Sightings – Flowers
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/24/10
Observation Time: 7:50 a.m.
Observation Location: near Gavins Pond outflow pool
Common Name: Jewelweed
Scientific Name: Impatiens capensis
Comments: Jewelweed, which often grows in disturbed areas near poison ivy, is also an antidote for poison ivy.
More Information: Altnature.com
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/13/20
Observation Time: 5:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Joe Pye Weed
Scientific Name: Eupatorium purpureum
Comments: Joe Pye Weed is an herbaceous, late-blooming perennial native to much of the U.S. It is a wildflower and an herb that was used as an herbal remedy to lower fevers and other maladies. The plant is named after a Native American herbalist. The lance-shaped leaves grow in whorls around the otherwise green stem which is purple where the leaves attach.
Butterflies feed on the flowers of Joe Pye weed when they bloom in late summer.
More Information: thespruce.com
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/15/18
Observation Time: 1:10 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Joe Pye Weed
Scientific Name: Eupatorium purpureum
Comments: Joe Pye weed is an herbaceous, late-blooming perennial native to much of the U.S. It is a wildflower and an herb that was used as an herbal remedy to lower fevers and other maladies. The plant goes by the common name Joe Pye weed, named after a Native American herbalist. The lance-shaped leaves grow in whorls around the otherwise green stem which is purple where the leaves attach.
More Information: thespruce.com
Spicebush swallowtail butterflies and monarch butterflies were feeding on Joe Pye weed blossoms that day:
Observer: Marshall Katler
Observation Date: 9/14/23
Observation Time: 8:30 a.m.
Observation Location: old field at King Phillip’s Rock area
Common Name: Ladies’ Tresses
Scientific Name: Spiranthes cernua
Comments: Typically found in fields, damp meadows, moist thickets, and grassy swamps, Ladies’ Tresses bloom in late summer and fall.
Please do not dig up wildflowers.
More Information: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/22/13
Observation Time: 2:10 p.m.
Observation Location: King Phillip’s Rock area
Common Name: Ladies’ Tresses Orchid
Scientific Name: Spiranthes cernua
Comments: These wild white orchids grow on a spiral stalk (hence the name Spiranthes).
More Information: Go Orchids or Nature Northeast
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/18/20
Observation Time: 10:50 a.m.
Observation Location: under high tension lines across the street from the Gavins Pond soccer fields
Common Name: Lance-leaved Violet
Scientific Name: Viola lanceolata
Comments: One of only a few white-flowered stemless violets, lance-leaved violet inhabits sandy or peaty shorelines and marshes as well as more disturbed sites. The narrow lance-shaped leaves are distinctive.
More Information: Go Botany
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/15/13
Observation Time: 6:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond area
Common Name: Lanceleaf Tickseed
Scientific Name: Coreopsis lanceolata
More Information: Go Botany
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/12/20
Observation Time: 6:55 p.m.
Observation Location: along Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Lanceleaf Tickseed
Scientific Name: Coreopsis lanceolata
Comments: This native perennial wildflower thrives in poor, sandy or rocky soils with good drainage. It is tolerant of heat, humidity and drought.
Lanceleaf tickseed features solitary, yellow, daisy-like flowers (1-2″ diameter) with eight yellow rays (toothed at the tips) and flat yellow center disks. Flowers bloom atop slender, erect stems from spring to early summer. Narrow, hairy, lance-shaped leaves (2-6″ long) appear primarily near the base of the plant.
More Information: Native Florida Wildflowers and Missouri Botanical Gardens
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/4/20
Observation Time: 2:30 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)
Common Name: Late Purple Aster
Scientific Name: Symphyotrichum patens
Comments: Late purple aster looks similar to smooth aster — they both have purple rays and clasping leaves. Distinguish them by their stems — late purple aster has a rough, hairy stem; smooth aster has a smooth stem with a whitish coating.
More Information: Connecticut Botanical Society
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/28/24
Observation Time: 11:00 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (The Trustees of Reservations)
Common Name: Lesser Periwinkle
Scientific Name: Vinca minor
Comments: Also known as dwarf periwinkle and creeping myrtle, this non-native plant comes from Europe. It makes a good groundcover, and it produces lovely purple blossoms in spring and into summer, but once established it spreads and is hard to eradicate.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/9/23
Observation Time: 8:25 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Lily of the Valley
Scientific Name: Convallaria majalis
Comments: Lily of the Valley is highly poisonous if consumed by humans or other animals. Please do not dig up any wildflowers you may find in Sharon. Please leave them for everyone to enjoy!
