Spring is finally here!

Very reluctantly, Spring has finally arrived in upstate New York. As it often does here, it seems to come in a grand rush in about two weeks. The talk among Cayuga Nature Photographers has been all about Spring wildflowers and, since I was unable to attend the recent meeting to see everyone’s images and show a few of my own, I decided to post a variety here as examples of what you may find as you explore the woods and nature preserves of our area. Most of these are older images of mine. I find it harder and harder these days to actually get out and shoot the way I used to. But these pictures are examples of the variety and beauty that typically are available if you take the effort to seek out the blossoms of Spring in the wild.

Among the first to show in our area is the Blue Bell or Virginia Cowslip. These were found on a roadside in Trumansburg.

Other early varieties include Wild Ginger. The foliage of these plants are very prominent. You must look carefully underneath to find the small blossom at the base.

Squirrel Corn.

Dutchmen’s Britches.

Trout Lily.

Blood Root.

Rue Anemone.

Bog Rosemary.

And of course the beautiful Trillium. These are found in a few varieties with the most dominant being the White Trillium.

A bit more scarce are the Red Trillium.

And even more rare, the Painted Trillium with the red throat.

Another common wild flower is the Sharp Lobed Hepatica.

Hepatica seen here accompanied by another tiny flower called Spring Beauties.

If you are fortunate you may also come across the beautiful orchid-like Moccasin Flower, or Pink Lady’s Slipper.

The Lady’s Slipper also appears in a yellow variety.

Keep an eye out for the delicate Columbine.

And the unusual Jack-in-the-Pulpit.

This flower, similar to the Trout Lily is know as Clintonia or Corn Lily.

Here in it’s early stage is the Blue Cohosh.

As Spring progresses you might also find varieties of Solomon’s Seal. Here is the Great Solomon’s Seal in bloom.

This is a relative know as Rose Twisted Stalk.

And if you are very lucky, you might find the rare and endangered Trailing Arbutus.

Our area is ripe with wildflower opportunities. The parks, nature preserves, bogs, trails, gardens, and woodlands around Ithaca offer these and many more if you can make the time to go in search. Be careful when photographing these flowers. Going off trail in some areas is not allowed, and careless traffic can often damage other plants as you attempt to capture your discoveries. Check the rules of the trail in preserves and gardens, and ask permission before crossing private property. Tread lightly and good luck in your picture taking. It’s finally Spring!