... Yarrow, flowering in compact clusters of
very small white flowers each less than
one-quarter inch wide, gives a lacy effect
accentuated by it's fern-like leaves.
... one of about 1,200 species of groundsel, (or ragwort), the
yellow flower of this local species is followed by silver-white
fruit clusters, much like those of the dandelion. When a plant
bears both the yellow flower and the silver-white fruits at the
same time, it makes a striking display.
An Assortment Of Shapes, Colors, Textures In May Wildflowers
Text And Photographs By Jerry Raynor
At any time of the year, nature provides a wide
range of shapes, colors, sizes and textures in its
display of wildflowers. These wildflowers come
in several inflorescence types ? solitary flowers,
flowers arranged in spikes or racemes, or in
umbels (clusters).
Some of the wildflower blossoms are quite
large, others so small that their full beauty can
only be seen up close. Some have thin, satin-like
petals while others have petals that are rough or
velvety in texture. A few are loners, blooming
alone and easily overlooked, though the majority
of May's wildflowers appear in masses, often in
full fields so that they are highly visible.
Wildflower colors in May run predominantly to
yellow and white, with several in shades of blues
and purples, and a smaller number in reds and
pinks.
In the countryside and in vacant lots in towns
during May, stands of slender lavender toad flax
and spikes of reddish sorrel whose flowers
resemble seeds frequently grow in mixed stands,
resulting in a spectacular carpei of color.
Another common May flower that tends to
spread over large areas is the waxy buttercup of
a brilliant deep yellow color
The photographs on this page represent only a
small sampling of what May has to offer in
common and not-so-common wildflowers.
. . a wild onion in flower, with its miniature reddish bulbs,
vhite flowers and thin green bracts is like firework flower.
I
... the small delicate flowers and seed pods of Blue Eyed
?rass could easily inspire a design for Jewelers.
1 f
.. although not a flower, reindeer moss, common in this area
in drier patches of soil, takes on a greenish hue in springtime 9
when it acquires its peak growth rate. The many-branched
. - t ?
plant is popular with flower arrangers and with children
making tray gardens f
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