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/3/10
Observation Time: 9:45 a.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond
Common Name: Little Floatingheart
Scientific Name: Nymphoides cordata
Comments: The little floatinghearts are the smaller, darker, heart-shaped floating pads visible in the photo among the bigger, greener rounder water lilies. The small, five-petalled white flowers are those of little floatingheart. Water lilies have much bigger floating blossoms (see photo taken September 12, 2009).
More Information: USDA
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/4/11
Observation Time: 3:00 p.m.
Observation Location: conservation land near Billings Street
Common Name: Maple-leaf Viburnum
Scientific Name: Viburnum acerifolium
Comments: Maple-leaf viburnum has long been cultivated for its attractive summer flowers and foliage; then the autumn leaves turn rose-purple and contrast with the mature dark fruits. The plants will thrive in moist soils and a range of light conditions but they are a good choice for dry soils in deep shade. They can be used along forest edges, streamsides, and lakeshores.
More Information: USDA Plant Guide
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/9/20
Observation Time: 4:30 p.m.
Observation Location: shady woods near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Maple-leaf Viburnum
Scientific Name: Viburnum acerifolium
Comments: Maple-leaf viburnum has long been cultivated for its attractive summer flowers and foliage; then the autumn leaves turn rose-purple and contrast with the mature dark fruits. The plants will thrive in moist soils and a range of light conditions but they are a good choice for dry soils in deep shade. They can be used along forest edges, streamsides, and lakeshores.
More Information: USDA Plant Guide
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/16/23
Observation Time: 3:30 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary (boardwalk)
Common Name: Marsh Blue Violet
Scientific Name: Viola cucullata
Comments: The violets of North America come in two general forms, the stemmed violets and the stemless violets. Stemmed violets produce leaves and flowers on upright stems. Stemless violets produce leaves and flowers from and underground vertical or horizontal stem. Marsh blue violet is a stemless violet. It is easily differentiated from other eastern stemless blue violets by the length of its peduncle (the flower stalk). It is generally taller (up to 25 cm or 10 in) than any of the leaves on the plant.
More Information: U.S. Forest Service
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/7/25
Observation Time: 9:00 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary (boardwalk)
Common Name: Marsh Blue Violet
Scientific Name: Viola cucullata
Comments: The violets of North America come in two general forms, the stemmed violets and the stemless violets. Stemmed violets produce leaves and flowers on upright stems. Stemless violets produce leaves and flowers from an underground vertical or horizontal stem. Marsh blue violet is a stemless violet. It is easily differentiated from other eastern stemless blue violets by the length of its peduncle (the flower stalk). It is generally taller (up to 25 cm or 10 in) than any of the leaves on the plant.
More Information: U.S. Forest Service
Observer: Susan Drisko
Observation Date: 4/27/2022
Observation Time: 1:45 p.m.
Observation Location: headwaters of Beaver Brook
Common Name: Marsh Marigold
Scientific Name: Caltha palustris
Comments: Caltha palustris, known as marsh-marigold and kingcup, is a small to medium size perennialherbaceousplant of the buttercup family, native to marshes, fens, ditches and wet woodlands in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It typically flowers between April and August.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: David Dearborn
Observation Date: 5/7/24
Observation Time: 3:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Mountain Street
Common Name: May Apple
Scientific Name: Podophyllum peltatum
Comments: This big patch of May Apples has a mutually beneficial relationship with box turtles, which eat the fruit and spread the seeds.
More Information: Butler Soil and Water Conservation District
Box turtle beside the house that can be seen in the photo above:
Observer: Peter Higgins
Observation Date: 10/17/08
Observation Time: 5:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (Trustees of Reservations)
Common Name: Milkweed
Scientific Name: Asclepias syriaca
Comments: Milkweed is an important food source for butterflies, moths and other insect species. It has been decimated by the application of glyphosate herbicide (a.k.a. Roundup) on vast fields of corn and soybeans that have been genetically modified to tolerate glypohosate.
