July 10, 2011 - North Shore Wildlowers

About a week ago, Diana and I went to the North Shore of Lake Superior for a few days. I spent most of one day driving up the Gunflint Trail and exploring the Lima Mountain Road. There were many blooming wildflowers, including this Wild Columbine. The morning rain left drops of water on the stem and petals. This is surely one of our most beautiful wildflowers. Nectar produced by the Columbine is stored deep inside the five tubes of the flower. Most bees and other pollinating insects can’t reach it, but Hummingbirds, with their long tongues, have no problem getting to it.
Columbine Gunflint Trail Cook Cty 20110628
Bunchberry is very common in northern forests at this time of the year. In some areas it forms a dense carpet on the forest floor. The bunch of red berries (hence the name) is produced by the small, unspectacular flowers at the very center of this plant. The four white bracts surrounding the flowers are probably just there to attract pollinators. This one was located in a sphagnum bog along the Lima Mountain Road.
Bunchberry Lima Cook Cty 20110628
The Ox-eye Daisy was one of the first plants introduced to the United States by European settlers. It is very prolific and can take over entire fields if given the chance. The yellow center disk is made up of hundreds of tiny florets, each capable of producing a seed. The florets on the edge of the disk have already started to open. The others will open in order from the outside toward the center. This gives the plant its best chance of having at least some of its florets pollinated.
Daisy Oxeye Lima Cook Cty 20110628
Wild roses are also common along the Lima Mountain Road. Rose hips, produced when the flower goes to seed, are edible and high in vitamin C.
Rose Wild Lima Cook Cty 20110628
Beach Pea grows along the sandy shores of Lake Superior. The bright purple flowers stand out from the dense, low foliage.
Beach Pea Naniboujou Lodge Cook County 20110629
Lupine seems to like the habitat along the North Shore. Spectacular groups of these flowers can be seen even along the Gunflint Trail where I took this photo. Purple seems to be the most common color, but pink and white varieties are also found.
Lupine Purple Gunflint Trail Cook Cty 20110628

Beth
on July 11, 2011
Earl,
For some reason, bunchberries are difficult to photograph ( at least for me!) but the composition of your photo, with the moss and ground vines, adds such depth and texture. Very nice. The dewy columbine with the soft green background and the contrasting yellow and red of the flower is gorgeous. Thanks again for sharing.
Pat Willigrod
on July 10, 2011
Thanks for sharing your beautiful wild flowers. I am envious of your wonderful adventures studying and photographing God's wonderful creations.

July 10, 2011 - North Shore Wildlowers

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Beth

Pat Willigrod