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 4, 2005

We are still exploring the side roads off the Gunflint Trail. We turned left on #1311 which is a short distance after the Northern Light parking area. The woods was beautiful - mostly Red Pine - we hope to go back again later in the season when the flowers are blooming (that is, if there are any).
Next to the Trailing Arbutus Road. The Arbutus were just starting to bloom. Then down the Pine Mountain Road stopping here and there. Many intriguing side roads.
Lunch at Devil Track Campground. There was a cool wind so we ate in the car looking at the lake. A good day.

Friday May 6, 2005:  V & L went to Schroeder and up the Cramer Road (#1) to the Superior Hiking Trail parking lot - going east about 15 minutes we found MANY Bloodroot. They were so beautiful - one patch after another. We also saw a few Dutchman's-breeches, many Spring Beauty, a few small Violets both purple and white. Farther along the way there was an area of Marsh Marigolds in bud.  A BEAUTIFUL day - SPRING WAS HERE !

 

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.