More Information: Scientific American
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/22/15
Observation Time: 5:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond area
Common Name: Milkweed
Scientific Name: Asclepias syriaca
Comments: Monarch butterflies depend on milkweed as a food source for their caterpillars. The advent of genetically modified “Roundup-ready” corn and soybeans has facilitated large-scale application of herbicides, reducing the availability of milkweed to migrating monarchs. Hence, the monarch population is in steep decline. Homeowners wanting to help monarchs can inadvertently hurt them by planting the wrong kind of milkweed (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha). Unfortunately, native milkweed that monarchs need is harder to propagate.
More Information: Science
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/27/15
Observation Time: 2:45 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond area
Common Name: Milkweed flower
Scientific Name: Asclepias syriaca
Comments: Many species of butterflies including monarchs depend on milkweed as a food source for their caterpillars. The advent of genetically modified “Roundup-ready” corn and soybeans has facilitated large-scale application of herbicides, reducing the availability of milkweed to migrating monarchs. Hence, the monarch population is in steep decline. Homeowners wanting to help monarchs can inadvertently hurt them by planting the wrong kind of milkweed (Ophryocystis elektroscirrha). Unfortunately, native milkweed that monarchs need is harder to propagate.
More Information: Science
Observer: Rita Corey
Observation Date: 6/23/19
Observation Time: 3:45 p.m.
Observation Location: 282 Mountain Street
Common Name: Mock Orange
Scientific Name: Philadelphus coronarius
Comments: Mock orange shrubs have flowers that are rich with nectar and attract butterflies. They are native to Southeast Europe and Italy.
More Information: the spruce
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/9/19
Observation time: 4:15 p.m.
Observation Location: beginning of the trail at the end of Brook Road
Common Name: Money Flower (a.k.a. Honesty)
Scientific Name: Lunaria annua
Comments: The seed pods of the money flower are shaped like coins. This flower originated from the Balkans and southwest Asia. Its popularity as a garden flower means that colonies are most often seen near to towns and villages. It thrives in partial shade on woodland edges.
More information: First Nature
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/30/20
Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)
Common Name: Mouse-ear chickweed
Scientific Name: Cerastium fontanum
Comments: Mouse-ear chickweed is a herb. Herbs are broad-leaved, herbaceous (non-woody) plants. Herbaceous plants are also known as forbs or wildflowers.
More Information: Kansas Native Plants
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/7/24
Observation Time: 11:00 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Mouse-ear chickweed
Scientific Name: Cerastium fontanum
Comments: Mouse-ear chickweed is a herb. Herbs are broad-leaved, herbaceous (non-woody) plants. Herbaceous plants are also known as forbs or wildflowers.
More Information: Kansas Native Plants
Observer: Deborah Radovsky
Observation Date: 6/7/20
Observation Time: 8:45 a.m.
Observation Location: Quincy St.
Common Name: Multiflora rose
Scientific Name: Rosa multiflora
Comments: Multiflora rose is a deciduous shrub with white flowers and red fruit. Brought here from Asia, it was planted as wildlife food, and also as a living fence, due to its dense growth and sharp thorns. It can grow to 10 feet high or more, and is typically wider than it is tall.
It forms dense thickets in fields and field edges, crowding out other species. It also grows in open wetlands and in forests where canopy openings occur.
More Information: Massachusetts Audubon
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/13/23
Observation Time: 9:00 a.m.
Observation Location: Sharon
Common Name: Narrow-leaved Spring Beauty
Scientific Name: Claytonia virginica
Comments: Its scientific name honors Colonial Virginia botanist John Clayton (1694–1773).
Spring Beauty is an endangered species in Massachusetts. Please do not dig up any wildflowers you may find in Sharon. Please leave them for everyone to enjoy!
More Information: Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/23/24
Observation Time: 8:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Sharon
Common Name: Narrow-leaved Spring Beauty
Scientific Name: Claytonia virginica
Comments: Its scientific name honors Colonial Virginia botanist John Clayton (1694–1773).
Spring Beauty is an endangered species in Massachusetts. Please do not dig up any wildflowers you may find in Sharon. Please leave them for everyone to enjoy!
More Information: Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program
4/22/24:
4/23/24:
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/23/25
Observation Time: 9:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Sharon
Common Name: Narrow-leaved Spring Beauty
Scientific Name: Claytonia virginica
Comments: Its scientific name honors Colonial Virginia botanist John Clayton (1694–1773).
Spring Beauty is an endangered species in Massachusetts. Please do not dig up any wildflowers you may find in Sharon. Wildflowers are adapted to the spot where they are growing, and often do not survive transplantation. Please leave wildflowers alone so everyone can enjoy them!
