientific name and any personal story you may have about the plant.

New leaves in spring

Developing inflorescence

Staminate (male) inflorescence in bloom in foreground; pistillate (female) inflorescence growing in background

Staminate (male) flowers

Pistillate (female) flowers

Developing seed capsules

Maturing seed capsules

Leaves in winter

ANSWER (subsequently added to this post to facilitate the “search” function for these images): Fairy wand (Chamaelirium luteum)

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Princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa)

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Angelyn

The fragrant flowers of Princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa) appear during the spring season.

The inflorescence contains unopened flower buds, opening buds, and fresh flowers. Flowers are usually a bit high on the tree, so it helps to have binoculars to see them clearly.

Here’s a close view of opening flower buds. Notice how the buds and flower petals are covered with fine, fuzzy hairs.

Even the newly emerging stem of a Princess tree sapling has fine hairs.

Watch this video about Princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa) to closely observe the flower’s reproductive parts, to see how the flower buds grow in the summer and don’t actually open until the next spring, to get a feel for just how many seeds are in a single seed capsule, and to discover why the species name is tomentosa.

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Mystery plant 072

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Angelyn

This woodland plant blooms in the spring throughout central and eastern North America. When you can identify it, leave a comment with the common name and scientific name. Also share any personal story you may have about this plant.