What Time is it in Nature?

The warmer weather, longer days, and blooming trees are all signs that spring is arriving.  We have noticed many of our early spring flowers at Prairie Ridge.  If you look closely you can find Speedwell Veronica Spp., Chickweed Stellaria media, Indian Strawberry Duchesnea indica, and Johnny-jump-ups viola rafinesquii all blooming among the trees of the forest.  Henbit Lamium amplexicaule and Dandelion Taraxacum officinale can be found in the prairie. 

Many of the trees have started to bloom or leaf-out.  Flowering species such as Flowering Dogwood Cornus florida and Redbud Cercis canadensis make for a dramatic scene, while others such as Red Maple Acer rubrum are already producing seeds.  Take some time this week to notice a few of the many plants that are heralding spring’s arrival.

You can help scientist track the arrival of spring by participating in Project Budburst. This citizen science project recruits people from across the country to observe and record when certain trees and flowers bloom in their neighborhoods.

Speedwell

Chickweed

Indian Strawberry

Johnny-jump-up

Henbit

Dandelion

Flowering Dogwood Leaves

Flowering Dogwood bloom

Redbud blooms

Red Maple seeds

© 2007 NC Museum of Natural Sciences :: Email