More Information: Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/14/14
Observation Time: 10:50 a.m.
Observation Location: Sharon
Common Name: Narrow-leaved spring beauty
Scientific Name: Claytonia virginica L.
Comments: This rare wildflower is only found in nine towns in Massachusetts. Please do not dig up wildflowers!
More Information: Mass. Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/7/19
Observation Time: 7:00 a.m.
Observation Location: Sharon
Common Name: Narrow-leaved Spring Beauty
Scientific Name: Claytonia virginica
Comments: Its scientific name honors Colonial Virginia botanist John Clayton (1694–1773). Please do not dig up any wildflowers you may find in Sharon. Leave them for everyone to enjoy!
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/9/23
Observation Time: 8:15 a.m.
Observation Location: Sharon
Common Name: Narrow-leaved Spring Beauty
Scientific Name: Claytonia virginica
Comments: Its scientific name honors Colonial Virginia botanist John Clayton (1694–1773).
Spring Beauty is an endangered species in Massachusetts. Please do not dig up any wildflowers you may find in Sharon. Please leave them for everyone to enjoy!
More Information: Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/18/20
Observation Time: 11:35 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (formerly the Kendall Estate)
Common Name: New York Ironweed
Scientific Name: Vernonia noveboracensis
Comments: New York ironweed is a tall, perennial wildflower that produces small purple blossoms in August and September. This specimen is approximately 8 feet tall.
More Information: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/14/20
Observation Time: 5:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)
Common Name: Palmate Hop Clover
Scientific Name: Trifolium aureum
Comments: Palmate hop clover is an exotic species that is widespread in New England. The common name derives from the fact that as the flower heads age, the florets fold down and become brown, resembling dried hops.
More Information: Go Botany
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/25/15
Observation Time: 2:25 p.m.
Observation Location: Town-owned conservation land at Morse and Lakeview Streets
Common Name: Palmate Hop Clover
Scientific Name: Trifolium aureum
Comments: Palmate hop clover is an exotic species that is widespread in New England. The common name derives from the fact that as the flower heads age, the florets fold down and become brown, resembling dried hops.
More Information: Go Botany
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/24/10
Observation Time: 8:25 a.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Rd.
Common Name: Peony
Scientific Name: Paeonia spp.
Comments: Long ago, some observant gardener noticed that ants on peony buds always meant the flowers would open soon. And so a bit of folk wisdom was born: Peonies cannot open until ants eat away the seal that keeps the buds closed. But it isn’t true. The thing the ants are eating is nectar, not glue, and what this does for the peony is make sure there are plenty of ants around to eat any soft-bodied insects that might like to eat peonies.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/27/20
Observation Time: 5:10 p.m.
Observation Location: in the woods near the footbridge over Beaver Brook
Common Name: Pink Lady’s Slipper orchid
Scientific Name: Cypripedium acaule
Comments: Pink lady’s slippers probably won’t survive if you try to transplant them, so please don’t dig them up.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/22/18
Observation Time: 9:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Pink Lady’s Slipper orchid
Scientific Name: Cypripedium acaule
Comments: Pink lady’s slippers probably won’t survive if you try to transplant them, so please don’t dig them up.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/27/14
Observation Time: 9:05 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Pink Lady’s Slipper orchid
Scientific Name: Cypripedium acaule
Comments: Pink lady’s slippers won’t survive if you try to transplant them, so please don’t dig them up.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 5/31/20
Observation Time: 10:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill area
Common Name: Pink Lady’s Slipper orchid
Scientific Name: Cypripedium acaule
Comments: Pink lady’s slippers probably won’t survive if you try to transplant them, so please don’t dig them up.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 10/2/24
Observation Time: 11:00 a.m.
Observation Location: Rattlesnake Hill trail
Common Name: Primrose-leaf Violet
Scientific Name: Viola primulifolia
Comments: When the plant’s seed capsule is fully ripe, it splits into three parts and ejects the seed with explosive force.
More information: Picture This
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/13/20
Observation Time: 5:15 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Purple Foxglove
Scientific Name: Digitalis purpurea
Comments: Purple foxglove, Digitalis purpurea, is a biennial or short-lived herbaceous perennial from western Europe in the plantain family. It is sometimes called common foxglove, fairy gloves, fairy bells, or lady’s glove. Purple foxglove is naturally quite variable in size and flower color.
