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

Mystery plant 081

Posted on October 29, 2015 by Angelyn

This wildflower is native to central and eastern portions of North America. When you recognize it, leave a comment with its common name, scientific name and a story about your connection with it.

Leaves in spring

Leaves and flower bud

Flower bud, stem and leaf arrangement

Opening flower bud

Flower

Plants in bloom

Seed head in late winter

ANSWER (subsequently added to this post to facilitate the “search” function for these images): Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Also, read the blog post and watch the plant portrait video for Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea).

Posted in Mystery plant | 9 Comments

Large whorled pogonia (Isotria verticillata)

Posted on October 17, 2015 by Angelyn

This beautiful and rare native orchid — Large whorled pogonia (Isotria verticillata) — grows in woods in eastern North America. The plant’s colors blend well with its habitat.

In this close view of the flower, you can see a small crab spider clinging to one of the flower’s sepals.

Not all Larged whorled pogonia plants bloom each year. When they do and when the flower is fertilized, the seed capsule (which is the upper portion of the stalk) rises above the whorled leaves.

Watch this video about Large whorled pogonia (Isotria verticillata) to observe the flower’s remarkable sepals, to see close views of the flower’s structure, and to test your ability to pick out this plant from surrounding plants in the woods.

Posted in Plant Identification videos, Plant portraits | 1 Comment

Mystery plant 080

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Angelyn

This plant is a small native tree which prefers growing in damp woods and along streams in eastern North America. When you can identify it, share its common and scientific names in a comment. Also, tell us about any personal connection you may have with this plant.