SAPS-NCGA: Late Spring Herb Hike with Patricia Kritsyi Howell

The weather forecast threatened to do a repeat performance of last year and force a rain cancellation but retreated at the last minute allowing us to proceed on a wonderful hike at Black Rock Mountain State Park with Patricia Kritsyi Howell. We made our way along the James E. Edmond Trail as Patricia pointed out various species of native plants and educated us about the medicinal and/or edible properties for many familiar and unfamiliar plants. She is a treasure trove of information and it's fascinating to hear her discuss the scientific, anecdotal and folklore associated with Southern Appalachian plants.

A partial list of the plants we viewed: Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum), Solomon's Plume (Maianthemum racemosum ), Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa), Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), Wild Yam Vine (Dioscorea villosa), Pink Lady Slipper (Cypripedium acaule), Usnea lichen, Goatsbeard(Aruncus dioicus)' Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), Nettles, Galax, Bowman's Root (Gillenia trifoliata), Sassafras, Azalea Gall, Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), Bloodroot (Sanguinaria), Witch-hazel (Hamamelis), Wild Hydrangea (‎Hydrangea arborescens) , Heart's a Bustin(Euonymus americanus), Spiderwort (Tradescantia), Canada Violet (Viola canadensis), Smilax, Horsemint (Monarda), Monkshood,(Aconitum) Tall Meadow Rue (Thalictrum pubescens), Jack in the Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)

These photos were submitted by Alan Olansky and highlight a few of the plants we learned about. Thank you Alan, for your contribution of these fine shots.

Hearts a Burstin

Indian Cucumber Root

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Vasey's Trillium Pollinator's View

Bowman's Root

Spider Wort

Wild Yam Dioscorea

The following are candid photos from the day taken by "the staff". Please feel free to post yours in the comments if you wish or send them to us for posting.