As its scientific name suggests, foxglove was the source of chemicals in the drug digitalis.
More Information: University of Wisconsin
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/12/09
Observation Time: 11:20 a.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond
Common Name: Purple Loosestrife
Scientific Name: Lythrum salicaria L.
Comments: Sometimes called “purple plague,” purple loosestrife is an invasive species. Neponset River Watershed Association has a program to propagate and disperse galerucella beetles that eat nothing but purple loosestrife.
More Information: The Nature Conservancy
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/22/15
Observation Time: 5:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond area
Common Name: Queen Anne’s Lace
Scientific Name: Daucus carota
Comments: Daucus carota, whose common names include wild carrot, bird’s nest, bishop’s lace, and Queen Anne’s lace (North America), is a white, flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native to temperate regions of Europe and southwest Asia, and naturalized to North America and Australia.
Domesticated carrots are cultivars of a subspecies, Daucus carota subsp. sativus.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/23/18
Observation Time: 8:10 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Rattlesnake Root
Scientific Name: Prenanthes sp.
Comments: Roots look like the rattle of a rattlesnake.
More Information: Youtube
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/9/20
Observation Time: 4:05 p.m.
Observation Location: trail near Brook Road
Common Name: Three-leaved Rattlesnake Root
Scientific Name: Nabalus trifoliolatus
Comments: Three-leaved rattlesnake-root is found throughout New England. It has a trumpet-shaped white flower that blooms in late summer.
More Information: GoBotany
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/9/23
Observation Time: 7:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary (in wetland)
Common Name: Red Chokeberry
Scientific Name: Aronia arbutifolia
Comments: In eastern North America, two well-known chokeberry species are named after their fruit color, red chokeberry and black chokeberry, plus a purple chokeberry whose origin is a natural hybrid of the two. and Florida Wildflower Foundation
More Information: Florida Wildflower Foundation and Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/31/20
Observation Time: 4:40 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)
Common Name: Red clover
Scientific Name: Trifolium pratense
Comments: Clover is widely grown as a fodder crop, valued for its nitrogen fixation, which increases soil fertility. For these reasons, it is used as a green manure crop.
This specimen had not yet produced its reddish flowers, but the two-tone pattern on its leaves is characteristic of red clover.
More Information: Wikipedia
I took this photo near the same location on 6/2/20:
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/4/10
Observation Time: 12:10 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road soccer field parking lot
Common Name: Red clover
Scientific Name: Trifolium pratense
Comments: It is widely grown as a fodder crop, valued for its nitrogen fixation, which increases soil fertility. For these reasons, it is used as a green manure crop.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Susan Drisko
Observation Date: 4/27/2022
Observation Time: 3:25 p.m.
Observation Location: Town-owned conservation land near Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Red Trillium
Scientific Name: Trillium erectum
Comments: Native to eastern North America, the red trillium (Trillium erectum) is found on forest floors. Its components surface in groups of three as pointed triple leaves, giving way to three-petalled flowers. Red trillium is mildly toxic to humans. The flowers smell like rotting meat so as to attract pollinating flies.
PLEASE DO NOT DIG UP WILD PLANTS.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/14/20
Observation Time: 4:30 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)
Common Name: Rough-fruited Cinquefoil
Scientific Name: Potentilla recta
Comments: Also known as sulphur cinquefoil, this wildflower is native to Europe and Asia. Introduced and naturalized in North America. Found along roads and in disturbed sites. Thrives in full sun and tolerates dry conditions. Flowers from June to August. Blossoms have five heart-shaped petals.
More Information: MinnesotaSeasons.com
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/20/11
Observation Time: 3:25 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond
Common Name: Rough-fruited cinquefoil
Scientific Name: Potentilla recta
Comments: Native to Europe and Asia. Introduced and naturalized in North America. Found along roads and in disturbed sites. Thrives in full sun and tolerates dry conditions. Flowers from June to August.
More Information: MinnesotaSeasons.com
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/13/15
Observation Time: 4:10 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond
Common Name: Rough-fruited cinquefoil
Scientific Name: Potentilla recta
Comments: Also known as sulphur cinquefoil, this wildflower is native to Europe and Asia. Introduced and naturalized in North America. Found along roads and in disturbed sites. Thrives in full sun and tolerates dry conditions. Flowers from June to August. Blossoms have five heart-shaped petals.
