If you walk around the trails at Shaver’s Creek you may stumble upon several wildflowers in bloom this summer season. Take a walk toward Potter’s Puddle at Shaver’s Creek and you will stumble upon Fringed Loosestrife, a five-petal yellow flower characterized by hairs on its stem. This wildflower, present in much of the United States is in bloom from June until August and is usually found in damp woods and floodplains. Its distinctive stem covered in thin hair-like bristles make it distinguishable from other types of loosestrife. Additionally, you may notice its opposite leaves that are slightly toothed and end with an abrupt, sharp point.
For more information, see http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=LYCI
Keep your eyes open for other wetland wildflowers, similar to fringed loosestrife, in Shaver’s woods!
– Magpie, Summer Intern 2011