This is the beginning of our 24th year of looking at wildflowers in Cook County, MN. We are three senior women who just love to get out and explore and learn new things. We are even getting together all winter but don't find too many flowers at that time, but no matter.

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

The day was dark and dreary. We went from rain to snow, enough to say it was a blizzard. It didn't last long. Because of the poor weather we thought we wouldn't drive far - then the sun came out and we wanted to see everything. There is a wonderful spot on the Ward Lake Road, East of Caribou Lake where there are Spring Beauty and Dutchman's-breeches as far as the eye can see. The Spring Beauty was closed because of the lack of sun and it was a little early for the Dutchman's-breeches. There were still many to see. It is a maple woods and so nice to wander about on the thick layer of leaves.
Since the sun was still out we wanted to see the Bloodroot and Trout Lilies. We went west on the Honeymoon Trail stopping at the corner of Barker Lake Road where the Tait River is. Because of the rain it was outstanding. We took many pictures. South on the Sawbill Trail, west on 600 Road (166), South on the Two Island Road. Shortly after the turn there is probably the biggest display of Bloodroot on both sides of the road. Down about 1 1/2 mi. is where the Trout Lilies are. We were early for them and saw only about six of them. We did find Wild Leek and pulled three up. There we were, three Senior Citizens on the side of the road eating Leek and giggling.
How many days can you say you have a smile on your face all day - that is Wednesday for us.
We ate lunch at Temperance River State Park in the car because of a cool wind at 3:15 - wonderful day

 

Click here for the most recent report!

  Here are some early bloomers to look for in the area:

 

Anemone, Wood - Anemone quinquefolia

Arbutus, Trailing - Epigaea repens
Bloodroot - Sanguinaria canadensis

Dandelion, Common - Taraxicum officinale

Dutchman's Breeches - Dicentra cucullaria

Early Sweet Coltsfoot - Petasites palmatus

Hazelnut, Corylus

Marsh-marigold - Caltha palustris
Pussytoes, Field - Antennaria neglecta

Red Maple - Acer rubrum

Spring Beauty - Claytonia verginica

Strawberry, Common - Fragaria virginiana
Violets

Be sure to stop back throughout the Spring and Summer to see our weekly wildflower reports from Lorraine Anderson of Grand Marais, Minnesota.