More Information: MinnesotaSeasons.com
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/9/13
Observation Time: 4:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond area
Common Name: Rugosa Rose
Scientific Name: Rosa rugosa
Comments: In late summer, this beautiful flower, which comes from Asia, will become a reddish ball called a rose hip. Rose hips are used for tisanes, jam, jelly, syrup, soup, beverages, pies, bread, wine, and marmalade. They can also be eaten raw, like a berry, if care is used to avoid the hairs inside the fruit.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/28/23
Observation Time: 11:00 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Sand Violet (also known as Hookedspur Violet)
Scientific Name: Viola adunca
Comments: Sand violet grows where the soil has been disrupted and exposed. I saw this one in an eroded area beside a sloping trail. Sand violet is listed as a species of special concern in Massachusetts. It is illegal to dig them up.
More Information: Massachusetts Natural History and Endangered Species Program (NHESP)
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/21/20
Observation Time: 4:30 p.m.
Observation Location: Along Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Sheep’s bit
Scientific Name: Jasione montana
Comments: Sheep’s bit is an annual or biennial, native to Europe and Russia and introduced to North America’s east and west coasts. It was introduced through being grown as a garden ornamental, and is spreading westward from sandy sites in southern New England.
More Information: Go Botany
Observer: Rita Corey and Larry Myatt
Observation Date: 7/9/20
Observation Time: 9:18 a.m.
Observation Location: Mountain Street, near entrance to Rattlesnake Hill
Common Name: Shinleaf (a.k.a. White Wintergreen)
Scientific Name: Pyrola elliptica
Comments: Its common name, shinleaf, comes from the medicinal use of the plant, which produces a drug similar to aspirin. This drug has been reported to have analgesic properties and was used on bruised shins and other wounds. A plaster made from the leaves was called a shin plaster.
More Information: NC State Extension
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/23/23
Observation Time: 8:25 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Siberian Iris
Scientific Name: Iris siberica
Comments: These gaudy flowers are non-native. They are typically purple, but they come in a range of colors including white.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/4/20
Observation Time: 11:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Siberian Iris
Scientific Name: Iris siberica
Comments: These gaudy flowers bloom in early June.
More Information: Commonweeder.com
Blue flag irises were growing nearby.
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/21/24
Observation Time: 8:15 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Siberian Squill
Scientific Name: Scilla Siberica
Comments: Siberian Squill was brought to this country as an ornamental and is still sold for that purpose, but it has also escaped into the wild and become invasive. It readily spreads itself and is difficult to get rid of, as broken roots often resprout. It is very hardy and cold tolerant, and is left untouched by critters from voles to deer.
More Information: Minnesota Wildflowers
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/1/18
Observation Time: 10:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Siberian Squill
Scientific Name: Scilla Siberica
Comments: Siberian Squill was brought to this country as an ornamental and is still sold for that purpose, but it has also escaped into the wild and become invasive. It readily spreads itself and is difficult to get rid of, as broken roots often resprout. It is very hardy and cold tolerant, and is left untouched by critters from voles to deer.
More Information: Minnesota Wildflowers
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/29/11
Observation Time: 11:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road near soccer field parking lot
Common Name: Silver Cinquefoil
Scientific Name: Potentilla argentea
Comments: Curiously, one of the yellow blossoms in the photo has six petals.
More Information: Minnesota Wild Flowers
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/4/20
Observation Time: 2:10 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)
Common Name: Slender Bush-Clover
Scientific Name: Lespedeza virginica
Comments: Slender bush-clover is a member of the pea family. Like other bush-clovers, slender bush-clover is preferentially browsed by mammalian herbivores such as deer and rabbits, as well as quail and other ground birds.
Slender bush-clover is often found in man-made or disturbed habitats. This patch was observed along a dirt road underneath power lines that are periodically cleared so maintenance crews can access the power lines.
More Information: Illinois Wildflowers and Go Botany
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/11/20
Observation Time: 3:10 p.m.
Observation Location: somewhere in Sharon. Please do not dig up wildflowers!
Common Name: Small Green Wood Orchid
Scientific Name: Platanthera clavellata
Comments: Platanthera is a large genus – about 200 species – in the large Orchidaceae (Orchid) Family. Over 30 of the Platanthera species are found in North America.
Platanthera clavellata is protected in at least four states due to its rarity in those jurisdictions. Please do not dig up wildflowers! They have a role to play in the ecosystem, and they typically do not survive transplantation.
