Givens Estates – April 14, 2025

Posted on April 22, 2025 by WCBC

It’s been quite a while since we went to Givens & despite the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene there were still lots of great plants to see. Thanks, Kent, for showing us around. Photography by Penny Longhurst & Jim Poling.

Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Click on any picture to zoom & enter the slide show.

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Jones Gap State Park – April 11, 2025

Posted on April 16, 2025 by WCBC

Jones Gap State Park had a double whammy recently. First Hurricane Helene caused terrible flooding of the Middle Saluda River, moving boulders, dropping trees, causing landslides, and taking out the bridge. Then the Persimmon Ridge Fire came really close. However, fortunately plants are resilient, and we got to see a bunch of nice ones on our walk, including the park’s namesake. Thanks to Harvey Ballard for identifying the mystery white violet!

Photography by Ken Borgfeldt, Cindy Carpenter, Penny Longhurst, Jim Poling, & Joe Standaert. 

Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we mostly use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Click on any picture to zoom & enter the slide show.

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Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve – Scout

Posted on April 11, 2025 by WCBC

Our first visit to Chestnut Ridge and sadly it was cancelled because of rain! Fortunately we have some pictures from scouting trips to show us what we missed. Hopefully we can reschedule it next year. Photography by Daudie Colson, Rebecca Sewell, & Joe Standaert.

Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Click on any picture to zoom & enter the slide show.

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Station Cove Falls – April 4, 2025

Posted on April 6, 2025 by WCBC

We did things a little differently this year & walked from Oconee Station to the falls. Once again we found the elusive Three parted Violet (Viola tripartita), Whorled Horsebalm (Collinsonia verticillata), & Pinxter Flower (Rhododendron periclymenoides), and John & Rebecca found some special treats – several Adder’s-Tongue Ferns (Ophioglossum vulgatum).

Photography by Cindy Carpenter, Penny Longhurst, & Joe Standaert. Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we mostly use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Click on any picture to zoom & enter the slide show.

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Happy Families – Taxodiaceae to Xyridaceae

Posted on April 2, 2025 by WCBC

This winter we’ve been categorizing plants in our database by family. The final post is plants in the Taxodiaceae (Conifer), Theaceae (Tea), Theliaceae (a family of mosses), Thelypteridaceae (Marsh Fern), Thuidiaceae (a family of mosses), Tiliaceae (Linden), Typhaceae (Bullrush), Ulmaceae (Elm), Umbilicariaceae (a family of lichenized fungi), Urticaceae (Nettle), Valerianaceae (Valarian), Verbenaceae (Verbena), Violaceae (Violet), Viscaceae (Christmas-mistletoe), Vitaceae (Vine-like), Xylariaceae (a family of fungi), & Xyridaceae (Yellow-eyed Grass) families.

Photography by Ken Borgfeldt, Cindy Carpenter, Daudie Colson, Alice Greko, David Heavner, Richard Holzman, Janice Irwin, Betty Jones, Sarah King, Mary Knierim, Penny Longhurst, Jim Poling, Lucy Prim, Randy Richardson, & Joe Standaert. Botanical plant names seem to change almost every day, but for now we mostly use those approved by ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name. Click on any picture to zoom & enter the slide show.

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