More Information: Name That Plant
Platanthera clavellata usually has only one large leaf, located on the lower half of the stem, but may occasionally have two.
The flowers of Platanthera clavellata are pale green, greenish white, yellowish white, or dull white.
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/13/20
Observation Time: 5:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Southern Arrowwood
Scientific Name: Viburnum dentatum
Comments: Native Americans reportedly used the straight stems of this species for arrow shafts, hence the common name. The scientific name “dentatum” refers to the toothed edges of its leaves.
More Information: Missouri Botanical Garden
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/27/10
Observation Time: 8:15 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road-soccer parking area
Common Name: Spotted knapweed
Scientific Name: Centaurea maculosa
Comments: Knapweed is a pioneer species found in recently disturbed sites or openings. Once it has been established at a disturbed site, it continues to spread into the surrounding habitat. This species outcompetes natives through at least three methods:
- A tap root that sucks up water faster than the root systems of its neighbors,
- Quick spread through high seed production, and
- Low palatability, meaning it is less likely to be chosen as food by herbivores. It is also suspected to be allelopathic, releasing a toxin from its roots that stunts the growth of nearby plants of other species.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/12/20
Observation Time: 7:00 p.m.
Observation Location: along Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Spotted Knapweed
Scientific Name: Centaurea maculosa
Comments: Spotted knapweed is not native to North America (it came from Europe). It is poisonous to other plants, creating barren areas where only knapweed grows. It can be a skin irritant.
More Information: namethatplant.net
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/22/15
Observation Time: 4:40 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond area
Common Name: Spotted Knapweed
Scientific Name: Centaurea maculosa
Comments: Spotted knapweed is poisonous to other plants, creating barren areas where only knapweed grows. It is a threat to pastures and dry ecosystems including prairies and dunes. Can be a skin irritant.
More Information: Michigan Invasive Species
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/25/15
Observation Time: 2:25 p.m.
Observation Location: Town-owned conservation land at Morse and Lakeview Streets
Common Name: Spotted St. John’s Wort
Scientific Name: Hypericum punctatum
Comments: Spotted St. John’s-wort can be most easily distinguished from the other St. John’s-worts by the dark dots and streaks on the upper surface of the yellow petals. In the other species these markings are absent or confined to near the petal margins.
More Information: Go Botany and Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/4/11
Observation Time: 3:20 p.m.
Observation Location: conservation land near Billings Street
Common Name: Spotted Wintergreen
Scientific Name: Chimaphila maculata
Comments: Also called spotted wintergreen, it is endangered in Illinois and Maine. In New York it is considered “Exploitably Vulnerable.”
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Rita Corey
Observation Date: 8/13/20
Observation Time: 1:55 p.m.
Observation Location: Mountain St.
Common Name: Spotted Wintergreen
Scientific Name: Chimaphila maculata
Comments: Spotted wintergreen is a highly recognizable understory species having variegated leaves with pale green veins. It is endangered in Maine.
More Information: Go Botany
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/11/15
Observation Time: 3:15 p.m.
Observation Location: near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Spreading Dogbane
Scientific Name: Apocynum androsaemifolium
Comments: Spreading dogbane is common in North America, and is widespread across most of the United States and Canada, and in Alaska, California, and northeast Mexico. The plant is poisonous, due to the cardiac glycosides it contains.
Note the ants feeding on the nectar in the blossoms in the close-up photo below.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/11/23
Observation Time: 9:50 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Star of Bethlehem
Scientific Name: Ornithogalum umbellatum
Comments: The Star of Bethlehem is a genus (Ornithogalum) of perennial plants native to southern Europe belonging to the family Hyacinthaceae. Growing from a bulb, it has grass-like basal leaves and a slender stalk, up to 12 inches tall, bearing clusters of star-shaped white flowers striped with green.
More Information: Illinois Wildflowers
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/31/20
Observation Time: 5:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Trustees of Reservations’ Moose Hill Farm
Common Name: Star of Bethlehem
Scientific Name: Ornithogalum umbellatum
Comments: The Star of Bethlehem is a genus (Ornithogalum) of perennial plants native to southern Europe belonging to the family Hyacinthaceae. Growing from a bulb, it has grass-like basal leaves and a slender stalk, up to 30 cm tall, bearing clusters of star-shaped white flowers striped with green.
More Information: Illinois Wildflowers
